General Information

Cape Town

Cape Town and the Western Cape are considered among the most beautiful areas in Africa. Characterised by a cultural melting pot of Indonesian, French, Dutch, British and German settlers, the local Khoisan (Bushman & Hottentot) tribes and the Bantu tribes from the north, the pristine coastline with its white sandy beaches, the magnificent countryside with its bountiful rivers, wetlands and dams, and the unique flora kingdom, together with a "Mediterranean-like" climate and friendly community, make it a perfect destination for any visitor. Cape Town is the legislative capital of South Africa, and the historic buildings of the Houses of Parliament are situated in the Cape Town city centre. Situated at the foot of Table Mountain, the Cape Town Central Business District is a relatively small area, which allows for easy exploration on foot. Numerous excellent hotels, loft apartments, trendy restaurants and bars can be found in the heart of the city and along the coast. Take a trip up Table Mountain; visit the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, with over 270 shops, a wide selection of restaurants and art and craft markets. Last, but not least, take the trip to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was formerly incarcerated. The City Central area offers a wide range of attractions and activities and the visitor can experience the "Mother City" at her best.

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 7.80
1 Euro = ZAR 11.50

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 Congress 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

The 15th IUFoST World Congress of Food Science and Technology accepts no liability for any personal injury, loss or damage of property belonging to or additional expenses incurred by congress participants either during the congress 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 Congress language will be English.

Lunch

Lunches will be included in the participants' registration fee. Please note that any special catering requirements must be specified when registering and may incur an additional charge.

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 neighboring 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 Congress 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 Congress 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:

Tea or coffee
ZAR 12.00
€ 1.10
US$ 1.60
Restaurant meal
ZAR 150.00
€ 14.00
US$ 20.00
Cinema ticket
ZAR 37.00
€ 3.40
US$ 5.00
Wine (750ml)
ZAR 60.00
€ 5.50
US$ 8.20
Big Mac Burger
ZAR 20.00
€ 1.80
US$ 2.70
Beer (340ml)
ZAR 15.00
€ 1.40
US$ 2.00
Cola (340ml)
ZAR 7.00
€ 0.64
US$ 1.00
Sandwich
ZAR 25.00
€ 2.30
US$ 3.50

Programme Changes

The organisers cannot assume liability for any changes in the programme due to external or unforeseen circumstances. Changes will be mentioned on message screens throughout the Congress Centre.

Registration Hours

The registration desk in the CTICC will be open at the following hours:

Saturday
21 August 2010
14:00 - 18:00
Sunday
22 August 2010
08:00 - 19:00
Monday
23 August 2010
08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday
24 August 2010
08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday
25 August 2010
08:00 - 18:00
Thursday
26 August 2010
08:00 - 12:00

Security

For those participants who have not previously visited South Africa, or Cape Town, and are concerned about personal safety, we wish to assure all visitors that Cape Town is like any other major city with good and bad areas. Common sense will ensure a trouble free and enjoyable congress and vacation. The area around the CTICC 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 congress, the information desk at the CTICC 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 Cape Town

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 21.00 hours or later (especially at the V&A Waterfront), even on Sundays and most public holidays. 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%.

Trade Exhibition

A commercial exhibition of food related items and technical equipment will be organised during the congress. Interested companies please contact the Exhibition Organiser for further information at:

Name: Sue Gannon, Upward Spiral
Tel.: +27 021 423 5408 or 082 891 9918
Fax: +27 086 671 7532
E-mail: suegannon@netactive.co.za

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.

Venue and Dates

Cape Town International Conference Centre (CTICC), 22-26 August 2010

Weather

Late August in Cape Town heralds the early start of spring. The weather is generally fair but occasional rainy and windy days can occur. Maximum daytime temperatures range from 160C to 240C.