Practical tips for preparing for your trip to Israel!
Clothing:
Temperature has a massive impact on what to pack in terms of clothing. From Nov - April you can expect rain and cooler weather (as in 10 - 30 c). So if you come during the rainy season, make sure you bring some warmer clothes, such as a warm jacket and an umbrella. Also a water proof jacket would be really good to have on hand.
If you come between May - Oct you can expect the temperatures to be higher (from 25 - 40 C). In this case make sure you bring lots of sun screen!
Casual clothing is appropriate. There are some places that require modest clothing - knees and shoulders covered. These places include the Western Wall and some of Christian sites such as Capernaum and Garden of Gethsemane. It's always good to carry around a shawl with you in case of emergencies. Some of these places will not allow entry if one is wearing shorts or a tank top.
Don't forget your bathing suit for a float in the Dead Sea, but not your favorite, because the salt tends to eat the elasticity. As well bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
A must for everybody is a pair of good, comfortable walking shoes or sandals.
As an option, bring a money belt to wear under your clothing, always out of sight. In some areas where the crowds are dense, pick pocketing sometimes occurs in places like the Mount of Olives or the Old City markets.
Security at the Airport:
Please note that security is very high at airports. Forbidden items in your carry-on luggage or purses usually include: all liquids (except, you are allowed containers of liquid that are 100 ml (3floz) max.), beverages, gels, creams, lotions, hand sanitizers, etc. in large amounts. All sharp items are forbidden as well: nail clippers, pocket knives, scissors, etc.
Bank, Currency and Credit Cards:
Israel has a sophisticated banking system. The currency is the SHEKEL. The U.S. dollar and major credit cards (American Express, Diners Club, Visa and MasterCard/Access/Eurocard) are widely accepted throughout Israel. You will can change dollars into shekels at the airport upon arrival or pull out shekels at an ATM machine. Check http://www.xe.com for up to date currency exchange rates.
Electricity:
Israel operates on 220 volts, 50 cycles. Make sure that your electric shavers and hair dryers have 220-volt adapters. Luxury hotels usually have a 110-volt outlet for shavers, etc. in the bathroom. Most hotels have hair dryers.
Cell Phones:
There is wifi in the hotels, on buses and most public places. You can purchase a sim card in a kiosk if you need data and make phone calls.
How to call Israel:
To place a call to Israel from North America, dial 011-972 and then the number in Israel. To call out of Israel you will need to dial 014 or 016.
Language:
Hebrew and Arabic are the official languages. English is the most common second language which appears on road signs.
Time Zone:
There is a seven hour time difference between Israel and Eastern Standard Time. 6:00 PM in Jerusalem would be 11:00 AM in New York City for example.
Value Added Tax (VAT):
There is 17% value added tax on most goods and services in Israel. At retail stores, this tax is already included in the price. Upon making a purchase of $ 50.00 or more at a gift store that has an agreement with the VAT authorities, you should fill out a form at the store and have it stamped there. Upon your departure at the airport, you will be eligible for a 17% refund prior to leaving the country. Tourist services, such as hotel accommodations and meals taken in hotels and paid with foreign currency are exempt from VAT tax.
Vaccinations:
No requirement for tourists entering the country.
Water:
You don't need to worry about water and fresh produce. The water is safe to drink throughout Israel. However, some of the minerals in the water are different from where you are from and can cause some people to feel queasy at first. If you prefer, bottled water is available everywhere.
Food:
Israel has amazing food! Lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Kosher means that food conforms to Jewish dietary laws, so meat and dairy products are not served together at the same meal and certain foods like pork and shellfish are not allowed. Not all restaurants are kosher.
Tips:
It is customary to tip about 10 - 15% at restaurants. Hotel it is customary to tip the bell boy, dining staff, and custodians.
Passports and Visas:
A must for traveling! Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from departure time of your trip. Upon entry into Israel for most places you can receive a 3 month tourist visa.
Bibles:
And of course, remember to bring your Bible.
Comments