Location and travel advice

THE is committed to ensuring that all delegates experience a safe, inclusive and enjoyable visit to our events. To help prepare for your visit to our upcoming event, we encourage you to review the travel advice and information below.

Prior to travel, we recommend that delegates refer to the travel advice and instructions provided by their home country's embassy.

Future Africa Campus, University of Pretoria
South Street
Koedoespoort 456-Jr
Pretoria 0186
South Africa

Some delegates may require a visa to enter the country. Please note that it can take several weeks to process a visa application so early application is recommended.

 Check if you require a visa

We can provide visa invitation letters for ticket holders when requested. Please email a photo/scan of your passport to events@timeshighereducation.com once you have booked your ticket.

We cannot accept any responsibility for visa applications. Where a delegate is unable to attend because of failure to obtain a visa on time, the normal cancellation policy for the ticket fee will apply.

We recommend having travel insurance for the duration of your trip. Please contact your travel agent for further details.

By plane

The closest international airport is O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, about a half-hour drive from the event hotel. Transfer services to Pretoria can be booked via the airport website.

By train

The Gautrain high-speed train operates between Johannesburg, Pretoria and O.P. Tambo International Airport. Do not walk to or from Gautrain stations after dark.

By public transport

The following transport options are generally safe and reliable:

• MyCiTi bus in Cape Town. Do not travel into townships by MyCiTi bus. There have been violent attacks reported in Khayelitsha.
• Internationally recognised ride-hailing apps where bookings are confirmed through the app, such as Uber.

Delegates are responsible for reserving and covering the cost of accommodation for the duration of their stay.

Below you will find a map through which you can easily browse for hotels and private accommodations. Hover over an accommodation to view travel times and distances to the venue.

The Maslow Time Square Hotel

209B Aramist Avenue, Menlyn, Pretoria, 0181, South Africa

Located in the heart of the Menlyn Maine Precinct, this is a premier hotel that offers easy access to entertainment, top retail outlets and the finest culinary experiences on offer.

To book, please email timesqaure.reservations@suninternational.com and quote US160424.

To protect your personal safety we recommend:

• avoiding having valuables on show
• taking safe and reliable transport
• travelling with colleagues or other delegates, especially at night
• being alert in crowded and tourist areas, airports, restaurants, pubs and bars and on public transport
• keeping your card in sight and concealing your PIN when using ATMs and paying by card

Emergency contacts

• Fire and rescue services: call 10177
• Police: call 10111 or go to the nearest police station

There are ongoing nationwide power shortages with rolling power cuts. Scheduled regular power outages (‘load shedding’) have become longer and can occur daily.

Power cuts affect private accommodations, shops, banks and ATMs, public lighting, traffic lights, security systems, petrol stations, and water and communication services.

Check how power cuts might affect you by:

• Asking your accommodation provider how they mitigate load shedding.
• Checking planned power outages on the Eskom website or ‘load shedding’ apps.

What is the main language?
South Africa has eleven official languages – English, Afrikaans and nine ethnic languages, of which Zulu and Xhosa are the most widely spoken. While most South Africans can communicate in more than one language, English is the most widely spoken and the language of official business and commerce.

Which currency can I use?
South Africa’s currency is the rand (ZAR) with notes in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200. While most shops and restaurants accept credit cards, it is still a good idea to have some cash on you (especially small change). ATMs are easily accessible in most shopping malls, petrol stations and supermarkets.

Which plug socket is used?
South Africa uses type D, M and N plug sockets. The standard voltage is 230 V at a frequency of 50 Hz. We would recommend bringing a universal adapter.

Will wi-fi be available?
Free wi-fi is available thoughout the University of Pretoria's buildings. Connection details will be displayed at the check-in desk.

Are there data roaming charges?
You will need to check the exact charges with your network provider but most international delegates will incur high data roaming charges. We recommend buying an eSIM via Airalo which gives you 1GB of data for 7 days for US$4.50. Use our referral code TIMESH7718 for US$3 off. We recommend checking that your phone supports eSIMs before making your purchase.

Is tap water safe to drink?
Tap water in urban areas is safe to drink and cook with, however tap water in rural areas is not always safe.

Do you have any guidance for LGBTQ+ delegates?
Homosexuality is legal and it is illegal to discriminate based on sexual orientation. For more information and advice for LGBTQ+ travellers, visit the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association and South Africa Tourism Board websites.