The unit of currency in South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR) and is indicated with a capital R so that, for example, three Rand and fifty cents would be written R3.50. South Africa has a decimal currency system with one Rand equalling 100 cents. Denomination of Rand notes are R200, R100, R50, R20, and R10 and of the coins are R5, R2, R1, 50c, 20c and 10c.

The following exchange rates were applicable as of 30 August 2024:

Facilities for cashing traveller's cheques are available at banks (operating hours are Monday to Friday 09h00 - 15h30, Saturdays 08h30 - 11h00) and at most hotels. Banks are closed on Sundays. Foreign exchange agencies are open during the week and on Saturdays. Automatic teller machines (ATM) are open 24 hours and are located at most banks as well as at the convention centre. International credit cards (Visa, Diners Club, MasterCard, and American Express) are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops.

Price Guidelines (for illustration purposes only).

Prices will vary, but the following is an indication of what delegates might expect to pay:

The electricity supply in South Africa is 220 - 240 volts, 50 Hz. The connection for appliances is a round three-pin plug. Most hotels provide dual-voltage two-pin razor sockets (100-120 volts and 220-240 volts).

There are no compulsory vaccination requirements for persons entering South Africa although a certificate for yellow fever may be required if you are entering from certain South American or sub-Saharan African countries. Certain parts of the country have been designated as malaria risk areas. If you intend travelling to one of these areas, it is essential that you take prophylaxis before arrival and whilst in the area. Protective clothing and insect repellents should also be used.

Malaria: Cape Town is not considered to be a malaria designated area. You are advised however to take the necessary precautions if you are traveling to malaria designated areas located mainly in the northern areas of South Africa or Northern KwaZulu-Natal, and you should consult your general practitioner for advice in this regard. Cape Town is a malaria risk free area.

South African doctors and dentists are highly trained professionals and hospitals are well equipped. Participants are requested to make their own arrangements with respect to health insurance prior to departure and consult their local general practitioner for personal expert advice. The South African National Travel Health Network (SaNTHNet) has been established to provide travellers with essential information related to health risks both locally and across borders. The website has regular updates on health risks, as well as providing general information related to vaccination requirements for various destinations.

For more information, please visit: https://www.santhnet.co.za/

It is safe to drink tap water throughout South Africa. However, for those who prefer bottled mineral water, this is readily available in various stores.
Smoking is prohibited by law in most public buildings in South Africa (airports, shopping centres, restaurants etc.), except in designated smoking areas.

There are currently no Covid-19 restrictions applicable for entry into South Africa.

The APSS 2026 accepts no liability for any personal injury, loss, or damage of property belonging to or additional expenses incurred by conference participants either during the conference or as result of delays, strikes or any other circumstances. Participants are requested to make their own arrangements with respect of health, travel, and cancellation insurance.

The official Congress language will be English.

Loadshedding is another term for rolling blackouts and power cuts. Load-shedding happens when there’s a huge demand on the national power grid, leading to the interruption of the electricity supply to the country. Loadshedding discontinues the power supply to certain areas, according to a schedule, to allow the power utility to get failed generation units back online. Load-shedding is implemented in stages and depends on the extent of the shortage of electricity generation.

Note: The City of Cape Town only implements load-shedding when instructed by Eskom’s National Control Centre. The decision to implement loadshedding is therefore beyond the City’s control and often at short notice.

Loadshedding affects everyone to varying degrees. There are places which experience little to no load-shedding, due to their proximity to important government structures such as hospitals and parliament etc.

You can call ahead and ask whether the area you’re visiting experiences loadshedding. If they do, enquire about backup generators or alternative power supply.

The Cape Town ICC has back-up power and will not affect our congress.

Click here for passport and visa information.

The organisers cannot assume liability for any changes in the programme due to external or unforeseen circumstances. Changes will be mentioned on message screens throughout the conference centre.

For those participants who have not previously visited South Africa, or Ballito, and are concerned about personal safety, we wish to assure all visitors that Ballito is like any other major city with good and bad areas. Common sense will ensure a trouble free and enjoyable conference and vacation. The area around Zimbali Coastal Resort is safe, and well monitored, but we advise that you do not walk alone after dark in unpopulated streets. Ostentatious displays of wealth should be avoided all the time. During the Conference, the information desk at the venue and your hotel's concierge will be able to assist you with information on places to visit and the appropriate means of transport.