All, Here are the notes that ICANN sent to "supported travelers". Others traveling to Jo'burg should find them useful as well. *NOTES: * ICANN will implement a 24/7 Health and Safety Center (HSC) providing resources on the ground to help with any security or medical questions, concerns and incidents. Contact information for the HSC can be found in the Emergency Numbers section below. *BEFORE YOU TRAVEL* *MEDICAL* Before traveling, consult with a travel health professional about any medical preparations required, including vaccinations. See the CDC website for more information about recommended vaccinations for travel to South Africa. Additionally, a yellow fever vaccine is required for anyone coming from or traveling through WHO-designated yellow fever countries. Make sure that you have an adequate supply of any regular medications. Work with your health professional to determine if your medications are available in South Africa, and if not, any alternate medications you can take if your medications are lost or stolen. Always carry your medications in your carry-on baggage. *PASSPORT* Make color copies of your passport and visa (if applicable) and carry them with you. Keep originals in a safe location at all times. It's also a good idea to leave a copy with someone at home. *STAYING IN JOHANNESBURG* OR (Oliver Reginald) TAMBO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (JNB) OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) is situated in Kempton Park in Gauteng near Johannesburg and is the largest airport in Africa. It is the hub for most international and domestic travel from and within South Africa. The airport is roughly 13 miles (21km) east of the city center. Both the international and domestic terminals are well policed and unauthorized personnel are restricted from entering the building. Airport facilities include banks, shops, car rental outlets and an express train into the city. Due to security concerns, it is not recommended to use ATMs at the airport. For more information about moving between the airport and the hotels, see the Transportation section below. *EMERGENCY NUMBERS* Fire/Police/Ambulance: 112 or 10111 Country Code: 27 *ICANN Health and Safety Center:* • Main Line: +1 424 488 6710 <(424)%20488-6710> (INTERNATIONAL DIALING) • Local Line: 72 617 6702 (FROM LOCAL PHONE) / +27 72 617 6702 <+27%2072%20617%206702> (INTERNATIONAL DIALING) • Email: Meeting-Assistance@icann.org *LANGUAGE* There are 11 official languages in South Africa, but English and Afrikaans are most commonly used throughout the country. The vast majority of South Africans speak English – especially hotel and service staff. *MONEY* South Africa’s currency is the rand (ZAR or R). Banks typically offer the best currency conversion rates, though using a hotel or exchange desk may be more convenient. Banks and most major hotels accept traveler's checks. Bank/credit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are widespread. However, it is strongly recommended to use ATMs only in secure locations (see the Financial section of General Travel Safety Guidance below). Most establishments accept major credit cards such as MasterCard, Visa, and American Express. Please note that some vendors may not accept cards that do not have a security chip. *TIPPING* Tipping is common in South Africa. Service staff generally expect a tip of 10-15% or as travelers deem appropriate. *TRANSPORTATION* The Gautrain (pronounced how-train), a high speed rail line, links OR Tambo Airport to the Sandton suburb (approximately 25-minute ride), with a station approximately 1km from the Sandton Convention Center. The train service is modern and efficient, running every 12 minutes during peak hours, and includes plenty of room for riders with luggage. A shuttle runs continuously from 06:00 to 21:30 each day between the Sandton station and the Sandton hotels listed on the ICANN59 Meeting website. The shuttle pickup point is on the PT (Public Transport) Level of the station. Gautrain cards can be purchased at a station using cash or credit/debit card, except American Express. This is the most preferred, reliable and fastest method of transport between the airport and the hotels. The alternative mode of transport from the airport to the hotel is a pre-booked, private car service through ICANN’s contracted Destination Management Company (DMC), details of which, such as the custom email address for booking requests, can be found on the ICANN59 Meeting website. Hotel or DMC-organized cars are the preferred methods for everyday travel throughout the city. These can be ordered beforehand through the hotel reception or the DMC desk at the venue. While locals frequently use taxis and Uber, there are risks associated with these services and they are therefore not recommended. These include petty crime, and sometimes confrontations between taxi and Uber drivers stemming from competition over passengers. For more information, please visit: https://meetings.icann.org/en/ johannesburg59#transportation *SECURITY OVERVIEW* Johannesburg (colloquially known as Jo'burg or Jozi) is the largest commercial, financial, and industrial center in southern Africa. The Sandton Convention Center, the attached hotels, and the Sandton City mall complex (including Nelson Mandela Square) are all secure and offer a vast array of restaurants, shopping, and entertainment options. The Hyde Park and Rosebank areas are also generally safe and contain a number of excellent restaurants. It is strongly advised that attendees prefer these venues for lunch and evening events. The DMC has also suggested a range of restaurants within these areas for which reservations can be made, space permitting. Additionally, ICANN Health and Safety personnel will be available in these areas to provide assistance as needed. *GENERAL TRAVEL SAFETY GUIDANCE* Each traveler is responsible for their own safety during any trip abroad. The following guidance is intended to help improve situational awareness and reduce travel risks. *Pre-Travel Preparations* • Consider vacuum-wrapping/locking luggage where local regulations permit. • Keep all valuables in your carry-on luggage. *At the Airport* • Keep an eye on your belongings as you move through the airport. Avoid offers from strangers to carry your bags. • Avoid offers to hail a taxi or car on your behalf. Follow signs to the Gautrain station – see the Transportation section for more information. • When you reach the arrival terminal, orient yourself quickly and move with confidence. The ICANN assistance desk is located just to the right after you exit customs and walk into the arrival terminal. *Moving Around* • As when traveling to any foreign country, maintain situational awareness and pay attention to your surroundings to minimize travel risks. • Avoid outward displays of wealth such as watches, bags, jewelry, etc., or frequent display or use of your smartphone. • Avoid walking alone; move in groups whenever possible. • Maintain heightened security awareness in touristic sites and crowded transit facilities to deter opportunistic crimes such as pickpocketing or bag snatching. Keep your belongings on or with you at all times. • While walking around, remain alert and undistracted, especially by your cell phone. Pay attention to your surroundings, especially when walking on the street. • Carry a cell phone with useful and emergency contact numbers, including the ICANN Health and Safety Center numbers (see above). This information is also printed on the back of your registration badge. • When in a car, keep the windows rolled up and remain alert, especially at traffic lights or stops. Keep valuables such as cell phones, jewelry, and hand bags out of sight. • Never get into a taxi that already has a passenger, or allow your taxi to pick up additional passengers en route. *Financial* • Use ATMs within secure locations, such as the Sandton City mall (attached to Convention Center) instead of ATMs on the street. This will decrease the likelihood of card skimming and robbery. We strongly advise against using ATMs at the airport, on the street, or in small shops. • When using your credit/debit card at shops or restaurants, maintain visibility of your card at all times to minimize fraud opportunities. *GOVERNMENT TRAVEL ADVICE* • We encourage you to refer to your countries’ traveler advice resources, where available, such as: https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/south-africa.html https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/south-africa/safety-and-security