Plan Your Stay
SYMPOSIUM VENUE
Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC)
Convention Square, 1 Lower Long Street
Cape Town 8001 SOUTH AFRICA
https://www.cticc.co.za/
ACCOMMODATIONS
The following are suggested hotels in Cape Town. Note that delegates must book their own accommodations; IAIA is not involved in hotel bookings.
Hotel Sky Cape Town
Address: 9 Lower Long St, Foreshore, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
Location: Across the street from event venue CTICC
Special offer for Celsius 1.5 delegates (must be booked using the link below):
- Queen Room: R1015.00/night B&B incl 15% VAT, excl 1% tourism levy
- Superior Room: R1185.00/night B&B incl 15% VAT, excl 1% tourism levy
Booking Link: HOTEL SKY CAPE TOWN - ICCS
Group Code: ICCS
CAPETONIAN HOTEL
Address: Pier Place, Heerengracht St, Foreshore, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
Location: Across the road from event venue CTICC
Special offer for Celsius 1.5 delegates (must be booked using the email below):
- Superior Single Room – R1050.00 includes breakfast
- Superior Double/Twin Room – R1470.00 includes breakfast
- Suites (Single/Double) – R2000.00 includes breakfast
Booking Link: Email the hotel’s reservation office at Rayacro2@capetonian.co.za and/or Rayacro4@capetonian.co.za.
Reference: IAIA Symposium
PROTEA HOTEL CAPE TOWN NORTH WHARF
Address: 1 Lower, Bree St, Foreshore, Cape Town, 8002, South Africa
Location: Two blocks from event venue CTICC
Special offer for Celsius 1.5 delegates (must be booked using the link below):
- One bedroom apartment at R2450.00/night
Booking Link: BOOK AT PROTEA HOTEL CAPE TOWN NORTH WHARF
Event Name: IAIAsa
LANGUAGE USED
English is the primary language used at IAIA events. Unless otherwise noted, all sessions will be held in English.
English, Afrikaans, and Xhosa are the main languages spoken in Cape Town. It is highly unlikely that you will encounter a South African who does not speak English.
PASSPORTS AND VISAS
All foreign visitors to South Africa must have a valid passport. To find out if you will need a visitor visa and for more information on the visa application process, please visit the Department of Home Affairs—Republic of South Africa website (http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/applying-for-sa-visa) to search for the requirements for your country. Be sure to make your visa applications early, as the process can take weeks to months in some cases. A link to request a personalized visa invitation letter will be included in your registration confirmation email; registration and payment are required before invitation letters can be issued.
Please note that IAIA has no influence in visa application procedures or the approval/denial of individual applications by embassies. All countries have different requirements; it is the sole responsibility of each delegate to inquire on the proper procedure from their country's embassy in an effort to procure his/her visitor visa.
TRANSPORTATION TO CAPE TOWN
Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) is Africa's 3rd largest and most award-winning airport. Located approximately 20 km (12 mi) from the city center, the airport has domestic and international terminals, linked by a common central terminal. The airport offers direct flights to cities across Africa, Asia, and Europe, but the bulk of international carriers fly into Johannesburg, a two-hour domestic flight from Cape Town.
AIRPORT TRANSFERS
Sisonke Tours will provide private transfers (starting at ZAR 540) and shared transfers (departing hourly; ZAR 300 per person) from the Cape Town airport to your hotel. Advanced booking via their website is required. Passengers will then be met at the arrivals hall with a nameboard. See a full description of options and rates, as well as other tours being offered by this company, at www.sisonketours.co.za/iaiasa/.
TRANSPORTATION WITHIN CAPE TOWN
MyCiTi is Cape Town's convenient and reliable bus system and operates up to 18 hours a day. The MyCiti airport-to-city service runs between the Cape Town International Airport and the Civic Centre bus stations via the N2 and Nelson Mandela Boulevard at a cost of around R80. The MyCiti inner-city bus service provides convenient transport to hotels, restaurants, and other places of interest. The Metro Rail system connects the city center with the northern suburbs, southern suburbs, and Cape Flats. Metered taxis are available, and Uber is also a very popular and convenient way to travel around Cape Town. The city is ideal to explore on foot -- a perfect way to experience its energy and vibrancy. Cape Town Station is situated within walking distance of most of the city center hotels.
ACCESSIBILITY
If you have a disability and require assistance, please contact IAIA HQ by 7 September 2022 to discuss your specific needs.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
IAIA, the organizing committee, and the venue will not be responsible for medical expenses, accidents, losses or other unexpected damage to property belonging to symposium participants, either during or as a result of the symposium and during all tours and events. Delegates without travel or health insurance are personally liable for covering any medical and associated costs they incur. IAIA recommends that delegates purchase travel insurance and ensure that the policy covers all medical expenses for injury or illness, as well as theft of valuables, damage to baggage, and cancellations or interruptions to flight plans.
TOURISM INFORMATION
Cape Town is the second-most populated city in South Africa and the legislative capital of the country. With its pleasant climate, spectacular natural beauty, interesting cultural diversity, and arguably the best infrastructure on the continent, Cape Town is Africa's most popular tourist destination. Unforgettable attractions include Robben Island, Cape Point, Table Mountain, Cape Winelands, and Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, all within easy access. Cape Town is also one of only 13 cities in Africa that are C40 cities (cities committed to taking measurable climate action) and one of only 5 cities in South Africa with a Climate Change Strategy.
CLIMATE
September is spring in South Africa and a pleasant time of year for travel in the country.
MONEY
South Africa's currency is the Rand, and it's worth peanuts, so bring your Euros and your dollars and have a blast. ATMs are ubiquitous and will accept most international bank and credit cards. Credit cards may be used at most hotels, restaurants, care hire companies etc. American Express and Diners Club are sometimes not accepted by shops, but this is seldom an issue at hotels.
SIM CARDS
Major mobile service providers in South Africa are Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, and 8ta. Local SIM cards can be purchased at the airport on arrival or at stores around the city.
TIPPING CUSTOMS
Generally, tipping is done in restaurants, with the fee at between 10 and 15% depending on the quality of the service received. Wait staff are generally not paid especially well by the restaurants and rely on tips to make their income worthwhile. Check your bill before tipping because some restaurants do include a "service fee" of 10% on the bill. Tipping taxi drivers is not common practice; for other services, such as porters and bellhops, it is at the discretion of the customer, but please remember that a little tip can go a long way for these employees.
ELECTRICITY
The South African electricity supply is 220/230 volts AC 50 HZ. Power sockets: type C/D/M/N. The simplest is to ensure that you have a European two-pin plug and purchase an inexpensive adapter while in South Africa. Adaptors are also available for US and Canadian plugs.
TAXES
Currently set at 14%, Value Added Tax (VAT) is included in the price of most goods and services. Foreign visitors are not exempt from paying VAT on purchased goods. They may, however, claim back VAT paid on items taken out of the country when the total valued exceeds R250. The refund may be lodged with the VAT Refund Administrator's offices, which are situated at Johannesburg and Cape Town International Airports, various land border posts, and designated commercial harbors. Please note that the refund claim should only be lodged with the South African Customs Authorities at points of departure where the VAT Refund Administrator is not present. Who Can Claim? Foreign passport holders who travel to the South Africa on a non-resident travel document and export moveable goods from the Republic of South Africa.