ICPPS 2011 Congress - Info for International Visitors

Read below for general useful information for international visitors regarding South Africa:

Visas	Personal insurance	Safety & Crime
Health Matters while Travelling in South Africa		Communication & Technology
Language	Climate	Time Zone
Regional Logistics & Overview	Getting to Know Gauteng	Currency & Exchange
Local Traveling	Local Laws & Customs	Information Rources

Visas

Visas are required from certain countries and are issued by the South African missions abroad. Visitors should check with their local travel agencies whether they will need a visa (in additions to their country passport) to enter South Africa. A list of countries exempted from visas can be accessed at http://www.home-affairs.gov.za/visa_schedule.asp. For certain countries there may be additional requirements, which may include medical evaluations.

While the Conference Organisers could assist with a letter of invitation once you are registered for the conference and/or an abstract for presentation has been accepted, it remains your own responsibility to find out and ensure that you comply with all the requirements before entering the country.

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Personal Insurance

Please note that all delegates are responsible for their own travel insurance, medical insurance and other personal insurance (see also Health below). The Conference Organisers do not take any responsibility or arrangements in this regard. All delegates are also responsible for own insurance against any damage or losses that may be incurred in the case of cancellation of the conference due to force majeur, or other unforeseen reasons that may deem it necessary for the Conference Organisers to cancel the meeting.

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Safety & Crime

Conditions in South Africa have been increasingly stable and safe since the end of apartheid in 1994. Crime is a problem as anywhere else in the world, but you are relatively safe, provided that you take reasonable and responsible safety measures.

Crime

South Africa is actively addressing the issue of crime. It does have a high level of crime, including rape and murder, but most cases occur in the townships and isolated areas away from the normal tourist destinations. Consult a reliable tour guide if you are visiting a township. The risk to visitors travelling to the main destinations is low. But if you are mugged or your car is hijacked you should remain calm, offer no resistance and hand over possessions without question.

To ensure your safety, you need to apply the same common sense you would anywhere. Wherever you are, pay attention to your surroundings and report suspicious circumstances and characters to the nearest security or police officer (the South African Police is identified by blue uniforms and white cars with blue markings):

Wear clothing to blend in and avoid obvious tourist behaviours (dangling camera over your shoulder, for example).
Keep desirables like cell phones out of view.
Avoid wearing anything flashy (jewellery, expensive watches, eyewear, anything you’d be upset about losing).
Passports, travel documents, money, expensive jewellery and watches should be left in a safe place, rather than carried around.
Handbags should be zipped (zip with flap-over best).
In open-air and pavement restaurants especially, avoid hanging your handbag over the back of your chair (stay aware of where it is at all times, place under the table).
Tuck wallets, keys, passports, travel documents away anywhere you go.
Appearances can be deceptive. Con artists are often well dressed; (listen to what they do, rather than what they say and wear).
Keep track of your keys at all times (check them in at the front desk, never leave them in public bathrooms or at the hotel pool, never leave them in an unattended car for a minute).
Be cautious of sex workers and strangers on the street (could be linked to drug peddlers and muggers).
Lost passports should be reported to your country embassy or consulate and the South African Police Service (SAPS) immediately.
Lock as you go: even if you go down the passage for ice, lock your hotel room door, windows, connecting room doors and patio sliding doors.
Keep a vigilant eye on your luggage (make sure your bags are locked and preferably walk with your porter to the room).

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Make larger cash deposits in a branch (not an ATM).
If you habitually use the same ATM, vary your route to and from the ATM (criminals notice patterns, you could be observed and followed).
Keep to a safe distance between you and the person behind you when drawing money at an ATM; never show or hand your card to a stranger.
Never count your money in view of strangers or in public.
Carry travellers cheques instead of large amounts of cash.
Avoid carrying all your cash and travellers cheques with you; leave what you don’t need in your room or hotel safe.
Write down your credit card numbers and the customer service telephone number for your bank (if you have one, enter it in your mobile).
Separate your cash and credit cards.
Safely keep a copy set of important documents and traveller cheques numbers.
Immediately report stolen or cards stuck or retained by the ATM to your bank.

