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.

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.

Banks and Money

The currency unit is the Rand, denoted by the symbol R or ZAR, with 100 cents making up R1 (one Rand). Foreign currency can be exchanged at local banks and Bureaux de Changes. Most major international credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa and their affiliates are widely accepted.

Tipping

Most restaurants do not add a service charge to bills - thus it is customary to leave a 10-15% tip. Parking and petrol station attendants should be given whatever small change you have available. This is always appreciated, even though it may seem a small amount.

Tax

Value-added-tax (VAT) is charged on most items. Foreign tourists to South Africa can have their 14% VAT refunded provided that the value of the items purchased exceeds R250.00. VAT is refunded at the point of departure provided receipts are produced.

Disabled Travellers

Generally speaking, the facilities for disabled visitors can be improved, and this is an area the government is working on. An increasing number of accommodation establishments have wheelchair ramps and bathroom facilities for the disabled. Almost every national park has at least one accessible chalet and many accommodation establishments have one or two wheelchair-friendly rooms. Most of the sports stadiums have accessible suites, stands or areas for wheelchairs near accessible parking as well as special toilet facilities. Most public buildings also cater for wheelchair access.

Electricity

South Africa's electricity supply: 220/230 volts AC 50 Hz
Exceptions: Pretoria (230 V) and Port Elizabeth (200/250 V)
Most plugs have three round pins but some plugs with two smaller pins are also found on appliances. Adaptors can be purchased. US-made appliances may need a transformer.

Health and Safety

Many foreigners are unaware that South Africa has a well-developed infrastructure, high standards of water treatment and medical facilities equal to the best in the world.

Hospitals and Medical Care

In a great many medical disciplines, South Africa is a global leader. In fact, South African trained doctors are sought after all over the world, so this should give an indication of the standard of medical care available. There is a large network of public and private hospitals countrywide, offering excellent service. However, attendees must have adequate health insurance to cover the fees private hospitals charge.

Malaria

Malaria is found only in the Lowveld of Mpumalanga and Limpopo and on the Maputaland coast of KwaZulu-Natal. Malaria is not much of a risk in the winter months. Although the incidence of malaria is rare, it would be best to take adequate precautions if you choose to visit these areas.

The cheapest, safest and most effective measures against malaria are physical barriers such as a mosquito net, and the use of a good insect repellent. If you decide to take malaria prophylaxis, it is essential that they take the drugs according to the directions on the package insert. You will need to start a week or two before entering a malaria-endemic area and should continue taking the drugs for four weeks after leaving the malaria risk area. It is advisable to consult a medical professional before embarking on a course of malaria prophylaxis. Note that expectant mothers should avoid malaria medications.

Personal Safety

For tourists, South Africa is as safe as any other destination in the world. South Africa boasts a vast array of cultures, communities, sites and attractions. Most parts of the country can be safely visited by tourists provided they take basic common-sense precautions (for example not walking alone in deserted areas at night and being circumspect about how much photographic equipment or flashy jewellery you carry. Most of the crime that takes place in South Africa is between people who know each other and random acts of violence are the minority of cases. Most major cities run organized crime prevention programmes. Basic Safety Tip guidelines will be available at hotels and tourism information offices.

Food and Water

As a rule, tap water in South Africa is safe to drink as it is treated and is free of harmful microorganisms. In hotels, restaurants and nightspots, the standards of hygiene and food preparation top-notch. It is safe to eat fresh fruit and salads and to put as much ice as you like in your drinks - a good thing, too, after a day on the beach or in the bush.

Road Safety

The transport infrastructure is excellent and the roads are in good condition. However, the distances between towns are significant, so if you're planning to self-drive, it is a good idea to plan your itinerary to ensure you don't drive long distances as fatigue is a major cause of road accidents. Avoid long car journeys that necessitate driving at night as it always carries more risk. Also, in some of the more remote rural areas, the roads are not fenced so there may be stray animals on the road - which could be very dangerous at night.

Driving

Non-residents are permitted to drive with a driving licence issued and valid in their own country, provided it bears the photograph and signature of the holder and is in English. If your drivers licence does not meet these requirements, an international driver’s licence is required. Driving is on the left and the wearing of seatbelts is compulsory.

Vaccinations

Visitors who are entering South Africa from a yellow fever zone must have a valid international yellow fever inoculation certificate. Only infants under the age of one year are exempt. Immunisation against cholera and small pox are not required and no other vaccinations are required when visiting South Africa.

Sports Events

Click here for a list of sports events taking place in and around Cape Town.