© O.R. Tambo International Airport
Travel and Logistics
Below you will find some useful information to prepare for your trip and for your arrival in South Africa.
Arrival and Departure Information
Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) is the main international airport serving Pretoria and is the busiest airport in South Africa. Johannesburg is a major hub, with many international airlines flying there. You can find more information about the airport here. The transfer time from Johannesburg to Pretoria is circa 45 minutes - 1 hour.
O.R. Tambo International Airport Map
Visa Information
We recommend all participants check their individual visa requirements for South Africa before travelling. You can find your local South African embassy or consulate here.
Please review the reference map below outlining the visa requirements for South Africa.
© Wikipedia
Registration
A registration desk will be located outside the conference venue (ground floor) on all conference days. If during the conference you have any queries related to the conference programme and/or logistical matters, please contact the registration desk.
Contact Information
NRF Contact Persons
IIASA Contact Persons
Getting Around
Organized transfers
The NRF will arrange transfers to and from O.R. Tambo International Airport and a group transfer will be arranged from different hotels (to be confirmed) in Pretoria to the conference venue on the days of the conference. It will be appreciated if delegates could indicate whether they would like to make use of this service, and communicate their flight and accommodation details by 15 November 2019.
Taxis and private transfers
A taxi transfer from Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport to Pretoria will take around 45 minutes to 1 hour and there are a number of options available.
Rixi Taxis are a reputable company in Pretoria and can be pre booked online for an airport transfer or for a pickup anywhere in the city, prices start at R350 for a one way transfer.
O.R. Tambo International Airport recommend booking private transfers through the app hoppa. More information can be found here. A one way transfer will be between R600-R900.
Uber is also available with prices for a one way airport transfer starting at R450.
Delegates will be soley responsible for any private transfers booked.
Shuttle Services and Car Hire
Your hotel concierge desk will assist where arrangements beyond what is offered by the NRF are required and car hire can be organised at your own account.
Gautrain
The Gautrain is an 80 kilometer long mass rapid transit railway system. It is Africa’s first high speed train and it links Johannesburg, Pretoria, and the O.R. Tambo International Airport.
To travel to Pretoria from the O.R. Tambo International Airport you will need to change at Marlboro Station. Prices for one way ticket start at R174.
Money and Local Currency
The official currency is the South African Rand (ZAR).
When traveling in South Africa, it’s suggested to carry both ZAR and US dollars. While many shops and restaurants will accept credit cards, merchants at small, local markets may only accept cash — typically in ZAR.
Exchanging money in South Africa is fairly straightforward and follows most of the same rules you'd expect when exchanging money anywhere else. We recommend using your hotel concierge desk, should you wish to exchange your currency for the local currency.
Don't forget to inform your bank your are travelling so you can use your debit/credit cards while in South Africa. ATM facilities are available within close proximity of the recommended hotels and conference venue.
VAT
Visitors to South Africa can have the sales tax which they have paid refunded at a port of exit, provided the value of the items purchased exceeds R250. To qualify for a refund, visitors must be in possession of a valid passport, the necessary forms, VAT invoices and till slips. Currently the VAT rate is 14% and is levied on most products.
Shopping
There are a number of shopping centers close to the NRF:
Weather in December
The climate in Pretoria is humid subtropical; generally rainy with two dry seasons (December to February, June to August). A guide to temperatures during December are below:
Average temperature: 29 degrees Celsius
Maximum temperature: 35 degrees Celsius
Minimum temperature: 17 degrees Celsius (night)
Electricity
South Africa operates on a 220V supply voltage and 50Hz. The power outlets are three pin round sockets as shown below.
How to Stay Connected
Access to mobile phone and internet connection in South Africa is excellent. Vodacom, MTN, Virgin Mobile and Cell C mobile phone companies operate in South Africa. You will be able to purchase simcards of any of the operators at the OR Tambo International upon arrival. Please note that it is required by South African law to register your details upon purchase of any simcard and will therefore need a passport and return ticket. Telkom SA also offers affordable international call cards that participants can obtain from selected stores. There will be access to complimentary wireless connection at the hotel rooms and conference venue throughout the conference.
Medical Assistance
If you require any emergency medical assistance while in South Africa and during the conference, please contact your hotel reception. Participants are advised to organise travel insurance before arrival so as to ensure that you are covered appropriately for the duration of your stay in South Africa.
Vaccinations
Some participants may be required to have yellow fever vaccinations. It is advisable to take malaria medication if travelling to any of the game reserves in KwaZulu-Natal or to the Kruger National Park prior to or after the conference.
Time Zone
South Africa is two (2) hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.
Safety
Please be careful with any cameras, cell phones, jewellery, etc. that you may have on you when walking on the street in Pretoria. It is not advisable to wear your conference badges outside the venue. Also, be especially careful after dark.
Language
The conference will be conducted in English.
Dietary Requirements
Please inform us if you have specific dietary requirements that service providers should be aware of. Please advise the organisers of your request so that they can serve you with the correct meal.