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Never leave valuables in sight when parking your car (when using valet parking, only give the attendant your car key).
Keep car windows closed and doors locked when driving around.
Traffic lights are rife with opportunists (keep handbags, cell phones and other potential items out of sight. Smash-and-grab thieves notoriously smash car windows, grabbing valuables which attract them before running away (keep perspective, not every person at a traffic light is a thief).
If you can’t lock them elsewhere; out of view lock your laptop, jackets and other pricey items in the boot (trunk of your car).
Tip casual parking guards R2 or more only on return to your car.
Under no circumstances, pick up hitchhiker

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We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling, including cover for medical evacuation. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake, especially extreme adventure sports or wildlife activities. Remember that failure to declare a medical condition could render a policy invalid.

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Communication & Technology

South Africa has outstanding expertise, network, access, and support for an established and stable information and communication technology infrastructure. This includes widely available Internet, mobile, and wireless connections.

Dialing Codes
The international dialing code for South Africa is +27 followed by the local regional codes

Telehones landlines
Telephones are fully automatic with direct dialing to most parts of the world. Calls from hotels generally carry a surcharge. Public pay phones are found at post offices, hotels, shopping malls and cafés (corner shops). Pay phones accept coins as well as telephone cards (green public phones use phone cards in denominations of R10 to R200), which may be bought at hotels, post offices and supermarkets.

Voltage
The main voltage in South Africa is 200/230 volts AC at 50 cycles per second. US-appliances may need a transformer. Three pronged plugs are universal and an adapter may be required. Most hotels have 110-volt outlets for electric
shavers and small appliances.

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Climate

Durban is famed for its mild, sunny winter climate and year-round "fun-in-the-water" weather. We have an abundance of vegetation and a subtropical climate with sunshine for at least 320 days a year. Temperatures range from 16°C and 25°C during the winter months of June, July and August. Summer temperatures can reach 32°C with relatively high humidity during the hot season. Durban owes these characteristics to the equatorial current of the Indian Ocean which is the source of a vast stream of warm, blue water flowing south-west through the Mozambique Channel. Seawater temperatures along the coast compare more favourably with those of the Mediterranean in summer (75°F mean) (24°C), but in winter they seldom fall below 66°F (19°C) - 10° warmer than the Mediterranean in the same season.

South Africa contains many regions with vastly different climates. You may find valuable information on the region you are about to visit from your local travel agent. The following are general remarks on weather expectations in South Africa in general:

During the warmer months (October to March) temperatures are usually warm. Rain showers can be expected from time to time. Short sleeves plus a light jacket may be sufficient for most regions.
During the colder months (April to August) temperatures are usually cold at night (frost is common), but cold to cool (seldom warm) during the day time. However, since most buildings do not have central heating, visitors may experience winters as severely cold and warm clothing (with wind shielding for outside) is therefore generally recommended for evenings and early mornings. Especially the regions closer to Cape Town are known for rainy, windy winters, but elsewhere in the country winters are usually characterised by less rain than summers.

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The South African time zone is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +2). It applies to the whole of South Africa (no time zone differences) and is also known as Central African Time (CAT). Please note that South Africa has not adopted a daylight time saving system in summer and the time reference remains unchanged all year
round.

South Africa has 11 official languages. However, English is one of the official languages of South Africa, also being the official language of administration, and widely spoken as first, second or third language. Foreign visitors should be able to find easy access to assistance in English in all tourist areas and most other areas. Most public directions, instructions and other postings are in English.

KwaZulu-Natal
Despite its distance from the affluent first world markets, South Africa ranks within the top 30 tourism destinations in the world. KwaZulu-Natal is now the market leader for domestic tourism in South Africa, as well as number two in terms of international tourism. The estimated total economic impact of tourism on the economy of KwaZulu-Natal was about R26-billion in 2008.

Overview
KwaZulu-Natal has great accommodation facilities, wonderful leisure and recreation opportunities, a rich history and diverse cultures. Many interesting sites have a colourful history of heroic people, struggles and wars represented in numerous battle sites. Zulu culture and history forms a key part of the province's heritage and the Zulu monarchy of KwaZulu-Natal is the only monarchy specifically provided for in South Africa's constitution. As such KwaZulu-Natal's history and culture has not been forgotten in the face of progress. KwaZulu-Natal boasts two World Heritage Sites - the Isimangaliso Wetland Park and the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park. Superb beaches of world-class quality are to be found along virtually the entire coastline. Durban has been listed as one of the top ten family beach holiday cities in the world by travel publishers Lonely Planet. "Durban resembles a gigantic resort holiday paradise, raised for the sole purpose of entertaining families," the Lonely Planet publication says of the city in its section on South Africa. "Lined with safe beaches watched over by lifeguards, the Golden Mile is great for swimming, snorkelling and water sports." The Durban International Convention Centre (ICC) remains the best conference centre in Africa and is considered to be amongst the top ten worldwide. Since its opening in August 1997 the ICC has contributed as much as R6-billion to the local economy.

