South Africa is one of the most diverse countries in the world and often described as a World in One Country. It offers the visitor experiences of a lifetime – The Big Five, approximately 2 700 km of spectacular coastline, majestic mountain ranges, sophisticated city life to quaint and unforgettable country towns.

For more information: https://www.southafrica.net/za/en/travel

• Touring options in South Africa
• How to get to South Africa
• Transport within South Africa
• General Travel information

TRAVEL INFORMATION

TRAVELING IN THE CITY

The MyCiTi Bus service operates along various routes in and around the city. All the major car rental companies have offices in the city and at Cape Town International Airport. The concierges at the hotels can also call a taxi for guests requiring transport.

Red, hop-on hop-off buses run in Cape Town and Johannesburg seven days a week, 365 days a year, come rain or shine, and arrive at each stop at regular scheduled intervals (with very few exceptions). Guests are encouraged to hop off the bus throughout the tour and explore the surrounding areas.

VISA REQUIREMENTS

Visa Requirements:

Please be aware of South Africa’s visa requirements and plan your travel well in advance. Visa regulations can change, and it’s crucial to stay updated. Two clean pages are required in your passport. Please check with your passport country if a VISA is required. From a South African perspective information can be obtained at: http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/applying-for-sa-visa

Visa Support Letter:

The Congress organisers can issue  Visa Support Letters on request. Please ensure that the information you provide when registering is correct and complete in order for the organizers to issue the support letter.

Please note that these letters are issued only after confirmation of registration and full payment of registration fees.

Currency

The currency unit is the South African Rand (R) (R1 =100 cents), with the international symbol ZAR. For information on the current exchange rates visit http://www.xe.com
Foreign currency can be exchanged at commercial banks, bureaus de change and authorized dealers such as Thomas Cook and American Express. Check the IATA site for the latest regulations.
The large banking groups in South Africa all have offices/branches throughout South Africa. Automatic teller machines (ATMs) are situated outside most banks, in shopping centres and in airports. These operate 24 hours a day.

Credit Cards

Major international credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and VISA as well as Travelers’ Cheques are accepted in most shops, restaurants and hotels.

VAT (Value Added Tax)

Currently set at 15%, VAT is included in the marked/quoted price of most goods and services. Foreign visitors who leave South Africa with goods purchased in the country can claim back the VAT at the airport on their departure by producing the invoices or receipts exhibiting VAT paid and the goods in question.

Climate

The Western Cape has a Mediterranean Climate. In October in Western Cape, the average air temperature ranges from 21 °C (70 °F) during the day to 12 °C (54 °F) at night.
Layering with sweaters and shirts is recommended. Cape Town during the Spring (Sept-Oct) is an excellent time to visit.

Languages

South Africa has eleven official languages. English is widely spoken in business, government, schools and everyday communications

Driving

A valid driver’s license which incorporates a photograph and printed in English is accepted. If your licence does not comply with these requirements please obtain an International Driving Permit before your departure for South Africa. Please note that driving is on the left-hand side of the road in South Africa.

Wi-Fi

Access to the Internet is widely available throughout Cape Town and the Western Cape. The Congress hotels will provide free and fast internet access to Congress Delegates.

Time Zone – South Africa

South African Standard Time is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+2). South Africa does not adhere to daylight saving time.

Water

High quality tap water is available everywhere in Cape Town and the Western Cape and is safe to drink. Many local manufacturers produce bottled water from sources around the Western Cape’s Mountain ranges.

Health and Immunisation

The only inoculation requirement for visitors is a yellow fever vaccination certificate from those who enter South Africa within six days of leaving a yellow fever zone.  The vaccination certificate must be dated at least 10 days prior to your arrival in South Africa.  Please consult your local doctor or travel clinic for more information.

Medical Services

Visitors are advised not to rely on the national health scheme. South Africa has world class private medical facilities and hospitals. It is advisable to purchase travel insurance that covers medical expenses during the period of your stay.

Safety

We trust you will have an enjoyable stay in our country. We would like to advise you not to walk on your own in the city centre at night and not to leave your personal possessions unattended in the congress hotel, vehicles or anywhere else. Please take the normal precautions one would when visiting a foreign country.

• Avoid carrying large sums of cash, don’t carry cameras in plain sight and do not leave belongings unattended.
• Heed the advice of your hosts, Cape Town Tourism Visitor Centre staff, or locals on where to go after dusk. Avoid walking in deserted and dark places at night. Park in a secure, well-lit area with street guards.
• Never allow strangers to assist you in any way at ATMs or cash points.
• Street children and beggars may approach you for a handout. If you wish to help, consider giving food, donating to a registered charity or contact Cape Town Tourism for advice.
• Keep copies of all valuable documents in a safe place.
• When exploring Table Mountain National Park, take a map, comfortable walking shoes, a few friends and a charged mobile phone.
• When hiking, be prepared for weather that can change rapidly, even in summer. Bring along enough water and sunblock, as well as something warm to wear. Start heading back well before dark and don’t venture away from the demarcated paths. Tell a friend or your host where you are going and when you expect to be back. Safety  Information courtesy of Cape Town Tourism

Disclaimer

All reasonable endeavours will be made to hold the APRASSA/ISAPS Combined congress and symposium  and to present the printed programme as scheduled under circumstances that assure the comfort and safety of the attendees. However, the host of this event, APRASSA, ISAPS, the sponsors, the Conference Organisers, Conferences Et Al, the venue, Westin Cape Town Hotel, and the service providers cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage to personal property, injury or death for the duration of the Congress or arrangements made on behalf of Congress attendees, for activities before or after the Congress.