GENERAL INFORMATION

OR Tambo International Airport is about 25km from the Sandton Convention Centre (60 kilometers from Pretoria). 

BANKING SERVICES AND CURRENCY

Banking hours are from 09.00 to 15.30 hours on weekdays and from 08.30 to 11.00 on Saturdays.  Most banks have cash dispensing machines accepting Visa, MasterCard and Cirrus.  Bureau de Change facilities are available OR Tambo International Airport and in the Sandton area.

Most internationally recognized currencies and travelers’ cheques can be exchanged at commercial banks, hotels and international airport.  Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops.

There is no limit on the amount of foreign currency that may be imported into South Africa by individual non-residents, provided that it is declared on arrival to facilitate the exportation thereof on departure.

The unit of currency is the Rand (R) that is divided into 100 cents.  Exchange rates are subject to fluctuation. Rate of exchange is approximately US$ 1 = R7.50 and 1 Euro = R9,80. For the latest exchange rates please visit www.XE.com

MOBILE TELEPHONE COVERAGE

Mobile telephone coverage will be provided by all South Africa service providers, viz. Vodacom, MTN, Cell C and Virgin Mobile.  Mobile telephone service providers will also provide gateway to internet using GPRS or 3G.

CLIMATE

The average temperatures in the area around Gauteng at this time of the year vary between 22C maximum and 10C minimum.

TIME

The time in South Africa is GMT plus 2 hours.

ELECTRICITY SUPPLY

The power supply in South Africa is 220vAC, 50Hz.  Electrical sockets are either rounded or squared three pronged

COMMUNICATION FACILITIES

Telephone, postal, fax and internet services are available at the expense of the delegates.  Prepaid mobile phones/cards will be available at rental desks located at the Conference centre. 

DRIVERS’ LICENCES

Drivers must have valid driving licences, which carry a photograph of the holder, and is either printed or authenticated in English.

BUSINESS AND SHOPPING HOURS

Offices and businesses are generally open from 08:30 to 17:00, Monday to Friday.  Shopping hours vary, but most of the shops are open from 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday. Opening times on Saturdays vary, but range between 09:00 and 17:00.

VALUE-ADDED TAX

Value-added tax (VAT) is charged on most goods and services except when purchased in duty-free shops at international airports.  The current rate is 14%.  On presentation of the goods and tax invoices, VAT refunds may be reclaimed at the international airports.