Relatively new to Durban is the development of exciting new township tours that make Durban and South Africa’s history come alive. By contacting Durban Tourism, you can visit these exciting destinations with the assistance of trained guides.

Durban
Durban is a sophisticated cosmopolitan city of over three million people - a city where east meets west - a city beneath which beats the pulse of Africa - city known as the home of Africa's best managed, busiest port.Durban is an exciting city in which to play, shop, experience the nightlife and to relax. It's a city in which business and debate issues, which have far-reaching effects, not only on Africa but way beyond its borders, are discussed.The world-class International Convention Centre Durban has hosted an historic line-up of events including conferences of a global scale.Leisure facilities abound in Durban. Visit uShaka Marine World, Wilson's Wharf on the Victoria Embankment and the nearby BAT centre. Enjoy fine and traditional dining, entertainment and shopping in scenic surroundings. Shop till you drop in modern shopping malls. Grey Street and the Warwick Triangle boast vibrant locals shops and markets. Beachfront stalls sell traditional arts and crafts. Enjoy the excellent entertainment on offer at the city's theatres and clubs or take a township tour.If it's peace and sheer beauty you are after, make for Durban's nature sanctuaries or parks. The Botanical Gardens are of particular interest - ask about their 'Music by the Lake' evenings - wonderful music played by KZN's Philharmonic Orchestra in wonder surrounds.Sail, swim, run, and play tennis or alternatively stroll along or relax on the sun-drenched beaches watching the world go by. Durban the Playground of the Zulu Kingdom.

Drakensberg
The Drakensberg mountains of South Africa or uKhahlamba (the Barrier of Spears) is a 200-kilometre-long mountainous wonderland and world heritage site. The largest proportion of the Drakensberg area falls in the province of KwaZulu-Natal.The Zulu people named it 'Ukhahlamba' and the Dutch Voortrekkers 'The Dragon Mountain'. The Drakensberg Mountains, with their awe-inspiring basalt cliffs, snowcapped in winter, tower over riverine bush, lush yellowwood forests and cascading waterfalls, form a massive barrier separating KwaZulu-Natal from the Kingdom of Lesotho. The only road access to the Drakensberg is via Sani Pass, which at the top, boasts the highest pub on Africa, 3 000 metres above sea level.Combining sheer natural beauty with a wealth of biological diversity, this 243 000 hectare mountainous region known the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park has been preserved and venerated for eons since the San people or bushmen roamed these slopes. Tens of thousands of paintings depicting their daily life can be found on the rock faces, and in December 2000, the park received international recognition and was declared KwaZulu-Natal's second World Heritage Site.And of course, there are the mountains, which must be conquered. The fearless may choose to try sheer rock or ice- climbing - or they may prefer the adrenaline rush provided by abseiling, white water rafting or taking a helicopter ride to view the Drakenberg mountains from above.If you prefer the gentler, more leisurely pace of walking the many hiking routes on both lower and upper slopes of the Drakensberg, you can watch out for the 290 species of birds, 48 species of mammals, or the rare varieties of plantlife found in the park.The Drakensberg ... the soul of the Zulu Kingdom.

Pietermaritzburg and the Midlands
Visits by the likes of Gandhi, Mandela and Twain, the Comrades and Dusi Marathons, museums, art galleries, rolling hills, waterfalls and a special style of country living are some of the things that make the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands region of South Africa famous. Pietermaritzburg is home to quaint antique shops, markets, restaurants, art galleries and museums, and more recently a casino. This is the town in which the annual Dusi Canoe Marathon starts, and is the beginning or ending point of the world- renowned annual Comrades Marathon between Durban and Pietermaritzburg, which attracts about 15 000 participants.

PThe Midlands Meander, the first route of its kind in the country, opened up the wonders and beauty of the interior of KwaZulu-Natal over a decade ago. It has grown into an eclectic and fascinating mix of arts and crafts, world-class restaurants and homely comforts, with a wide range of sporting environmental and historical pursuits.The magnificent Howick Falls located in Midlands provide picnic facilities. Trout and bass fishing are plentiful and for the more adventurous there is paragliding off Bulwer Mountain or taking a slide across the canopy of Karkloof's indigenous forests.

