Useful Information

Most stores open between 8:30am and 9am and close around 7pm. In some cases shops may have an afternoon break between 14:00-16:00 , malls are usually open between 09:00-21:00 Banks are usually open 8:30am to 12:30pm and 4pm to 5:30 or 6pm.

The climate is warm and sunny for most of the year. Winters are short but can be cold and rainy. Rainfall is mostly limited to between November and April. In general, Jerusalem is cooler than Tel Aviv, the hottest areas are those below sea level, the Jordan Valley, the shores of the Sea of Galilee, the Dead Sea and the areas around Eilat.

The currency of Israel is called the new shekel [NIS] divided into 100 agorot. Money can be changed at banks and in hotels. At present, payments for goods made in foreign currency are free of the 16% value added tax. Many Israelis, both Jews and Arabs, will talk in terms of American dollars when quoting prices. It is always worth asking the price in dollars when you are quoted a price in shekelim. Most major credit cards are welcome in Israel.

Important industries in Israel are: high-tech, wood & paper products, potash & phosphates, food (citrus, vegetables, beef, poultry, dairy), cotton, tobacco, and diamond cutting. Major trading partners are the United States, the United Kingdom, Benelux, Hong Kong and the Netherlands.

The local current in Israel is 220-240 volt. You may need to have a converter and a round two prong adapter for use of personal electrical appliances, such as shavers, curling irons, hair dryers, etc.

Israeli food takes the best Oriental and Western cuisine and adds its own flavour. Hungarian goulash, Russian borscht, Viennese schnitzel, American hot-dogs, hamburgers and pizza are to be found side by side with Oriental falafel, humus, tahini, shislek, kebab and Turkish coffee, as well as traditional Jewish dishes such as gefilte fish, chopped liver and chicken soup. The fruits and vegetables in Israel are extraordinarily tasty, fresh and delicious. You will delight in the quality of the produce. The wines of Israel compare well with those of Europe and range from light white to dry red and sweet rose. There is also a good choice of liquors and brandies.
Kosher food – the Hebrew word “Kosher” means food conforming to Jewish dietary laws. Certain animals and fish are prohibited and milk, cream, and cheese may not be served together with a meat meal. Most hotels have kosher food and restaurants conform to the dietary laws. However, it is quite easy to find non-kosher restaurants all over Israel.

Israel is located on a small strip of land along the eastern Mediterranean. It is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the west, the Gaza Strip in the south west, Lebanon and Syria in the North, the West Bank and Jordan in the East and the Red Sea and Egypt in the South. From North to South Israel is less than 300 miles in length and only 69 miles across at its widest point. Despite its small size, Israel is extremely varied in terrain. Coastal plains give way to central mountains which descend into deserts to the south and east. In general, the north is green and fertile and the south rugged and dry.

The government of Israel is a parliamentary democracy. The chief of state is the president, elected by the Knesset, or parliament, for a term of five years. The prime minister is the head of government and is elected by popular vote for a four year term. The legislative body is the Knesset, the 120 members of which are elected by popular vote for a four year term.

Water
Tap water is safe to drink in Israel. Bottled water is widely available.
Shots and Medication
Israel presents no special health problems for the visitor and no inoculations are required.
Please make sure you have enough prescription medication with you and that you carry a written prescription in the GENERIC form.
MEDICAL CARE
Israel is well known for its high standards and quality of hospitals , for any emergency please advise the hotel staff or tour guide. We do recommend to purchase a health insurance prior to your visit.

The most important day to be aware of is the Jewish Sabbath (Saturday) , which starts Friday at sundown and lasts till sunset on Saturday.

Public transportation stops on Friday about an hour before the onset of the Sabbath — except in Haifa, Nazareth and East Jerusalem — and starts again after nightfall on Saturday. Most theaters, motion picture houses and restaurants are closed. In major cities most shops are closed, except in the Arab sections. Although some museums and public places stay open, they do not sell tickets on Shabbat and you must buy them ahead of time. If you are driving on Shabbat, please be aware that if your route takes you through certain deeply religious areas, residents may be disturbed to see motor vehicles operating through their area. Some private bus companies and sightseeing tours do operate on the Sabbath. It is important to note that it is considered a violation of the Sabbath to smoke in certain restaurants and most public areas of hotels on Saturday.

The Jewish festivals and celebrations dominate the Jewish calendar and many have been adopted as national holidays. The major ones are:

• Rosh Ha-Shanah – the Jewish New Year, which normally falls in September, is the beginning of a period known as the High Holy Days which ends with Yom Kippur.
• Yom Kippur – the Day of Atonement, is a day when virtually everything in Israel Stops (including closure of the airports).
• Sukkot and Simchas Torah – the Feast of Tabernacles and the Rejoicing in the Law, Follows the High Holy Days and normally falls in October. On the eighth day the new cycle of reading of the Torah (the Jewish scriptures) begins, accompanied by great celebrations, especially in Jerusalem where the religious school (yeshiva) students dance towards the Western Wall carrying the Torah Scrolls.
• Purim – the story of Esther, has a carnival atmosphere, celebrated with fancy dress parades in the streets.
• Pesach – the feast of Passover, is celebrated throughout the Jewish world as the celebration of the Exodus from Egypt and lasts for a full week. It normally falls in March or April.

The language of both ancient and modern Israel was/is Hebrew with Arabic as the official second language. English is widely spoken and street and traffic signs are in Hebrew and English.

A current passport, valid for at least six months from your scheduled return date, VISA’s Most countries automatically get a three month (90 day) visa at the airport, the application will be given to you on your flight before you land.

Buying an Israeli sim card (local sim) or renting a phone in Israel can be a cost effective and efficient way to stay connected when travelling in Israel, save expensive roaming charges, and ensure you have a constant stream of internet wherever you are. Available for purchase at the airport or consult with us prior to arrival .

Jewish 80.1%, Muslim 14.6% (mostly Sunni Muslim), Christian 2.1%, other 3.2%

A 10% to 15% tip is appreciated in restaurants. It is also customary to leave a tip for housekeeping personnel in hotels. In addition, it is customary to tip your guides and drivers. US dollars or Euro’s are preferred.

Don’t bring too many clothes …save your space for souvenirs. Skirts, slacks (or jeans) are okay anywhere. Keep in mind that arms must be covered in all mosques and temples. To be on the safe side, bring a thin raincoat and small umbrella. BRING COMFORTABLE SHOES and Bring a bathing suit if you plan to try out the unique experience of the Dead Sea. Clothing is casual and you should take the climate into account. Suits and ties are rarely worn. Bring a sun hat, and sunglasses. A coat and sweater are needed for the winter and cooler summer evenings.
Religious sites are not open to anyone dressed immodestly; men and women must cover their legs and shoulders. In Jewish places of worship, men must cover their heads.