Visas
Foreign visitors to South Africa must be in possession of a valid
passport. You can contact any South African Airways office or South
Africa Diplomatic Mission.
Internet
Wireless interned is available at the
conference venue, the password for the login will be available from the
registration desk. Please note that no computers will be
provided for internet connectivity. Delegates will have to use their own
laptops or cellular phones to connect to the University network.
Climate and clothing
During January Pietermaritzburg can get very hot 30 to 38 Degrees
Celsius! Afternoon summer thunderstorms are not uncommon. Delegates, especially foreign
delegates are encouraged to wear sun protection with a SPF greater than
40%. All lecture venues are fully air-conditioned.
Currency
The local currency in South Africa is the South African Rand.
Traveller’s cheques in all major currencies are accepted by all banks,
most hotels, restaurants and major shops in South Africa. Credit cards
such as American Express, Diners Club, Visa and Master Card are widely
accepted.
Transport
South Africa does not have particularly
extensive commuter rail and bus services. We would advise delegates
considering touring KwaZulu-Natal to either hire their own vehicle or
arrange a commercial tour. Taxi services are available in Durban and
Pietermaritzburg.
Health requirements
It is important that visitors to South Africa take out comprehensive
medical insurance. There is no national health coverage in South Africa.
Pietermaritzburg DOES NOT fall within a malaria area.
Drinking water
Tap water is purified and safe to drink. Bottled water is also freely
available.
Electricity
The electrical current is 220/230 volts AC. Hotels are equipped to
accept appliances fitted with a 15 Amp 3 point round pin plug. Most
bathrooms are equipped for electrical shavers with 5 Amp 2 pin plugs.
Delegates are advised to bring their own adapter plugs.
Insurance
The registration fees do not provide insurance for participants against
personal accidents, sickness, theft or property damage. This applies to
all events as well as travelling during the conference period, and
participants are advised to obtain their own insurance before travelling
to South Africa. The Conference and its organisers are not liable for
loss, injury to person or property, however caused.
Language
The official language of the conference will be English. No translation
services will be available.
Disabilities
Participation by all interested individuals is encouraged and every
effort will be made to meet the requirements of people with
disabilities. For people with a disability, advance notification of
their needs for services and accommodations will ensure that the
appropriate arrangements are made. The university lecture venues are
wheelchair friendly.
Safety
Tourists should remember that the same security precautions should be
taken when visiting South Africa than in any other country in the world.
It is advisable not to walk around in dark, lonely places at night;
never to carry large amounts of money or jewellery; always let someone
know where you are going and how long you will be gone when you leave
home; be on the lookout for suspicious looking cars or people; when you
are driving your car, make sure that all doors are locked. Try not to
look too much like a tourist and move around in a group where possible.
The conference will be hosted on the University premises, which is gated
and has regular security patrols.
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