General

Badges

Cape Town

Cape Town and the Western Cape are considered among the most beautiful areas in Africa. It boasts a pristine coastline with white sandy beaches, magnificent countryside with bountiful rivers, vleis and dams, and a unique flora kingdom. It is a cultural melting pot of Indonesian, French, Dutch, British and German settlers, and the local Khoisan (Bushman and Hottentot) and Bantu tribes from the north. Combined with a Mediterranean-like climate and friendly community, it has all the ingredients of a perfect destination for any visitor. As the oldest city in South Africa (Cape Town is also the legislative capital of the country) it features a unique selection of historical architecture, which includes the oldest building in South Africa, the Castle of Good Hope, and other buildings such as the Houses of Parliament in the city’s central business disctrict. Situated at the foot of the world renowned Table Mountain, the city centre and heart of Cape Town covers a relatively small area, making it easy to explore on foot. Numerous excellent hotels, interesting shops, and trendy restaurants and bars can be found in the city and suburbs along the coastline. Many other popular attractions include a cable car ride up Table Mountain, a boat trip to Robben Island where former President Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, and a visit to the V&A Waterfront, a shopping paradise with over 270 stores and numerous art and craft markets, which also features top class resaurants.

Venue and Date

The meeting will take place at the Cape Town International Conference Centre (CTICC) from 2 - 7 September 2006The address is:
Convention Square
1 Lower Long Street
Cape Town
8001
South Africa
Telephone: +27 21 410 5000
Fax: +27 21 410 5001

Certificates of Attendance

Coffee and Tea Breaks

Cloakroom and Luggage

Currency and Banking service

Eating Out in Cape Town

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 equalling 100 cents. Denomination of Rand notes are R200, R100, R50, R20, and R10, and the coins are R5, R2, R1, 50c, 20c, 10c and 5c.
• 1 United States Dollar = ZAR 6.50*         • 1 Euro = ZAR 7.95 (at time of print*)
Facilities for cashing traveler’s cheques are available at banks (operating hours weekdays from 09:00 to 15:30, Saturdays from 08:30 to 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 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. *The above exchange rates were applicable in November 2005.

Internet

Liability and Insurance

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).

First Aid

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. However, 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.

Internet

Insurance

The XXIX International Congress of the ISBT accepts no liability for any personal injury, loss of or damage to property belonging to congress participants, nor additional expenses incurred by them 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.

Liability and Insurance

Lunch

Lunch is included in the registration fee. Lunch will be provided in the Exhibition Area
and at the entrance of the meeting rooms where Satellite Symposia will take place.

Opening hours

Message Desk (Registration Area)

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 must be in posession of return/onward flight tickets. Visas cannot be obtained on arrival. A list of countries that currently do not require a visa can be found on the SA Government website: www.home-affairs.pwv.gov.za/imigration/visas/schedule.htm

If required, upon request, the Congress Organiser 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. Applications for a letter of invitation should be sent to the Congress Organiser before 1 June 2006 or made via the internet. Please note that only registered delegates who have paid their Congress registration fees may apply for a letter of invitation. Applications received after 1 June 2006 will not be accepted.

Prices

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

Tea or coffee	ZAR 12.00 / € 1.51	Big Mac Burger	ZAR 20.00 / € 2.52
Restaurant meal	ZAR150.00 / € 18.87	Beer (340ml)	ZAR 10.00 / € 1.26
Cinema ticket	ZAR 37.00 / € 4.65	Cola (340ml)	ZAR 6.00 / € 0.75
Sandwich	ZAR 25.00 / € 3.14	Wine (750ml)	ZAR 60.00 / € 7.55

Programme changes

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

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, which has good and bad areas. Common sense will ensure a trouble free and enjoyable congress and vacation. We advise you not to 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 are open between 08.00 and 17.00 or 17.30. Shops in some major malls may only open at 09.00 and close at 21.00 or even later (especially at the V&A Waterfront), and are open on Sundays and most public holidays. Government agencies still keep to traditional weekday only hours. Most banks close at 15.30 and have limited Saturday morning opening times. Muslim-owned businesses close at noon on Fridays and re-open at 13.00.

Smoking

Staff

Tipping

Gratuities are expected in South Africa. A guideline is the following:

• airport porters ZAR5.00 per item
• taxis 10%
• restaurant staff tipping 10%

Trade Exhibition

A commercial exhibition of pharmaceutical items and technical equipment will be organised during the Congress. Interested companies can contact the Congress Organiser for further information at:
Eurocongres Conference Management
Jan van Goyenkade 11
1075 HP Amsterdam
Netherlands
Telephone: +31 20 679 3411
Fax: +31 20 673 7306
Email: isbt.capetown@eurocongres.com

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.

Useful Telephone and Fax Numbers

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 Customs and Excise Official on departure, and the total VAT on these items will be refunded.

Weather

September in Cape Town heralds the start of spring. The weather is fair with maximum daytime temperatures ranging from 16° C to 24° C.