Dining
As with most aspects of life in Durban, there is no specific style that defines the food we eat. Fusion is the dominant force, eclecticism the order of the day. The political freedom that arrived in the ’90s has had a spillover culinary effect and South African cuisine has blossomed in the last decades, as minds have opened and the global grocery store has arrived on our shelves. So in Durban you can sample the planet’s menu and also discover entirely new genres of food. Sushi meets roti. The burrito meets Zulu spinach. The samoosa encases a filling of cheese and bacon. And dhal gets poured into an Italian pasta sauce. If there is a single cuisine that unites Durbanites across the demographic spread it is THE DURBAN CURRY. Hanging out at one of Durban’s countless curry joints, you’ll find everyone from skater kids to lawyers to street people who have managed to squeeze some coins together for that day’s lunch. Imported from India and then made brasher and hotter, the Durban curry might set your nose running, but it’ll also give your immune system a boost (chilli’s are rich in vitamin C) and give you a taste that you won’t be able to satisfy anywhere else in the world. As well as these ubiquitous takeaways, Durban also has an array of traditional North and South Indian restaurants.

Music
Both Durban and KwaZulu-Natal are revered by musicologists world-wide for the hot-bed of musical talent that resides here. Gardeners who service the lush lawns and exotic flowerbeds are seen strumming their guitars after work in a gently percussive fashion. On Saturday nights youths from all over the province gather outside the YMCA in Beatrice Street for the weekly Isicathimiya competitions. People dance freely on the streets to ambient urban rhythms, and even a cappuccino-making waiter was seen rasping his milk-frother in time to the techno music playing in the background. Whether it’s something in the water, or something in the air, Durban has a musical soil that is extremely rich, and which supplies a great deal of musical talent to the nation.

Shopping
Shopping in Durban can be very first world or totally third world. It’s your choice. You can linger in luxuary malls and trendy antique shops or you can buy from street vendors and spaza shops where they may or may not bargain with you. The magic of Durban is that you can enjoy both worlds, because here they live side by side, mostly in peaceful co-existance. Diversity is Durban and nowhere is it more obvious than in the variety of shopping experiences and facilities

Heritage
The history of our Kingdom offers a panorama of unforgettable experiences. Preserved for future generations within our youngest World Heritage Site, vivid rock-paintings highlight the Berg mountain fastness of our western boundary, bringing to life the fascinating inner and outer worlds of the truly ancient San people who first enjoyed the bounties of this subtropical paradise. The endless golden Beach of our eastern shoreline, landmark for historic explorer Vasco da Gama and the pirates who once traversed warm Indian Ocean currents with impunity, offers shipwrecks and million-year-old fossil beds to explore, plus the opportunity to re- trace the footprints of marooned mariners who sought refuge here. Our coastal World Heritage Site in Zululand further presents the extraordinarily rare chance to encounter living fossils of the deep coelacanths. To the north lie our memory-filled and intensely atmospheric Battlefields. Linking these compass points is the inimitable Bush, where history was made in wildlife conservation on the African continent - leading to our unsurpassable collection of game-parks and reserves. Our multicultural society bears witness to the successful Liberation Struggle that captured world headlines for decades, and one can walk in the footsteps of towering figures from Nelson Mandela to Mohandas Gandhi.

