Tourist Info

CLIMATE

Swakopmund is a coastal town situated along the Atlantic Ocean, where the weather can be highly variable. During June, the town typically experiences cool winter conditions, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 15°C to 20°C, and early mornings and evenings often dipping to around 10°C.

Overcast skies and coastal fog are common, particularly in the mornings, due to the influence of the cold Benguela Current. Rainfall is minimal, but humidity and sea breezes may make it feel cooler than expected.

Delegates are strongly advised to pack clothing suitable for both winter and summer conditions, as it is not unusual to experience shifting temperatures and weather patterns within a single day.

 

TIME
Namibia is in the Central Africa Time Zone at GMT/UTC+2 hours, congruous with South African Standard Time. As a result, Namibia no longer makes use of daylight savings since August 2017.

 

TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES

The telephone codes for the country  Namibia are as follows:

  • Namibia: (+264 81) followed by nine digits;
  • Cell phone code: (+264 61) followed by nine digits.

Namibia’s telecommunications sector is characterized by both state-owned and private companies offering a range of services, including mobile, fixed-line, and internet access. The main players include Telecom Namibia, MTC Namibia (Mobile Telecommunications), and Paratus Africa. Telecom Namibia, a state-owned entity, also provides fixed-line services and is a significant player in the internet service provider (ISP) market. 

Mobile telephone service companies provide internet. Cell phone SIM cards are widely available. However, every SIM card user/byer in Namibia is expected by law to be registered for activation on presentation of an identification document (ID card or passport). The SIM card can be registered at the point of purchase.

 

CURRENCY AND BANKING SERVICES

The Namibian Dollar is the official currency and is fixed to and equals the South African Rand. It is best to travel with multiple payment options just in case. There are four main commercial banks in Namibia with foreign exchange facilities:

Credit / Debit Card

ATM’s are widely available for cash withdrawals in town as well as American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services, which may be available.

Banking Hours: Mon-Fri 09:00-15:30, Sat 09:00-11:00.

Tax and Customs

General Sales Tax (GST) in Namibia is 15% on goods and services. Bonafide tourists to Namibia are exempt from paying sales duty or excise duty on luxury items. Visitors may reclaim VAT at the Walvis Bay International Airport. If you intend to claim the VAT back from your purchases, make sure you arrive a bit earlier at the airport as this takes some time to complete.

For more info.: https://visitnamibia.com.na/currencies/

 

MEDICAL SERVICES

First-aid services (Nurse and an Ambulance from the Ministry of Health and social Services) will be available at the Conference venue.

MEDICAL PRECAUTIONS and HEALTH and TRAVEL INSURANCE

  • All medical services will be at the participant’s own
  • Participants are strongly advised to take out insurance to cover travel and medical expenses. Please ensure that you have the appropriate travel and medical insurance.
  • Delegates on prescribed medication for special health reasons should bring adequate supplies with them.

In addition, in case of specific medical and other conditions (dietary needs, allergy, limited mobility) delegates are urged to contact:

Furthermore, this information may be included during the participation confirmation), so that the necessary precautions or measures can be taken.

 

ELECTRICITY

All appliances run on 220/240 volts. Outlets are of the round 3 pin / 15 amp type/Type M travel adapter. See the image below for easy reference:

 

SHOPPING

To purchase regional and international crafts and items, delegates can visit the craft centers in Swakopmund.

  • Shops in Swakopmund are normally open between 09:00 am and 18:00 pm from Monday to Friday and on Saturdays from 08:00 am to 01:00 pm.

 

CONTACTS:
For further information and clarity regarding the 22nd APLESA Conference, kindly contact the Parliament of Namibia Secretariat, indicated below:

Programme and Coordination:

  1. Mr George Sanzila: sanzila@parliament.na; +264 81 418 2712
  2. Fabian Kapepiso: f.kapepiso@parliament.na;  +264 81 304 5264

Hospitality and Logistics:

  1. Emeritha Mofuka: : e.mofuka@parliament.na ; +264 81 125 0566
  2. Quinth Totong: : q.totong@parliament.na ; +264 81 213 1457
  3. Johannes Hamurenge: j.hamurenge@parliament.na ; +264 81 1 22 3860

Travelling details and Protocol

  1. Mrs Linea N. Shikongo: : hanghome@parliament.na ; +264 811 43 2510
  2. Mr Bonifatius Amadhila: amadhila@parliament.na ;+264 811 69 5745
  3. Mr Geoffrey Muhinda: muhinda@parliament.na ; +264 81 319 0953

We wish you all a safe travel and see you in Swakopmund, Namibia.!

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