General/Logistics

Weather
The conference will take place during the mid-winter months in Johannesburg. The air, in winter is particularly dry this time of year and no rain is expected during the winter months. A maximum temperature of up to 16C can be expected during the day. At night, temperatures drop and delegates should make sure to pack warm clothing. The conference hall and all major hotels have heating available. Web site: www.weathersa.co.za

Drinking water
Tap water in South Africa is safe to drink.

Currency
The local currency is the South African Rand. Please visit the South African Forex website at http://www.southafrica.co.za/forex/ for current exchange rates. Foreign exchange facilities can be found at the airport and in many banks, while Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) will accept many international bank and credit cards.

VISA Requirements
If you have a passport from the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the European Union, Singapore, Japan, Switzerland or Liechtenstein, you do not need a visa. If you are from any other country you need a visa and you should apply at least four weeks before you depart. Foreign delegates should check with their local South African embassies or consulates about visa requirements. Delegates can also visit the South African Department of Home Affairs to determine whether they are exempt to obtain a visa (http://www.home-affairs.gov.za/visa_schedule.asp), or whether they are subject to South African visa fees (http://www.home-affairs.gov.za/visa_countries.asp).

If you need an official Letter of Invitation from the conference organizers in order to obtain a visa, please contact Meagan Simpson at meagan.simpson@mrc.ac.za.

Travel to Johannesburg

General
Johannesburg is the most densely populated city in the heart of the Gauteng province in South Africa. It is the economic and cultural pulse of South Africa and can be described as a dynamic, cosmopolitan city home to all major shopping centres, businesses, tourist attractions and airports. For more information on the City of Johannesburg, please visit http://www.joburg.org.za/content/view/803/162/.

Crime
Precautions should be taken with valuable items such as wallets, cellphones and cameras. Delegates are not advised to walk alone after dark or draw attention to money or jewellery. In the case of an emergency, the police can be phoned at 10111.

Driving
Cars in South Africa drive on the left hand side of the road. It is important that you keep to the speed limits which are usually 60 km/h in urban areas, 100 km/h on open roads, and 120 km/h on highways or freeways. Car hire can be done through the following companies (also available at the airport): Avis: +27-11-923-3500; Budget Car Rental: +27-11-392-3929; Europcar: +27-11-396-9000; Imperial Car Hire: +27-11-453-0005.