Sport and Events
Durban is home to two closely related rugby union teams, the Natal Sharks, who compete in the domestic Currie Cup competition, and the Sharks, who compete in the international Super Rugby competition. Both teams play out of the 56,000 capacity Kings Park Stadium, sometimes referred to as the Shark Tank - currently it is known as the ABSA Stadium for sponsorship reasons. The City is also home to three clubs in the Premier Soccer League—AmaZulu, Thanda Royal Zulu and the Golden Arrows. AmaZulu play most of their home games in their own Princess Magogo Stadium, but will take especially important fixtures to ABSA Stadium. Similarly, the Golden Arrows have their own stadium, King Zwelithini Stadium in the suburb of Umlazi, but play their most important matches in ABSA Stadium. Durban used to be home to a fourth team, Manning Rangers, who won several honours including the league championship. Sahara Stadium Kingsmead, Durban in 2009Durban is also host to the Dolphins, the provincial cricket team. Shaun Pollock, Lance Klusener and Barry Richards all come from the Dolphins (although it was formally called Natal). Cricket in Durban is played at Sahara Stadium Kingsmead. The City is home to Greyville Racecourse, a major Thoroughbred horse racing venue which annually hosts a number of prestigious races including the country's premier event, the July Handicap, and the premier staying event in South Africa, the Gold Cup. Another well-equipped Racecourse is located at Clairwood, just south of the city centre and not far from Durban International Airport. A professional Tennis venue is located at Westridge Park near The Berea, and an Olympic-standard swimming pool is found in the Kings Park Sporting Precinct. In addition to these venues, Durban has facilities for Water Polo, Hockey, and other sports, most notably the outstanding beach front which has played host to numerous water sports events such as the Mr Price Pro (previously known as the Gunston 500) surfing competition and the related Ocean Action festival. Beach volleyball is regularly played on local beaches and Powerboat racing has taken place in the Harbour. Durban and surrounding areas are also well patronised by Professional and Amateur golfers, with the golf course at Durban Country Club near the CBD being particularly well-known.

Currency
The South African monetary unit is the South African Rand (R) which is made up of 100 cents (R1 = 100 cents), with international symbol ZAR. Bank notes are issued in the denominations of R200, R100, R50, R20 and R10. Coins are available in R5, R2, R1, 50c, 20c, 10c, 5c, 2c and 1c.

Currency Control
Travelers must obtain a necessary permit from the SA Reserve Bank (PO Box 427, Pretoria 0001, Tel (012) 313-3197, Fax (012) 313-3871) should they have more than R500 in cash in their possession on leaving the country. For more information or advice contact Customs & Excise at Johannesburg (011) 832-3341 or Pretoria (012) 314-9911.

Foreign Exchange
Traveler’s cheques and foreign currency notes of all major currencies can be exchanged at any commercial bank and Foreign Exchange Bureaus found at most tourist points, while most hotels also offer exchange facilities for guests. Fluctuations in foreign exchange markets are reflected in new rates daily.

Durban, like other major international cities, has specific risk areas. While crime has decreased slightly in Durban and the surrounding areas, it remains high. Visitors should avoid travelling in the city center after dark as well as all travel to the surrounding townships. The suburbs north and west of the city are generally considered to be safer than the city center, but all visitors should remain vigilant and exercise caution at all times.

In all areas of South Africa, you should be cautious when out after dark. Streets, even in urban areas, are not brightly lit at night. You should park in well-lit areas. Do not pick up strangers. Do not stop to assist (apparently) distressed motorists, as this is a technique sometimes used by hijackers. It is better to report the incident to the police.

Avoid isolated beaches and picnic spots across South Africa and stay in company. Walking alone anywhere, especially in remote areas, is not advised. Call the police (on 10111 (112 from cell/mobile phones)) at the first sign of a threat.

Road Safety

Driving in South Africa is on the left-hand side of the road.

The standard of driving in South Africa can vary greatly and there are many fatal accidents every year.

Some general advice: on highways it is well worth remembering that overtaking can occur in any lane including, occasionally, the hard shoulder. On single-lane roads the hard shoulder is also sometimes used by trucks and slower moving vehicles to allow faster moving vehicles to overtake – it is regarded as a courtesy to acknowledge this, usually with a brief flash of hazard warning lights. Four-way-stops are commonly found at the quieter intersections – the first vehicle to arrive has priority. On road circles (roundabouts), give way to the right, although this is often overlooked and it is wise to proceed with caution. Traffic lights are referred to as "robots" in South Africa.

Road standards are mostly very good, but some roads in the more remote areas are poor and potholes may be encountered. It is strongly recommended that you drive cautiously at all times and adhere to speed limits. You should avoid unfamiliar rural areas at night.

Drug taking and smuggling is an offence. The punishments can be severe.

South Africa is well reknowned for its exceptional progressive protection of Human Rights in its new Constitution. Freedom of speech, religion and political association is well respected. Homosexuality is permitted and South Africa has introduced legislation which bans any discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

Smoking in public buildings (including airports, shopping malls, restaurants and hotels) is strictly prohibited by South African law and widely enforced. In general the public is also protective and outspoken in favour of this law. Some buildings and most restaurants have designated, isolated smoking areas with separate venting, while smoking outside buildings is usually permitted where it does not offend public presence.