General Information
About Cape Town
Cape Town is located at the southern tip of Africa. Here, two great oceans meet, warm weather lasts most of the year, and big game roams just beyond the city lights.
Cape Town, Mother City to South Africa has much to offer the visitor to South Africa. Nestling on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, the city has golden beaches, beautiful parks and gardens, museums, theatres, excellent sports facilities and world class shopping malls.
Modern hotels are located in close proximity to the Cape Town International Convention Centre and a superb air and land infrastructure exists.
A variety of organized tours will allow visitors to view South Africa's rich and diverse cultural, historical, geographical and natural attractions. Outstanding wine estates, wildlife game reserves and scenic drives are just a few hours from the city centre.
The exciting accompanying person's programme will give delegates and their companions a taste of Africa's warmth and wonderful hospitality.
Business Hours
Most shops in the city and suburbs are open between 08h00 and 17h00 to 17h30. Shops at major centres like the V&A Waterfront and Canal Walk open at 09h00 and close at 21h00 or later, even on Sundays and most public holidays.
Currency
The South African Rand (ZAR) is the official currency in South Africa.
Tax And Tipping
South Africa has adopted a Value Added Tax system of 14% on purchases and services.
Tipping is an accepted practice in the Cape. Tipping in bars and restaurants is normally between 10% and 15%.
Visa Requirements
Please note that for entering South Africa, immigration requires that all visitors have a valid passport and at least two pages are needed to remain blank for the issuing of stamps.
The passport also needs to be valid for the duration of the stay and six months after departure. Visas are not required for Germany and UK visitors if their stay does not exceed 90 days. Namibian passengers are not required to have visas if their stay does not exceed 30 days.
To find out if you need a visa for South Africa and how to go about getting one, please visit the official South African Government visa website at http://home-affairs.pwv.gov.za/visa_detail.asp.
All Congress delegates are encouraged to contact their local South African consulate and/or their own government authority to confirm visa requirements.
Please contact the FIGO 2009 Congress Secretariat if you require an official invitation letter to attend the congress.
Weather
The Cape's climate is described as Mediterranean with warm, dry summers and mild, moist winters. The Cape has a mostly temperate climate.
With the onset of spring (Aug - Oct), the fast-retreating winter gives way to the sun, awakening a riot of colour of the spectacular wild flower displays and sending residents and guests back onto the Cape's world-famous coastline of perfect beaches. This time of year - exactly the time that the XIX FIGO World Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology takes place in Cape Town - is well-known for the Cape Doctor, the southeaster wind that brings delight for surfers and wind sport enthusiasts.
