South Africa TOURIST INFORMATION

Regions | Tourist Hints | Safety | Climate | Banking & Shopping Hours | Electricity | Accommodation
Transport | Entertainment | Health | Insurance | Currency | Kwazulu Natal | Zulu People | Durban

THE REGIONS OF SOUTH AFRICA                                        TOP

South Africa consists of nine provinces, providing visitors with a world in one country:

HINTS FOR THE TOURIST                                        TOP

Every visitor to South Africa must have a valid passport and a visa if required.  Passport holders from more than 80 countries, including the USA, Canada, UK, Japan and the EU can visit South Africa without a visa. Information regarding visas can be obtained from your travel agent or the South African diplomatic or consular representative in your area. Those delegates requiring visas, and who intend taking tours to neighbouring Southern African countries, are advised to secure a multiple entry visa. Tourists must satisfy immigration officers that they have the means of support for the duration of their stay in the country and return /onward tickets.

SAFETY                                        TOP

For those delegates who have not previously been to South Africa, or Durban, and are perhaps concerned about their personal safety, we wish to assure all delegates that Durban is like any other major city where common sense will ensure a trouble free and enjoyable conference and vacation. Durban has and continues to host international events and conferences of varying natures. Many of these have been rated as best ever or benchmark events due to the quality of the facilities and the attractions of the destination. The response of the attendees has been extremely positive, so much so that they have indicated that they will return on vacation. Durban was recently rated by a US-based convention publication as amongst the world’s 10 best conference destinations. During ICEM-15, the information desk at the ICC and your hotel’s concierge will always be available to assist you with information on, for example, places to visit and appropriate means of transport, and most of the hotels provide safes in which to lock up your valuables while you are away from your room.

CLIMATE                                        TOP

South Africa's seasons are the reverse of those in the UK, with midwinter in June and July and midsummer in December and January. In general the country enjoys a sunny climate all year round. Cape Town and the southernmost part of Western Cape has a Mediterranean-type climate, with mild, changeable winters, when most of the rainfall occurs, and a warm to hot summer. Durban and the KwaZulu-Natal coast enjoys a sub-tropical climate, with plenty of sunshine year round. The winters in the interior are dry and warm, although it may get chilly at night. Summers are hot with more frequent rain.  The average temperature range in Durban for September is 14 - 24° C.

Delegates are recommended to bring light, casual clothing for daywear, with a sweater/cardigan or light jacket possibly being required in the evenings. Casual clothing will be permitted for all conference sessions, with smart-casual attire being appreciated for the banquet.

ELECTRICITY                                        TOP

ACCOMMODATION                                        TOP

Tourist accommodation in South Africa ranges from formal hotels to cottages, farm guesthouses, game lodges and youth hostels.

TRANSPORT                                        TOP

South Africa has a sophisticated infrastructure with a well maintained road network. Apart from international airlines, and domestic airlines that operate between the main cities, charter services are also available. 

Inter-city luxury coaches link the major centres with daily services throughout the country, while travel companies offer a variety of coach tours around the country. In Durban, the Mynah bus, is a frequent and reliable local bus service that ferries passengers between the north and south beaches, the CBD and surrounding suburbs. Taxis are readily available in Durban; ask you hotel reception to recommend a reliable taxi operator.

Self-drive car rental facilities are available throughout South Africa. Delegates are encouraged to contact Turners for their car hire requirements in order to enjoy the favourable rates secured for ICE 2008. For details on car hire rates see www.iufrodurban.org.za
An excellent road network links the largest metropolitan areas with the smallest villages. Driving is on the left of the road and speed limits are in kilometers and are 120 km/h on the highways and 60 km/h in built-up areas. In most cases, cash is required to pay for fuel. An international driver’s licence, or drivers licence printed in English with an integral photograph, is required by law in South Africa as the licence must carry the photograph as well as the signature of the holder. If your licence does not comply with these requirements, you should obtain an International Driving Permit before your departure for South Africa.

ICEM-15 Welcome Desks will be set up in the arrivals halls at Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban International airports, to assist delegates with general information, transport queries and baggage related issues, and to ensure their arrival in South Africa is as pleasant as possible.

ENTERTAINMENT                                        TOP

HEALTH                                        TOP

It is safe to drink the tap water throughout South Africa.  However, for those who prefer bottled mineral water, it is readily available in various stores.

Smoking is prohibited by law in most public buildings in South Africa (airports, ICC Durban, etc), except in some that have specially designated areas where smoking is allowed.

The Organizing Committee will make every effort to ensure that delegates and accompanying persons enjoy a safe and happy visit to Durban. However, the Organizing Committee regrets that it cannot take responsibility for any accidents or damage that may occur during the congress. All delegates are requested to make necessary insurance arrangements before arriving in Durban.

CURRENCY                                        TOP

The unit of currency in South Africa is the South African Rand and it is indicated with a capital R so that, for example, three rand and fifty cents would be written R3.50. South Africa has a decimal currency system with one Rand equaling 100 cents. Denomination of Rand notes are: R200, R100, R50, R20, R10 and of the coins is: R5, R2, R1, 50c, 20c, 10c, 5c, 2c, 1c. Because of favourable exchange rates, delegates’ foreign currency will go far in South Africa.The following rough exchange rates will give you some idea of how much your currency is worth in Rand.

Value Added Tax is included in prices of goods and services in South Africa. The price displayed on goods includes VAT. Foreign tourists visiting South Africa can have the VAT refunded at a port of exit, provided the total value of the items purchased exceeds R250. Visitors should obtain proof of payments for all items purchased during their stay to claim any refunds. To qualify for a refund, visitors must be in possession of a valid foreign passport and the necessary tax invoices for the goods. Refund of VAT paid can be claimed only on goods purchased and leaving the country with the tourist, but not on services received (e.g. restaurant, car hire, accommodation).

Prices will vary from place to place but the following are prices commonly paid in Durban:

KWAZULU NATAL                                        TOP

ATTRACTIONS:

• A subtropical climate of hot summers and warm winters makes Durban enjoyable all year round. A captivating beachfront, paved with walkways and studded with sparkling pools and green lawns.
• Durban offers a diverse range of venues, with over 19 000 cinema style seats.
• An International Convention Centre, (opened in 1997) with a capacity of 5 000 seats, and the adjoining Durban Conference & Exhibition Centre, that can seat up to 2 500 people.
• A large selection of accommodation venues, ranging from five star hotels, to self-catering apartments, guesthouses and game lodges.
• The busiest harbour in Africa, home to several international yacht clubs, with moorings for ocean liners, including the Queen Elizabeth II.
• Durban is a shopper’s paradise with facilities ranging from large shopping centres with major chain stores, to small arcades and markets teeming with bargains and curios.
• A tremendous range of multi-cuisine restaurants to suit all pockets and tastes.
• After hours relaxation with a host of theatres, clubs and cinemas.

Durban's Official Web Site | International Convention Centre
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