Prepare Yourself for Your Visit in Israel
THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE BOARDING A PLANE TO ISRAEL.
01
THE WEATHER IN ISRAEL AND WHAT YOU SHOULD PACK
Summer in Israel is hot. When traveling in Israel during the summer, you should bring light clothing, hats, sunscreen and don't forget your bathing suit!!!
Winter can get cold, especially at high altitudes like Jerusalem, the Golan Heights and the Galilee. So, you should bring warm clothing. There will be sunny days as well during the winter. Therefore, a few T-shirts and a couple of shorts would be a good idea to have. Same goes for Spring and Fall, it's best to be prepared for any weather.
When visiting holy sites, one must dress respectfully and preferably wear a shirt with sleeves and long skirts or pants. Bare shoulders, short skirts and shorts will prevent you from entering some sites.
It is recommended to bring closed in shoes, which some of the attractions demandת and you should also bring water-safe shoes which is mainly needed while dipping in the Dead Sea, but also in other attractions
02
DOCUMENTS
Traveling abroad? don’t forget your passport.
When entering Israel, you will receive an entry visa card. This card replaces the stamp on your passport in case you are planning on visiting Arab countries. You might be requested to show this card while checking in at your hotel, so keep it handy.
Driver's license might be needed as well in case you have self-driven excursions like ATV's
03
PAYMENTS AND CURRENCY
Israel's currency is the Shekel, and it will be accepted everywhere including in the west bank. Credit cards will be accepted almost everywhere but in some places shop owners will agree to charge only above a certain amount. Paying with U.S Dollars or Euros will be accepted in many places and mainly in the center of the country, but it is recommended to have Shekels with you, while traveling around.
Money exchange in Israel is available in every bank, post office and exchange stores. The latter charges the least commission.
04
ELECTRONICS
WIFI is available for free almost everywhere you go (shops, restaurants, hotels and most of the museums).
In Israel the standard voltage is 230V and the frequency is 50 Hz. An adaptor is required for charging your devices (American to European). If you can't find one you could buy it here or even get it from most of the hotels for free.
05
TRAVEL INSURANCE
It is highly recommended that you and your party members acquire travel insurance before your departure. The insurance should include cover for flight cancellation, medical expenses, personal injury, death, loss of baggage, money and valuables, personal liability, delay, curtailment, missed departure and legal expenses.
On top of that, in these days COVID19 vaccination is obligatory and a negative test as well.
06
TIPPING POLICY
The tipping policy in Israel is very similar to the US. It is customary to give tips to hotel service providers such as room service personnel, Bell Boys, etc.
Tips in restaurants are between 10-20% of the meal cost. Cash is preferred or can be included in the credit card payment, but you should ask the waiter to add it before you pay.
If your tour guide is also your driver, the standard tip will be at least $100 a day. If you have a driver and a guide, it is customary to give the guide $100 and the driver at least $75 a day.
It is also customary to buy them lunch anywhere you choose to eat.
Obviously, giving tips is completely up to you.
07
SECURITY
Israel, despite what you hear on the news, is a safe country to visit and live in. While traveling, you will see armed soldiers on the streets. These men and women serve a mandatory military service, and they are there to protect us.
Airport security in Israel is one of the best in the world, making sure you and your family are safe while entering the country. Hence, each visitor is going through high scrutiny. It might feel uncomfortable, but it's for everyone’s safety. Taking the VIP escort service at the airport will make for a more pleasant experience.
08
VISITS TO THE WEST BANK
Visiting the West Bank cities, such as Bethlehem or Jericho is common. However, it does involve setting up a local guide and transportation to take you to the holy Christian sites.
09
SATURDAYS/ SHABBAT
IN ISRAEL
Here in Israel, we have a six-day work week. Saturday is the official day-off and therefore, many businesses are closed. The shops will start closing on Friday afternoon and will remain closed until Saturday night. In Jerusalem you will find some restaurants open, but most stores, malls and markets will be closed. In Tel Aviv, there will be more availability on a Saturday. Therefore, plan your shopping ahead of time.
In addition to Saturdays, there are holidays and memorial days throughout the calendar that are observed as a Saturday and have similar restrictions.
Your tour operator will make sure to update you and provide all the information you need.
10
FOOD
Israeli food has become one of the best cuisines in the world, but there's nothing like trying it at the source. For that we prepared a list of great restaurants for you to choose from.
There is also a wonderful street food scene, which includes traditional items such as Hummus, Falafel, Shawarma and many other great dishes.
One Israeli/middle-eastern tradition is to share the salad plates in some restaurants, but you will always find an alternative if you prefer something else.
If you are a Vegetarian, Vegan or have any food allergies, here in Israel, the awareness is very high and you will find, in almost every restaurant, options on the menu that will suit your needs.
11
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
If you need to take a taxi, you can ask the concierge to get you one. If you want, you can also use the Uber app, but in Israel, Taxi drivers won the exclusive rights to use the app.
The best option you have is to use the GETT app which will also get you a taxi, with the added advantage of knowing the cost of the ride in advance.
USEFUL WORDS IN HEBREW
Now that you know all this great information, it's time to practice your Hebrew:
Shalom
שלום
Hello/Goodbye
Hi or Hey will be more than fine
