POPULATION

South Africa is home to multi-cultural melting pot of 60 million beautiful people of diverse origins, cultures, languages, and religions.

LANGUAGE

Although English is widely spoken and is used for informational signage, South Africa celebrates diversity in language with a total of 12 official languages. These languages are Afrikaans, isiNdebele, isiXhosa, isiZulu, Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, Sign language, Siswati, Tshivenda, Xitsonga and English.

CONGRESS LANGUAGE 

The official language of the Congress is English. 2024AAAC will provide simultaneous interpretation from English to French in sessions scheduled in the Plenary Room. 

RELIGION

Enshrined in the South African constitution is the right for all people to practice their religion free from persecution. The most practiced religion in South Africa include Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Buddhism.

CURRENCY

The Rand is the official whole currency unit in South Africa. A Rand is the equivalent of 100 cents. Currency denominations include 5 cent, 10 cent, 20 cent and 50 cent coins, as well as 1, 2 and 5 Rand coins. 1 Rand is the equivalent of 100 cents. Bank notes include denominations of R10, R20, R50, R100 and R200. 

Click here for currency converter

TIPS AND TIPPING

You will be glad to know that in South Africa your tip should be at least 10 - 15% of your bill. In some restaurants, you will notice that the tip is included in the total.

PAYMENTS

Most major international Credit Cards are accepted throughout South Africa, including Visa and Mastercard. Although widely accepted American Express and Diners Club sometimes may not be accepted. ATM’s are widespread and most will allow visitors to withdraw Rands directly from bank or credit cards.

TAX

Value-added-tax (VAT) is charged on most items. Foreign tourists to South Africa can have their 15% VAT refunded provided that the value of the items purchased exceeds R250.00. VAT is refunded at the point of departure provided receipts are produced.

FOREX

Forex desks are situated at most airports to exchange currency. In addition to this most major retail banks are able to assist with currency exchange. These forex desks will produce a quote for the exchange which must be agreed to in order to exchange currency.

GEOGRAPHY

South Africa is situated on the Southern tip of the African Continent. It shares neighbouring borders with Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. South Africa encloses both Swaziland and Lesotho. South Africa has over 2700 km of Coastline shared between the Atlantic Ocean on the west coast and the warm Indian Ocean on the east coast.

TIME ZONE

The time in South Africa is 2 hours ahead of UTC and the same as in Eden Glen. The timezone in South Africa is South Africa Standard Time (SAST). 

PROVINCES

South Africa is divided into 9 beautiful provinces, each with their own incredible diversity and history. These include the Northern Cape, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and the North West.

CAPITALS

South Africa has three capital cities. Cape Town is the legislative capital, Pretoria is the administrative capital and Bloemfontein is the judicial capital.

PASSPORT

All visitors to South Africa must be in possession of a valid passport in order to enter the country, and in some cases, a visa. However, it is important to note that under South Africa's Immigration Act of 2002 (Act. 13 of 2002) in force since 7 April 2003, (a) Immigration Act, 2002 the passport shall contain at least THREE unused page when presenting the passport for endorsements. Failure to have a clear page can result in entry being refused.Please apply for your visa timeously, as many of the Embassies are backed up as a result of all the applications post Covid. 

Passports need to be valid for a minimum of 6 months after your departure date from South Africa. 


VISA

To determine whether you require a visa to enter South Africa, visit the comprehensive South African Home Affairs Department website at: Click here

More information on Visa can be found on the travel menu section.

HEALTH

South Africa has a well-developed healthcare system. There are both public and private hospitals throughout South Africa. Be sure to top up on medical insurance before leaving your home country. Well-qualified doctors, dentists and specialists can be found easily, but it is advisable to make an appointment unless it is an emergency.

MALARIA

While most of South Africa is malaria-free, this mosquito-borne disease is prevalent throughout the year in the Kruger National Park and the low-lying areas of northern KwaZulu-Natal. Consult a healthcare professional about a suitable prophylactic. Your choice of drug will depend on how long you are visiting the malarial area, the time of year and your personal health.

VACCINATIONS

South Africa requires all visitors travelling from yellow fever risk countries to show proof of yellow fever vaccination by means of a valid yellow fever certificate. Click here to view countries for which a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required.

Immunisation against cholera and small pox are not required and no other vaccinations are required when visiting South Africa. 

DISABILITY

Major hotel chains have ensured facilities for travellers with special needs. If you require additional assistance it is always advised that you verify with the accommodation and experiences you are interested in to ensure that your needs are met. If you require additional dispensation or assistance when hiring a vehicle, most of the major vehicle rental companies are able to assist.

COMMUNICATION

South Africa has a well developed communications infrastructure. A number of network providers offer national coverage and there are well-established landline phone networks. Internet and Wi-Fi is easily accessible in most urban areas at hotels, restaurants, shopping centres and public places.

ELECTRICITY

The South African electricity supply is 220/230 volts AC 50 HZ. With a few exceptions electricity is available almost everywhere. Please ensure that you bring the correct converter for your electrical equipment.


DRIVING

To drive in South Africa, foreigners must have a full licence from their country of residence. Licences printed in English are valid, an International Driver's Permit (IDP) must be obtained if the licence is in any other language. The licence should be signed by the permit holder and have a photograph and must be carried on their person at all times.

Visitors will also not be able to rent a car without a valid driver's permit. The wearing of seatbelts is compulsory and strictly enforced by law. Speaking on mobile phones whilst driving is only allowed via a hands-free kit. South Africans drive on the left hand side of the road.

AIRPORTS

South Africa’s three major international airports are O.R. Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg); Cape Town International Airport; and King Shaka International Airport (Durban).

GAUTRAIN

Gautrain is an 80-kilometre (50-mile) higher-speed express commuter rail system in Gauteng, which links Johannesburg, Pretoria, Kempton Park and O. R. Tambo International Airport. It takes 15 minutes to travel from Sandton to O. R. Tambo International Airport.

CAR HIRE

Car-hire companies operate in South Africa, offering anything from small, budget-friendly cars to luxurious sedans. You can take advantage of special offers if you book well in advance. Bookings can be made online, please see contact details below:


www.avis.co.za
Central Reservations: 0861 021 111
Tel +27 (0)11 387 8431
E-mail: reservations@avis.co.za 
www.budget.co.za
Central Reservations: 086 101 6622
Tel +27 (0)11 387 8002
Email: reservations@budget.co.za
www.europcar.co.za
Central Reservations: 0861 131 000
Tel +27 (0)11 479 4000
Central Reservations: 0861 600 136
Tel +27 (0)21 935 4800
www.tempestcarhire.co.za
Central Reservations: 0861 836 737
Tel +27 (0)11 479 4000


UBER/BOLT

The service is efficient and an excellent choice if you don’t want to hire a car. Credit card options are available so you don’t need to carry cash on you. This is a safe option to travel around Johannesburg.

CONGRESS ORGANISER

Velocity Vision

   sasa@velocityvision.co.za

  +2711 894 1278


© 2024 All Africa Anaesthesia Congress