  |
  |
Latest News
Participant Information Guide
Edition: August 2006
This newsletter has been prepared to provide you, the Congress
participant with information and advice that will make your travel to ISBT
2006 pleasant and memorable. It covers aspects that facilitate easy transit
through airports and immigration as well as giving hints on practical and
social issues.
We look forward to seeing you in Cape Town at ISBT 2006.
Passports and Visas
All visitors to South Africa must be is possession of a valid passport
and it is requirement that the document should have at least 2 empty pages
when you arrive. 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 detailed information on visas please visit:
http://home-affairs.pwv.gov.za/visas.asp
Luggage at Arrival Airports
South African customs regulations require that all 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 Johannesburg International Airport must
collect their luggage at the international arrivals hall and proceed through
customs before making their way to the domestic departures area and recheck
the luggage to Cape Town.
Accommodation
If you have not yet made your accommodation bookings and require
assistance in this regard, you may contact the official Congress housing and
travel agent, Turners Conferences, who will be pleased to assist you.
For the list of appointed hotels with Congress rates and more information
please go to the Hotel Accomodation page.
Transport to Hotels
The Congress has arranged for welcome desk to be situated in the
international arrivals hall and in the domestic arrivals hall at Cape Town
International Airport. Look out for the IBST 2006 banners. Personnel at
these desks will assist you to travel from the airport to your hotel. An
official contractor, Premier Chauffeur Service has been appointed and has
reasonable rates for Congress participants.
We suggest that you arrange your airport to hotel transfer in advance of
your arrival in Cape Town so that you have a smooth passage to your hotel
after your journey.
For more information please read the General Information.
Taxis are readily available for hire in Cape Town and if you wish to be
independent you may hire a car from one of the many quality car rental
companies. Your hotel or the information desk will be pleased to assist you.
African Theme Evening
The African Theme Evening will take place at Moyo’s African Village at Spier
Estate on Wednesday 6th September 2006.
Welcome to Moyo world: an intricate fusion of African flavours, textures,
sights, sounds and smells, creating the greatest feeling of all:
expectation. Under the starlight African sky, set in a garden in the Western
Cape Wine lands, Moyo is unlike any other restaurant.
Bedouin tents and Gazebos are placed throughout the garden and create an
almost nomad African Village.
Around embolas (fire barrels) at night, burning throughout summer and
winter, guests soon form an Indaba circle, sitting, chatting and solving all
the mysteries of the world snugly wrapped in a colourful blankets provided.
This unexpected delight in the Winelands is set to the humming and ululating
voices of 3rd World Bunfight, a performance company known for pushing the
boundaries of African art to the limits.
Transport will leave from the Cape Town International Convention Centre
starting at 18h30 and will return from 21h30 onwards
Dress code for this function is casual but you are advised to bring
something warm to wear as evenings can be cool. Blankets, fires and heaters
will be provided for your comfort.
ISBT 2006 Fun Run
You are invited to take part in the ISBT 2006 fun run/walk. Two distances
are available for your participation, a 2.5 kilometre and a 5 kilometre
route. The course runs along the promenade of the Sea Point sea front.
Come and enjoy the fresh sea air and enter into the spirit of Cape Town.
You will need walking/running shoes, suitable clothing, and a top in case
the weather is cool and all your enthusiasm.
Participation in the fun run is at no cost and if you are interested or
require more information please visit the Social Programme page where you will find full details and
a registration form.
Congress Excursions
Please be sure to register as soon as possible for the Congress excursions
which are available free of charge to all fully registered participants and
accompanying persons.
The Chapman’s Peak Drive Excursion takes place on Tuesday 5 September and
departs from the Cape Town International Convention Centre at 14h45
Registered accompanying persons can also enjoy the Cape Town Orientation
Tour on Monday 4 September. This half day excursion will also depart from
the Cape Town International Convention Centre at 09h00. Register now to
participate.
For more information please take a look at the Excursion Programme.
Optional Excursions
South Africa is often referred to as a world in one country and we would
like you to experience the beauty and the splendour for yourself. A range of
optional sightseeing excursions has been arranged for Congress visitors.
For more information please take a look at the Excursion Programme.
 |
 |
Safety and Security
Cape Town has been the host to numerous international and national events
and our beautiful city is well prepared for your arrival. Like any large
city however, we advise that you exercise good judgement when travelling
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.
There is no reason not to visit the many wonderful attractions, historical
and cultural sites, restaurants and shops that make Cape Town a wonderful
place to visit.
Currency and Money Changing
The following rates of exchange are applicable on 11 August 2006.
| 1 Euro | = ZAR 8.65 |
| 1 British pound | = ZAR 12.81 |
| 1 US Dollar | = ZAR 6.79 |
You may change your money at the airport on arrival or at any of the many
banks in the city. Hotels will also assist but the exchange rates may be
less favourable. 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.
Disclaimer
The information and content provided in this newsletter is intended purely as a guideline for participants and visitors to ISBT 2006. The information may change at any time and without notice and the event and organisers accept no responsibility or liability as a consequence. Errors and omissions excepted.