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Events

UNEP FI 2009 Global Roundtable

Logistical Information

South Africa is ...

a large, scenically splendid and humanly diverse country at the foot of the African continent, home to more than 47 million people from at least 20 different ethnic groups. Whilst there are 11 official languages, English is spoken by everyone and is the language of official business and commerce.

South Africa is known as the rainbow nation because of the extraordinary diversity of races, tribes, creeds, languages and landscapes that characterise modern South Africa. It has one of the newest and most progressive constitutions in the world and has more animal species than North and South America combined and a greater variety of plants than that of the entire northern half of the planet. It is home to seven World Heritage sites, ranging from the site of the cradle of mankind to humanity’s greatest natural art gallery of prehistoric rock-paintings.

There are wide, unconfined opportunities for outdoor sports ranging from horse riding to hiking, mountain climbing to angling, sailing and windsurfing to biking and swimming. Golf offers hundreds of courses, some of them over a century old and other brand new, which offer visitors world-class facilities at relatively low fees. The arts in South Africa are alive and flourishing. Township paintings, sculptures, woodcarvings, basket weaving, beadwork and pottery have become popular on world markets and widely available in and around the conference venue.

WEATHER

Due to its coastal position, Cape Town enjoys a temperate Mediterranean type climate for most of the year. Summers can be very hot, although often moderated with a cool sea breeze and mid-winter can be very cold with snow falling in the surrounding mountains. However, whichever time of year you choose to visit Cape Town, expect a surprise or two - Cape Town is known to have four seasons all in one day.

Cape Town enjoys a long summer from mid October to March. Temperatures vary from mid 20's to mid 30's with little rain over the period. The south-easterly wind blows fairly often, more so in November and December than in February and March. Days are long and perfect for evening entertainment, sundowners and long days on the beach.

GETTING AROUND

By Taxi or Coach

Cape Town’s metered taxi operators have a proud record of helping visitors make the most of their stay. Luxury air-conditioned coaches and shuttle buses will move delegates between the airport, hotels and the CTICC.

TRAVEL TO CAPE TOWN

Cape Town International Airport

The CTICC is a 20 minute drive from the Cape Town International Airport. 20 international carriers service Cape Town International Airport on a daily basis. Some international carriers fly directly to Cape Town, some stop over in Johannesburg and then carry on to Cape Town, with others terminating their flights in Johannesburg which necessitates a short two hour domestic.

BANK

You will find a Master Currency bureau de change in International Arrivals.

EXECUTIVE LOUNGES

South African Airways
British Airways - Terraces
The Premier Lounge (this is open to any passenger, regardless of airline or ticket class. You can pay per visit of buy a prepaid card for six or more visits)

INTERNET ACCESS

ACSA has provided a WIFI (wireless internet access) facility at the international as well as at the domestic terminals.

VAT REFUNDS

Foreign visitors leaving SA can claim back Value Added Tax on purchases from the VAT refund administrator. The goods have to be shown to the administrator before check in. The VAT refund office is on the ground level of International Departures. Only after a passenger has checked in and passed through passport control is the value of the VAT (less the administrator’s commission) paid back. This happens on the ground level of International Departures between passport control and the boarding gates.

TELEPHONES

There are public telephones which use coins or phone cards in all terminals. In the International Terminal you will find a VodaShop and MTN Mobile Phone rental. There is also a VodaShop in Domestic Arrivals.

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES FLYING INTO CAPE TOWN INCLUDE

Air Mauritius
Air Namibia
British Airways
KLM
LTU
Lufthansa
Malaysia Airlines
Singapore Airlines
Virgin Atlantic
Air Botswana
Kenya Airways
QATAR

DOMESTIC AIRLINES THAT LINK CAPE TOWN TO OTHER CITIES IN SOUTH AFRICA

British Airways / Comair
Kulula.com
Mango
SA Airlink
SAA
1 time
SAA Express

MEDICAL SERVICE

South Africa does not have a national health scheme. The patient is individually responsible for settling all accounts. Travel insurance covering accidents, illness or hospitalization during your stay is strongly recommended. The CTICC where the conference is being held has medical and emergency services available.

Malaria is found only in the Lowveld of Mpumalanga and Limpopo and on the coast of KwaZulu-Natal. Although the incidence of malaria is rare, it would be best to take adequate precautions if you choose to visit these areas.

The cheapest, safest and most effective measures against malaria are physical barriers such as a mosquito net, and the use of a good insect repellent. If you decide to take malaria prophylaxis, it is essential that the drugs are taken according to the directions on the package insert. You will need to start a week or two before entering a malaria-endemic area and should continue taking the drugs for four weeks after leaving the malaria risk area. It is advisable to consult a medical professional before embarking on a course of malaria prophylaxis.

VACCINATIONS

Visitors entering South Africa from a yellow fever zone must have a valid international yellow fever inoculation certificate. Immunization against cholera and small pox are not required, nor are other vaccinations required when visiting South Africa.

LIABILITY AND INSURANCE

Registration for the Congress implies that delegates agree that neither the Local Organizing Committee nor the Professional Congress Organizer assume any liability or responsibility for any losses, accidents or damage to person's private property. Delegates are requested to make their own arrangements for medical, travel and personal insurance.

CURRENCY AND EXCHANGE

The South African Rand is the local currency. Foreign exchange can be done in any of the hotels and facilities are available at the CTICC. A passport will be required for ALL transactions.

CREDIT CARDS, SHOPPING

Foreigners can claim sales tax refunds and should ask salesmen to fill out a tax refund form when purchasing any goods. All major credit cards are accepted throughout South Africa, as well as Traveler's cheques.

Electricity/Voltage

The voltage throughout the complex is 220V/50hz.

Time Zone

Central European Time

Water

Tap water is drinkable in all parts of South Africa.

Smoking

Smoking is prohibited in public spaces and is restricted to specific areas.

Visa Requirements

For the majority of foreign nationals who travel to South Africa, entry is straightforward and hassle-free. All visitors must be in possession of a valid passport in order to enter the country and in some cases, a visa. To determine whether you require a visa to enter South Africa, visit the comprehensive South African Home Affairs Department at http://www.southafrica.info/travel/documents/visas.htm

FOR DETAILED INFORMATION ON EVERYTHING POSSIBLY CONNECTED TO SOUTH AFRICA, please visit http://www.southafrica.co.za/south_africa_travel_ info_40.html