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Accommodation |
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General Information |
Travel Advisory |
SARS Traveller Declaration
General InformationJohannesburgJohannesburg also known as Jozi, is the largest city in South Africa. It is the provincial capital of Gauteng, which is the wealthiest province in South Africa. The city is one of the 50 largest urban areas by population in the world and is also the world's largest city not situated on a river, lake, or coastline.A wide range of attractive tours and excursions will be on offer to visitors, and these will be of a cultural, historical, and geographical nature. From townships to wildlife reserves, shopping malls to caves, there will be something to delight everyone. We encourage you to participate on one of the arranged optional excursions. The experience will be unforgettable.
Currency and BanksThe unit of currency in South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR) and 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 equalling 100 cents. Denomination of Rand notes are R200, R100, R50, R20, and R10 and of the coins are R5, R2, R1, 50c, 20c and 10c.The following exchange rates were applicable as of 04 December 2023:
Facilities for cashing traveller's cheques are available at banks (operating hours are Monday to Friday 09h00 - 15h30, Saturdays 08h30 - 11h00) and at most hotels. Banks are closed on Sundays. Foreign exchange agencies are open during the week and on Saturdays. Automatic teller machines (ATM) are open 24 hours and are located at most banks as well as at the conference Venue. International credit cards (Visa, Diners Club, MasterCard, and American Express) are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops. Price Guidelines (for illustration purposes only). Prices will vary, but the following is an indication of what delegates might expect to pay:
Electricity SupplyThe electricity supply in South Africa is 220 - 240 volts, 50 Hz. The connection for appliances is a round three-pin plug. Most hotels provide dual-voltage two-pin razor sockets (100-120 volts and 220-240 volts).
HealthThere are no compulsory vaccination requirements for persons entering South Africa although a certificate for yellow fever may be required if you are entering from certain South American or sub-Saharan African countries. Certain parts of the country have been designated as malaria risk areas. If you intend travelling to one of these areas, it is essential that you take prophylaxis before arrival and whilst in the area. Protective clothing and insect repellents should also be used.
Johannesburg is a malaria risk free area. South African doctors and dentists are highly trained professionals and hospitals are well equipped. Participants are requested to make their own arrangements with respect to health insurance prior to departure and consult their local general practitioner for personal expert advice. For more information, please visit: https://www.santhnet.co.za/ It is safe to drink tap water throughout South Africa. However, for those who prefer bottled mineral water, this is readily available in various stores. Smoking is prohibited by law in all public buildings in South Africa (airports, shopping centres, restaurants etc.), except in designated smoking areas. There are currently no Covid-19 restrictions applicable for entry into South Africa.
InsuranceICEGOV Conference 2024 accepts no liability for any personal injury, loss, or damage of property belonging to or additional expenses incurred by conference participants either during the conference or as result of delays, strikes or any other circumstances. Participants are requested to make their own arrangements with respect of health, travel, and cancellation insurance.
LanguageThe official conference language will be English.
LoadsheddingLoadshedding is another term for rolling blackouts and power cuts. Load-shedding happens when there's a huge demand on the national power grid, leading to the interruption of the electricity supply to the country. Loadshedding discontinues the power supply to certain areas, according to a schedule, to allow the power utility to get failed generation units back online. Load-shedding is implemented in stages and depends on the extent of the shortage of electricity generation.Note: The City of Johannesburg only implements load-shedding when instructed by Eskom's National Control Centre. The decision to implement loadshedding is therefore beyond the City's control and often at short notice. Loadshedding affects everyone to varying degrees. There are places which experience little to no load-shedding, due to their proximity to important government structures such as hospitals and parliament etc. You can call ahead and ask whether the area you're visiting experiences loadshedding. If they do, enquire about backup generators or alternative power supply. CSIR has back-up power, and loadshedding will not affect our conference.
Programme ChangesThe organisers cannot assume liability for any changes in the programme due to external or unforeseen circumstances. Changes will be mentioned on message screens throughout the conference Centre.
Safety and SecurityFor those participants who have not previously visited South Africa, or Johannesburg, and are concerned about personal safety, we wish to assure all visitors that Johannesburg is like any other major city with good and bad areas. Common sense will ensure a trouble free and enjoyable conference and vacation. The area around the CSIR and adjacent hotels is safe, and well monitored, but we advise that you do not walk alone after dark in unpopulated streets. Ostentatious displays of wealth should be avoided all the time. During the Conference, the information desk at the venue and your hotel's concierge will be able to assist you with information on places to visit and the appropriate means of transport.
Shopping in JohannesburgMost shops in the city centre and suburbs open between 08h00 and 17h00 to 17h30. Shops in major shopping malls open at 09h00 and close at 21h00 or later, even on Sundays and most public holidays. Government agencies keep to traditional weekday only hours. Most banks close at 15h30 and have limited Saturday morning opening times. Muslim-owned businesses close at noon on Fridays and re-open at 14h00.
TelecommunicationInternational direct dialling, internet, and e-mail facilities are easily accessible in Johannesburg. Most of the mobile telephone systems used around the globe operates in Johannesburg. Local SIM Cards can be purchased at convenience stores or at the Airport on Arrival.
TippingGratuities are not obligatory but are expected in South Africa. A guideline for visitors is the following: Airport porters ZAR 20 per item, taxis 10%, waiters, and waitresses in restaurants 10%.
Time ZoneJohannesburg is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (+2GMT).
Traveller's ChequesMost international traveller's cheques are accepted, provided they are in an acceptable currency and may be cashed at most banks. Many hotels and shops also provide this service. Please note that Credit Cards or Cash are generally a more acceptable form of payment.
VAT / Tax RefundsVAT of 15% is levied on nearly all goods and services. Foreign tourists may claim back VAT paid on goods or products (not services) that will be taken out of the country. Original tax invoices, foreign passport, plus all the items on which a refund is claimed, must be presented at the VAT Refund Administration Office or an appointed RSA Customs and Excise Official on departure, and the total VAT on these items will be refunded.
Venue and DatesCSIR, 1 - 4 October 2024Address: Meiring Naudé Rd, Brummeria, Pretoria, 0001 Phone: 012 841 3884 Owner: Council for Scientific and Industrial Research Website: https://www.csiricc.co.za/ The CSIR International Convention Centre is a convention centre in Pretoria, South Africa. The centre is situated in the east of South Africa's capital city within the research, academic and ambassadorial hub of Tshwane and is on the grounds of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research.
WeatherThe climate in Pretoria during October can be summarized as mild and reasonably dry.October is in the spring in Johannesburg and is typically the 6th warmest month of the year. Daytime maximum temperatures average around a comfortable 24°C (76°F), whilst at night 12°C (53°F) is normal. |
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