Climate

At the Sun City Resort: Day temperatures in September are mild: 20-30 degress during the day and 10-15 degrees at nights. Midwinter occurs in June and July and Midsummer in December and January.

In South Africa: The climate ranges from Mediterranean in the Cape Peninsula to subtropical on the KwaZulu-Natal coast and in the North Eastern regions, while temperate conditions prevail inland: High 28 °C and Low 12 °C.

Medical service

South Africa does not have a national health scheme. The patient is individually responsible for settling all accounts. Travel insurance covering accidents, illness or hospitalization during your stay is strongly recommended. The Sun City Resort where the congress is being held has 24 hour per day medical and emergency services. The Resort as well as the adjacent Pilanesberg National Park is a MALARIA FREE area.

Malaria

Malaria is found only in the Lowveld of Mpumalanga and Limpopo and on the Maputaland coast of KwaZulu-Natal. Although the incidence of malaria is rare, it would be best to take adequate precautions if you choose to visit these areas.

The cheapest, safest and most effective measures against malaria are physical barriers such as a mosquito net, and the use of a good insect repellent. If you decide to take malaria prophylaxis, it is essential that the drugs are taken according to the directions on the package insert. You will need to start a week or two before entering a malaria-endemic area and should continue taking the drugs for four weeks after leaving the malaria risk area. It is advisable to consult a medical professional before embarking on a course of malaria prophylaxis.

Vaccinations

Visitors entering South Africa from a yellow fever zone must have a valid international yellow fever inoculation certificate. Immunization against cholera and small pox are not required, nor are other vaccinations required when visiting South Africa.

Welcome Centre

This centre has Guest Relation Officers on duty all day to assist visitors with any kind of information on the resort and tours outside the resort. A Sun City Help Desk is also situated here and operates from 09:00 to 20:00 everyday. Furthermore a Desktop Publishing and Business Centre is situated at the Entertainment Centre on the resort as well.

Currency and exchange

The South African Rand is the local currency. Foreign exchange can be done in any of the casinos on the resort from 08:00 until casino closes every day. A passport will be required for ALL transactions.

Credit cards, shopping

Foreigners can claim sales tax refunds and should ask salesmen to fill out a tax refund form when purchasing any goods. All major credit cards are accepted throughout South Africa, as well as Traveler's cheques. Various automatic teller machines are also available on the resort.

Electricity/Voltage

The voltage throughout the complex is 220V/50hz.

Time Zone

Central European Time

Water

Tap water is drinkable in all parts of South Africa.

Smoking

Smoking is prohibited in public spaces and is restricted to specific areas.

Visa Requirements

For the majority of foreign nationals who travel to South Africa, entry is straightforward and hassle-free. All visitors must be in possession of a valid passport in order to enter the country and in some cases, a visa. To determine whether you require a visa to enter South Africa, visit the comprehensive South African Home Affairs Department at http://www.southafrica.info/travel/documents/visas.htm

FOR DETAILED INFORMATION ON EVERYTHING POSSIBLY CONNECTED TO SOUTH AFRICA, please visit http://www.southafrica.co.za/south_africa_travel_ info_40.html