Welcome to Johannesburg ! The capital of the province of Gauteng was built on the discovery of gold in 1886. Today, it is the economic powerhouse of the country and a vibrant megacity - home to about 10 million people. The city, with its iconic skyline, is affectionately known to locals as Joburg or Jozi.

The meeting will take place in Sandton, the new financial of South Africa and Johannesburg's premier business centre. In this area of the city you will be able to find 5 star hotels and restaurants, shopping malls and the headquarters for local and international companies. 

For your comfort, there will be an information desk from the Johannesburg's Tourism Office at the airport (TBC)

In addition, during the meeting days, an official tourism information desk will be available at the airport for any question regarding transportation (TBC). 

Business etiquette:

• Appointments are necessary and should be made as far in advance as possible. 
   
• It may be difficult to arrange meetings with senior level managers on short notice, although you may be able to do so with lower-level managers.
   
• Personal relationships are important. The initial meeting is often used to establish a personal rapport and to determine if you are trustworthy.
   
• After a meeting, send a letter summarizing what was decided and the next steps.
   
• Business attire is becoming more informal in many companies. However, for the first meeting, it is best to dress more conservatively. 
   
• Most South Africans speak English as a second language and it is not expected that you translate documents or materials into any of the African languages.
   
• South Africans are very friendly and may express affection openly. You may find an associate slaps you on the back, shakes your hand, or even holds your hand in a sign of friendship.

Restaurant tips:​
 

• Tip 10-20% at a restaurant, but check the bill to ensure that the tip hasn't been included already
   
• Tap water in Johannesburg is some of the best of the world, and is 100% drinkable

Currency 

South Africa's unit of currency is the rand, which is divided into 100 cents. Notes come in denominations of R10, R20, R50, R100 and R200; and coins come in 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, R1, R2 and R5. 

To Obtain Domestic Currency

The major international banks have branches as well as ATMs all over the cities. ATMs are linked to all major international networks, and it is possible to draw currency from them. All major credit and debit cards are accepted (with a less frequency for American Express). Banks are generally open from 8.30am/9am to 3.30pm Mondays to Fridays, and 8.30am to 11am on Saturdays

For your currency's current conversion you can consult the Google Currency Converter or any other converter of your choosing. 

Weather

South Africa is situated in the Southern Hemisphere's subtropical zone, which means that the coldest days are in June–August contrary to the Northern Hemisphere.  South Africa has a temperate climate and is known for its long sunny days.            

Summer: mid-October to mid-February Autumn: February to April Winter: May to July Spring: August to October

South African time

South Africa does not change its clocks during the year, and there are no regional variations within the country. South African Standard Time is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean (or Universal Standard) Time, one hour ahead of Central European Winter Time, and seven hours ahead of the USA's Eastern Standard Winter Time.

For more information please refer to the following links: 

• Johannesburg's Tourism Office 
• Brand South Africa - southafrica.info 
• South Africa Tourism Official website 

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South Africa is situated at the southern tip of Africa, South Africa has a landmass of 1 233 404 km² edged on 3 sides by a nearly 3000km coastline washed by the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic. It is bordered in the north by Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, and also wraps itself around two independent countries, the Lesotho and Swaziland.

The ICC Banking Commission in partnership with ICC South Africa and Standard Bank are proud to announce a partnership with South African Airways  in the context of the BC Annual Meeting. 

South African Airways is committed to provide delegates attending the ICC Banking Commission Meeting a discount. 

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