About Durban:

Durban

The city of Durban, in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, situated on the subtropical East Coast is South Africa's third largest city and is a prime tourist destination in Southern Africa. The city surrounds Durban Bay, the busiest port in Africa and the world's ninth largest. Superb air and land transport infrastructure exists, with many of the major international airlines flying directly to South Africa. Durban is nestled on the coast of the warm Indian Ocean with golden beaches, parks, museums, theatres and world class shopping malls. Durban's subtropical weather is sultry in summer and mild in winter. Durban is noted for it's rich cultural diversity, and delegates will be greeted by a kaleidoscope of amongst others, Indian, Colonial and African traditions that have prospered in the city and given rise to a wide variety of cuisine, restaurants, arts and crafts, and ethnic dance forms. Within a two-hour drive from Durban, delegates can be on safari at a game reserve, visiting traditional Zulu villages, hiking or trout fishing in the majestic Drakensberg Mountains. KwaZulu - Natal boasts two world heritage sites - one in the Drakensberg mountains, which contains one of the highest waterfalls in the world, and the other, the St Lucia Wetlands Park, which is adjacent to Sodwana Bay, the site of the recent coelacanth colony discovery. Durban is an ideal base from which to explore Southern Africa.

Currency and Banks

The 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 equaling 100 cents. Denomination of Rand notes are R200, R100, R50, R20, and R10 and of the coins are R5, R2, R1, 50c, 20c, 10c and 5c. The following exchange rates were applicable at time of sending out this document.
1 United States Dollar = ZAR 8.00
1 Euro = ZAR 10.50
Facilities for cashing traveler's cheques are available at banks (operating hours are Monday - Friday 09:00 - 15:30, Saturdays 08:30 - 11:00) 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 the majority of hotels, restaurants and shops.

Electricity Supply

The 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).

Health

There 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. Cape Town 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 international travel and health advisories please visit the WHO website at www.who.int/ith or www.cdc.org. 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 most public buildings in South Africa (airports, Cape Town International Convention Centre, restaurants etc) except in designated smoking areas.

Insurance

CCD 2012 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 to health and travel insurance.

Language

The official conference language will be English. Please indicate on your registration form if you speak a foreign language.

Lunch

Lunch will be provided at the ICC Durban and is included in the participant registration fee .

Passports and Visas

Every visitor to South Africa must have a valid passport. Passport holders from more than 80 countries, including USA, Canada, UK, Japan and the EU can visit South Africa without a visa. Information regarding visas can be obtained from your travel agent or the South African diplomatic or consular representative in your area. Passports should have at least 2 completely empty pages otherwise entry may be denied. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after your intended date of departure. Delegates requiring visas, and who intend taking tours to neighbouring Southern African countries, are advised to secure a multiple entry visa. Tourists must satisfy immigration officers that they have the means of support for the duration of their stay in the country and return /onward tickets. Visas cannot be obtained on arrival. A list of countries that currently do not require a visa can be found at the SA Government website:
http://www.home-affairs.pwv.gov.za/imigration/visas/schedule.htm
If required, upon request, the conference Secretariat is willing to send you a letter of invitation. It should be understood that this letter will be sent only to help participants to raise travel funds or to obtain a visa. A letter of invitation is not a commitment on the part of the organisers to provide any financial support. Please note that only registered delegates who have paid their conference registration fees will be issued with a letter of invitation.

Prices

Prices will vary, but the following is an indication of what delegates might expect:

Security

For those participants who have not previously visited South Africa, or Durban, and are concerned about personal safety, we wish to assure all visitors that Durban 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 ICC and adjacent hotels is safe and well monitored at all times but we advise that you do not walk alone after dark in unpopulated streets. Ostentatious displays of wealth should be avoided at all times. During the conference, the registration desk at the ICC 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 Durban

Most shops in the city centre and suburbs open between 08.00 and 17.00 to 17.30 hours. Shops in major shopping malls open at 09.00 and close at 19.00 hours or later. Government agencies still keep to traditional weekday only hours. Most banks close at 15.30 hours, and have limited Saturday morning opening times. Muslim-owned businesses close at noon on Fridays and re-open at 13.00 hours.

Tipping

Gratuities are expected in South Africa. A guideline for visitors is the following: Airport porters ZAR5.00 per item, taxis 10%, waiters and waitresses in restaurants 10%.

Official Airline

South African Airways (SAA) has been appointed as the Official Airline for the Congress. You are encouraged to contact your nearest SAA office for information on air fares to Durban.

Traveller's Cheques

Most 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.

VAT / Tax Refunds

VAT of 14% is levied on nearly all goods and services. Foreign tourists may claim back VAT paid on items 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.

Weather

The climate in the coastal areas of KwaZulu-Natal is subtropical. In summer, temperatures often rise above 30 degrees. Because of the typically high humidity, conditions get sultry. Precipitation is to be expected mainly from October to April and particularly in the summer months of December, January and February, when one can count on strong tropical thunderstorms almost daily in the afternoons. KwaZulu-Natal is the province with the most rain in South Africa.

The winters are mild to warm, the temperatures on average are over 20 degrees, and the probability of rain is low. Throughout the year, swimming is good in the Indian Ocean.