18 to 21 February 2009, Gallagher Convention Centre,
Gauteng, South Africa

CONFERENCE INFORMATION

VENUE & LOCATION

Gallagher Convention Centre - One of Africa's Largest one stop conference and exhibitions facilities, of international standing, Gallagher Convention Centre is capable of hosting from 2 - 12 000 delegates at any one time, in style and comfort.

Conveniently situated for local, national and international clients, in an environment which is efficient, secure and creative.

To download a map and directions please visit www.gallagher.co.za

AIRPORT TRANSFERS

Transport services will be available for all delegates between OR Tambo International Airport and Official Hotels at an additional charge. Please register and pay online in order to secure your booking.

Rates:
Return Airport Transfers:
Arrivals 17/18 February 2009
Departures 21/22 February 2009
OR Tambo to Hotels
R500 per person

TOURS

Various tours have been arranged for your own costs. Please register and pay online to secure your booking.

Tour information:

GENERAL INFORMATION

Language
Although there are 11 official languages in South Africa, English is the country’s primary language. It is the country’s business language and all signage is displayed in English. The official conference language for The 2nd African Science Communication Conference is English.

Visas
All delegates will be personally responsible for ensuring that they are in possession of the correct documentation prior to their departure. The organisers do not accept responsibility for any consequences whatsoever from a delegate failing to ensure that he or she has complied with the necessary health, passport and visa requirements. Applications for visas should be submitted to the nearest South African diplomatic or consular representative abroad.

Please visit the following web page to see if you require a visa.
http://www.southafrica.info/travel/documents/

Immunization
Entering South Africa does not require any form of immunization.
However, a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required of travellers entering South Africa within six days of leaving an infected country. Visitors who travel through or disembark in such countries are advised to be inoculated against Yellow Fever prior to visiting South Africa.

Certain areas of South Africa are subject to Malaria before entering these specific areas; visitors should consult a doctor or pharmacist to obtain appropriate medication.

For more information visit: www.travelclinic.co.za

Customs
Entry into South Africa is subject to customs clearance. Information regarding the temporary importation of goods, such as exhibition materials is available through the Department of Customs and Excise. Customs duty will be levied against any and all items, which exceed identified limits. Payment of such duties is, in most instances, required prior to departure from the customs area.

Currency
The South African currency is known as the Rand (ZAR), which utilizes the decimal system, with one Rand being equal to 100 cents. A foreign exchange facility will be available onsite at the International Convention Centre (ICC). It is recommended that currency be exchanged at the hotel or at the conference center, rather than at the airport.

For updated currency rates see www.x-rates.com

Indemnity
While every care is being taken in all arrangements, please note that the organizers will not be liable for any accidents, loss of / damage during the conference period. Delegates must make their own personal insurance arrangements.

Insurance
By your acceptance and payment of registration you accept the terms and conditions laid down by the Organising Committee and any of its service providers. You must ensure that you have adequate personal insurance to cover your travel and medical as neither the Organising Committee nor any of its service providers can be held liable for loss or injury while at the school / conference or on any of its tours or activities. Normally, if you pay for your air ticket by credit card, you should have automatic travel cover. Please check this with your credit card provider and airline.

Credit Cards
All major credit cards and travellers cheques are widely accepted in and around Gauteng. A Foreign exchange facility is available at OR International Airport.

Taxation
Visitors to South Africa may claim a refund of the Value Added Tax (currently 14%), paid for items purchased in South Africa. Such claims should be made upon the visitor’s departure from South Africa. Contact the Department of Customs and Excise for more information on 011 225 9000.

Electricity
South Africa’s electricity supply is 220/230 volts, AC 50Hz. US/UK – made appliances may require a transformer in order to operate in South Africa.

Adapters are a vailable for the following sites:
Foreign Electric Plug Adapters
Electricity around the world

Medical Services
Medical services are of a high standard and most international prescription drugs are readily available through retail pharmacies. It is suggested that you take out personal medical insurance for the duration of your trip.

For further information, see www.travelclinic.co.za. For e-mail enquiries contact: travelinfo@netcare.co.za. Travellers requiring urgent medical assistance may make use of the NetCare 911 emergency call system countrywide - simply dial 082 911.

Time
South Africa is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GCMT), one hour ahead of Central European Winter Time and seven hours ahead of Eastern Standard Winter Time, USA.

Weather
A real-time view of SA weather via radar and satellite, as well as weather information for all areas of SA can viewed at www.weathersa.co.za.