Participant Information: June 2008
Dear colleagues
This newsletter has been prepared to provide you, the Congress participant with information and advice that will make your travel to ICE2008 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 Durban at ICE2008.
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. The passport must be valid for no less than 30 days after the final date of our 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 process through customs before making their way to the domestic departures area to recheck the luggage to Durban.
Welcome Desks will be operational at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and Durban International Airport on the 5th and 6th of July, please look out for the ICE2008 Signage in Johannesburg and signage / volunteers in Durban. The staff in Johannesburg will be able to help you to transit from International Arrivals to Domestic Departures and in Durban with transportation from the Airport to your hotel.
Safety and Security
Durban has been 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.
You may have seen on Television or heard on the radio about the xenophobic problems that are taking place in South Africa at present. It is certainly as worrying to us as it may be to you but please be assured that the focal areas are in informal residential areas far removed from any areas you will be moving in and that you will be safe in Durban and the environs of the ICC as well as your hotel and subsequent destinations.
Speaker Preparation
If you are speaking at the Congress, Kindly report to the speaker preparation centre which is situated on the first level of the convention centre at least 24 hours prior to your presentation. You will be able to do a final check of your presentation. It will then be uploaded to the file server for transmission to the presentation venue. Presentations should be in MS PowerPoint and you must advise us if you plan on using a different format or have any other special requirements.
Currency and Money Changing
The following rates of exchange are applicable on 22 May 2008
| 1 Euro | = | ZAR 12.45 |
| 1 British pound | = | ZAR 15.70 |
| 1 US Dollar | = | ZAR 8.00 |
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 favorable. Automatic Teller Machines (ATM's) 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.
A foreign exchange outlet operates during office hours from the International Convention Centre.
Duty Fee Import Allowances
You may bring the following items into South Africa:
| Wine | : | 2 litres |
| Spirits | : | 1 litre |
| Perfume | : | 50ml |
| Tobacco | : | 250g |
| Cigarettes | : | 400 |
| Cigars | : | 150 |
Electricity
The electricity supply 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). Adaptors are readily available at many hotel reception desks and stores.
Registration
Registration for the congress will take place at the International Convention Centre as follows:
| Sunday 6 July 2008 | - | 10h00 - 18h00 |
| Monday 7 July to Friday 11 July | - | 07h30 - 17h30 |
| Saturday 12 July | - | 07h30 - 13h00 |
Congress Jackets
Only 500 exclusive Congress jackets have been ordered!
The jackets, made from Polo Fleece and with a short zip, are ideal for our winter conditions. The ICE2008 logo has been professionally embroidered on the front.
ORDER your Jacket NOW at a cost of only ZAR150, then fetch, and pay for the jacket at the ESSA (Entomological Society of Southern Africa) stand at the Congress venue.
Closing Date for Orders: 20 June 2008
HOW TO ORDER
Send an email to:
Margaret at compugen@netactive.co.za with the following important information...
- Surname
- First Name
- Contact email address
- Contact phone number in South Africa
- Size of jacket required (see sizes below)
- Quantity required
NB: Jackets are available in sizes Small - 5XL. Once ordered, the jacket may unfortunately NOT be exchanged for a different size, so make sure you order the correct size!
Media Worthy Material
The congress will be having the services of a press agent and we hope to have plenty of media coverage. If you have something that may be of public interest please contact Shirley Hanrahan Shirley.Hanrahan@wits.ac.za , Marcus Byrne Marcus.Byrne@wits.ac.za or Allan Jackson allan@mediagroup.co.za ahead of time.
Internet Café
An internet café will be available onsite during the congress.
Disclaimer
The information and content provided in this newsletter is intended purely as a guideline for participants and visitors to ICE2008. The information may change at any time and without notice and the event and organizers accept no responsibility or liability as a consequence. Errors and omission accepted.
ICE 2008
