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Cape Town is the third most populous city in South Africa, forming part of the metropolitan municipality
of the City of Cape Town. It is the provincial capital of the Western Cape, as well as the legislative capital
of South Africa, where the National Parliament and many government offices are located. Cape Town is
famous for its harbour as well as its natural setting in the Cape Floral kingdom, including such well-known
landmarks as Table Mountain and Cape Point. Often regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful cities
because of its geography, Cape Town is the most popular South African destination for tourism.
Cape Town originally developed as a stopover point for Dutch ships sailing to Eastern Africa, India, and
Asia more than 200 years before the advent of the Suez Canal in 1869. Jan van Riebeeck’s arrival on 6
April 1652 established the first permanent European settlement in sub-Saharan Africa. Cape Town quickly
outgrew its original purpose as the first European outpost at the Castle of Good Hope. It was the largest city
in South Africa until the growth of Johannesburg and Durban.
General information:
Congress Venue
CTICC - Cape Town International Convention Centre
Convention Square, 1 Lower Long Street, Cape Town 8001, South Africa.
Tel: +27 21 410 5000 Fax: +27 21 410 5001
The CTICC is close to the vibrant heart of the centre of Cape Town. It is a super modern
venue that is designed to meet the varied needs of delegates and visitors. One of the
outstanding features of the CTICC is its imposing two-storey gallery that extends the full
length of the centre. WCA2008 delegates will find a host of useful facilities located within
the CTICC, these include a business centre, and a Bureau de Change.
Currency
The official currency used in South Africa is the South African Rand, ZAR. Most international
credit cards (for example American Express, Mastercard, Visa) are widely accepted.
Electricity
South Africa electricity is standard: 220 volts, 50 Hz, AC. However, as plugs have two circular
metal pins above a large circular grounding pin, an adaptor or a transformer is essential for
foreign appliances.
Insurance
We advise you to make sure that your travel insurance is up-to-date and that it covers you for
injury/medical emergency and material theft. It is not that we expect for you to need it but it
is better to be safe than sorry!
Language
South Africa has 11 official languages; English is the language of administration and is the
most spoken language in South Africa. The official language of WCA2008 is English; however
some sessions will be translated into Spanish and French.
Smoking Policy
Please note that smoking is not allowed in any of the congress venues.
Time Zone
South Africa is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
Value Added Tax (VAT)
VAT is currently 14% in South Africa and is levied on all goods and services. If you are a foreign
visitor to South Africa attending WCA2008. your can reclaim your VAT on purchases if
you have spent more than ZAR250.
Visa
You have to keep in mind that when you travel to South Africa some countries are required to
apply for a visa to visit South Africa. All this information you find on www.dha.gov.za
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