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Index of information:
Conventional local wisdom used to be that spring (September and October) and autumn (April and May) are the smart times to visit Cape Town. They are usually balmy in-between seasons, with little wind, when nature is at its showiest. If you're into flowers or whale-watching, or seeing the vineyards at their best, these are great seasons to be in the Cape.
| Month |
Average Sunlight (hours) |
Temperature
|
Discomfort from heat and humidity |
Relative humidity |
Average Precipitation (mm) |
Wet Days (+0.25 mm) |
| May |
6 |
Min
9 |
Max
19 |
Min
-1 |
Max
35 |
- |
am
91 |
pm
65 |
79 |
9 |
|
www.weathersa.co.za
South Africa has 11 official languages but English is widely spoken and is spoken in business, government, schools and everyday communications.
The currency unit is the South African Rand (R) =100 cents, with the international symbol ZAR.
View the Current Exchange Rates.
The South African authorities impose no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency travellers may bring with them, however they set limits on the export of banknotes. Travellers must obtain the necessary permit from the South African Reserve Bank should they have more than R500 in cash in their possession on leaving the country.
Foreign currency can be exchanged at commercial banks, bureaus de change and authorised dealers such as Thomas Cook and American Express.
Major international credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and VISA and Traveller's Cheques are accepted in most shops, restaurants and hotels. Automatic teller machines (ATMs) situated outside most banks in towns and cities operate 24 hours a day. In South Africa, petrol (gasoline) can only be paid for with a special garage card or cash. Ordinary credit cards may not be used for the purchase of petrol.
Mains power throughout South Africa is 230 - 220 volts AC 60 - 50Hz but many hotels and other tourist centres also provide 110 volts sockets. In most places the most common types of power sockets are the 15-amp three-pin (round pins), and the 5-amp two-pin (round pins).
South Africa has a sophisticated cellphone network and cellphones can be hired while in the country. Alternatively, visitors can use their own cellphone/mobile in South Africa if it is able to receive/dial international calls.
A valid driver's license, provided the photograph is an integral part of the document, and provided it is printed in English, is accepted. If your license does not comply with these requirements, you should obtain an International Driving Permit before your departure for South Africa.
An excellent road network links the largest metropolitan areas with the smallest villages. South Africa drives on the left. The speed limit in urban areas is usually 60 kilometres per hour, on rural roads 100 km/h, and on freeways 120 km/h unless otherwise indicated. Wearing seat belts is compulsory; driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offence and traffic laws are strictly enforced.
We strongly advise the NIR 2011 delegates to book their airport shuttle from Cape Town International Airport to their hotel before arriving in South Africa. Magic Shuttle Company can assist you with your airport shuttles.
In order to book your shuttle please contact Lynn Adonis at e-mail: cpt@magicbus.co.za
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or Tel +27 21 505 6300 or Fax +27 21 534 9111.
Return shuttles from the hotel to the airport can be made at the Registration Desk during the NIR 2011 Conference at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
Booking requirements for the shuttle: Please use the reference NIR 2011 when making the reservation.
Pre booking and payment is required. Please provide the following information:
Delegate name and contact details, flight name, number, flight arrival time and date, hotel and credit card details for pre-payment.
All hours mobile contact number for Magic Shuttle: 083 386 8160
Cape Town International Airport is South Africa's second largest airport and situated a mere 20 minutes from the city centre. Its service ranks among the highest in the world and has earned the World Travel Award for Africa's leading airport for the last seven years running. Several international airlines fly directly to and from Cape Town International. Alternatively flights landing at OR Tambo International in Johannesburg are linked by domestic flights to the airport in Cape Town.
Customs officials may inspect baggage at the first airport of disembarkation in South Africa. There is no restriction on the items which are carried for personal use and which are not intended for gifts or sale in South Africa. No duty is payable on such items. Thus cameras, video cameras, binoculars, portable computers, cellular phones and similar devices may be brought with you.
To determine whether you require a visa or not, we strongly advise you to contact your local office of the diplomatic or consular representative of the South African government. Applicants in countries where South Africa is not represented may send their applications directly to the Director General: Home Affairs, Private Bag X114, Pretoria, 0001, Republic of South Africa.
The only inoculation requirement for visitors is a yellow fever vaccination certificate from those who enter South Africa within six days of leaving a yellow fever zone.
Most of South Africa, including major centres, carries no risk of malaria. Only take anti-malarial medication if you are travelling to a high-risk area. Malaria is endemic in some parts of Mpumalanga, Northern Province and KwaZulu-Natal, and it is essential to take precautions if you intend visiting these areas. Consult a doctor or pharmacist about the most suitable prophylactic.
It is advisable to take out comprehensive travel insurance for the duration of your stay in southern Africa. The host of this event, NIR 2011; their sponsors; the organisers, Conferences et al; the venue, Cape Town International Convention Centre, Wallenberg Research Centre @ Stias and all the service providers cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage to personal property, injury or death for the duration of the event or arrangements made on behalf of the visitor, for activities before or after NIR 2011 Conference. South Africa has no national health scheme. It is advisable to purchase travel insurance that covers medical expenses during the period of your stay.
Cape Town's Central Business District and major malls have made considerable efforts to safeguard tourist and residents against crime. Surveillance cameras monitor activities in the central business district and security guards watch over major shopping centres. Nonetheless, tourist should take the sensible precautions they would in any major city in the world.
Avoid carrying large sums of cash around, leaving belongings unattended and avoid wandering on your own after dark in deserted streets.
Please do not give money to beggars and street children.
The NIR 2011 exhibitors shall indemnify all Sponsors, the Organisers, the Cape Town International Convention Centre and other agents or employees from any and all such losses, damages and claims.
The organisers shall under no circumstances be responsible for any loss or damage which may at any time be suffered by the exhibitor, his employees, servants, customers, clients or visitors or to any of his property by reason of any act, neglect, default or otherwise howsoever caused by any servant or agent of the organiser or any other person whomsoever. Without in any way detracting from the generality of the a foregoing, the organiser shall not be held responsible for any loss which the exhibitor and/or any other person(s) may suffer through theft, burglary or damage from any cause whatsoever.
Currently set at 14%, VAT is included in the marked/quoted price of most goods and services. Foreign visitors who leave South Africa with goods purchased in the country can claim the VAT refund for amounts in excess of R500 at the airport on their departure by producing the invoices or receipts exhibiting VAT paid for the goods in question.
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