Travel Advisory Notice: July 2010

Registration Deadlines

Online Pre Registration Cut Off - Please note that online pre-registration for the congress will close on 18 August 2010, registration forms received between 18 August and 21 August will still be permitted at the Late Registration Fee but delegates may no longer use the online registration facility and will need to report to the Onsite Registration Desk at the Cape Town International Convention Centre to process and pay for their registration.

Payments by Bank Transfer - If you are still processing payment for the IUFoST Congress please make sure that your bank transfer is transacted on or before the 18th August 2010. If your payment has not been received in our bank account by the 22nd August, your registration will be treated as unpaid and you will be required to make payment when you collect your registration packs. If your original payment is then received after 22nd August, it will be refunded to you after the Congress closes and once all finances are reconciled.

Onsite Registration Procedure

Please bring your personal registration number onsite with you if possible, to collect your registration pack from the registration desk. If you are paying your registration fees onsite, please report to the Finance Desk. The Registration Desk Operating Hours will be as follows:

Sunday, 22 August 10h30 - 20h00
Monday, 23 August 07h00 - 18h00
Tuesday, 24 August 07h00 - 18h00
Wednesday, 25 August 07h00 - 18h00
Thursday 26 August 07h00 - 14h00

Cape Town International Airport And Transport To Hotels

The Congress has arranged Hospitality Desks to be situated in the Meet and Greet areas of the International and Domestic arrivals' halls on the 21 - 23 August 2010. The location of the desks in the arrivals halls are as follows:
International Arrivals: The desk will be situated outside the exit doors from customs.
Domestic Arrivals: Collect your luggage and proceed through the corridor. As you enter the Meet & Greet area, continue past the seating area. Keep left and look out for the Yellow information light/sign and the IUFoST banners.
Personnel at these desks will assist you with information about transport from the airport to your hotel.
Transfer pre-bookings close on the 18th of August 2010, and after this date you will need to arrange your transfer to your hotel on arrival at Cape Town International Airport.
If you have pre-booked your transfer and you experience difficulties due to flight delays, or if you want to make changes to your pre-booked transfer, please contact Thompson's Tours on: ++27 21 511 0781 or ++27 83 327 4856 after hours>

Passports And Visas

All visitors to South Africa must be in possession of a valid passport and it is a requirement that the document should have at least 2 empty pages when you arrive in South Africa. The passport must be valid for no less than 30 days after the final date of your intended stay in South Africa.
Nationals of some countries are exempt from visas whilst nationals of others must have them. Visas must be obtained in your home country or from missions outside of South Africa and cannot be applied for at South African ports of entry.
For more visa information visit: http://www.home-affairs.gov.za/visas.asp

Luggage At Arrival Airports

South African customs regulations require that all checked luggage must be collected at your first airport of entry into South Africa, even though the airline may have checked that luggage through to your final destination.
For example passengers arriving at OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg must collect their luggage at the international arrivals hall and proceed through customs before making their way to the domestic departures area and re-check the luggage to Cape Town.

Luggage On Departure

There will be no luggage holding facility at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on Thursday 26th August. We suggest that you make arrangements with your hotel to hold your luggage until you are ready to depart for the airport.

Accompanying Persons Excursions

Please be sure to register as soon as possible for the complimentary official Accompanying Persons excursion which is available to all registered Accompanying Persons and operates on 24th August 2010 only, from 08h30 to13h00. A tour ticket or Accompanying person's badge is essential to board the bus.
Accompanying Persons are also entitled to admission to the Opening Ceremony, Welcome Cocktail Party, lunches and tea or coffee on session days and will be given an ethnic patterned shopping bag.

Optional Excursions

South Africa is often referred to as a world in one country and we would like you to experience the beauty and splendour of Cape Town and the rest of the country for yourself. A fine selection of sightseeing excursions has been arranged using quality tour operators at preferential rates for Congress visitors.
We encourage you to book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Social Events

Please be sure that you have made reservations for the Social Events as space is limited for many of these. You may not be able to book these on arrival in Cape Town. These events include the Ethnic African Culinary Experience, South African Cuisine a la Woolworths - a local gourmet experience, the Students' Social Evening for under 30's and the Gala Banquet.
For more details and advance bookings before 18 August, please visit the website.

Welcome Reception

The Welcome Reception takes place on Sunday 22nd August at the Cape Town International Convention Centre between 18h00 - 20h15 and indications are that it will be very well attended. You are encouraged to arrive early.

Official Opening And Welcome

The Official Opening and Welcome takes place on Monday 23rd August at the Cape Town International Convention Centre at 08h30

Safety And Security

Cape Town has been the host to numerous international and national events, the most recent being the Soccer World Cup and our beautiful city is well prepared for your arrival. Like any large city however, we advise that you exercise good judgment when traveling alone or after dark.
Ask your hotel concierge or the information desk at the Congress venue for advice on how to get around and where to go.
Ostentatious displays of wealth in public places are not encouraged and valuables such as wallets, laptop computers and cameras etc should be kept in a secure place such as your hotel safety deposit facility.
There is no reason not to visit the many wonderful attractions, historical and cultural sites, restaurants and shops that make Cape Town one of the world's most popular cities to visit.

Language

English-speaking visitors will have no problems travelling throughout South Africa and all signs are in English.

Currency And Money Changing

The following rates of exchange are applicable on 21st July 2010.

1 Euro = ZAR9.60
1 British Pound = ZAR11.70
1 US Dollar = ZAR7.60

You may change your money at the airport on arrival or at any of the many banks in the city or at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. Hotels will also assist but the exchange rates may be less favorable. Automatic Teller Machines (ATM) are available throughout the city for easy access to funds. Please do not hand your ATM card to anyone and be cautious of people offering assistance.

Electricity Supply

South Africa's electricity supply runs at 220/230V, 50Hz AC. Sockets take round-pinned plugs. Most hotel rooms have sockets that will take 110V electric shavers, but for other appliances visitors might need adaptors.

Immunisations

Vaccinations: Yellow fever certificates are required if your journey starts or entails passing through the yellow fever belt of Africa or South America.
Malaria: Cape Town is not considered to be a malaria designated area. You are advised however to take the necessary precautions if you are traveling to malaria designated areas located mainly in the northern areas of South Africa and you should consult your general practitioner for advice in this regard.

Medical Emergencies

Cape Town and South Africa have a number of excellent medical facilities, able to meet any medical emergency. As with any travel, you are advised to take out travel insurance to cover the cost of private hospital treatment.

Disclaimer

The information and content provided above is intended purely as a guideline and service for participants and visitors to IUFoST2010. The information may change at any time and without notice. The event and organizers accept no responsibility or liability whatsoever related to this publication.

Further Information

For further information about electricity, health, the scientific and social programmes and the exhibition, please visit the IUFoST 2010 Website http://www.iufost2010.org.za/