| Passports and Visas:
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U.S. citizens need a valid
passport to visit Israel. Visitors from the U.S.A. may stay for three months
with a visitor's visa issued free of charge at the port of entry. You do
not need to apply for a visa in advance.
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| Health Regulations: |
There are no vaccination requirements
for tourists entering Israel. The water is safe to drink.
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| Languages:
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Hebrew and Arabic are the official languages
of Israel. English is a required subject in school. All street and road
signs and most commercial signs are in Hebrew, Arabic, and English.
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| Time Difference:
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Israel is 10 hours ahead of Pacific Time and 7 hours ahead of Eastern Time.
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| Electrical Appliances:
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The electric current in Israel is 220 volts AC, single phase, 50 Hertz. Israeli sockets are usually three-pronged. Shavers, travel irons, hair dryers, and other small appliances may require transformers or adapters. These can be purchased in Israel if you don't find them before you leave.
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| Currency:
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The currency in Israel is the New Israeli Shekel or NIS. The current exchange rate is between 3-3.5 shekels to the dollar. Many merchants will take dollars and give change in shekels. Surprisingly, when you do this, the rate of exchange is usually quite good. Also, there are many ATM machines that will debit your U.S. account and give you shekels
at a great exchange rate. Banks can change your dollars into shekels, as can most big hotels, though the rate at the hotels will not usually be as favorable. Dollars in cash, by check, or by traveler's check are all negotiable, and many businesses, restaurants, and tourist sites take credit cards.
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| VAT or Value Added Tax:
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A value added tax of 17% is levied on all goods and services and is included in the quoted price. Tourists are usually exempt from this tax if they pay in foreign currency
(i.e. dollars). Tourists who have paid the VAT on items exceeding $50.00
may be entitled to a VAT refund at the point of departure. Obtain an invoice/receipt
from the shop, indicating the amount of VAT paid. The invoice and the
goods purchased should be sealed in a transparent bag. This seal may not
be broken until departure. At your departure, a customs official will open
the sealed bag, verify the contents, stamp the invoice, and either refund
the VAT less commission or arrange for a refund to be sent to you at your
home.
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| Climate:
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The climate in Israel is "Mediterranean."
Summers are from April through October and are warm and dry. June through
September can be very hot! Winters, from November through March, are generally
mild, with some rain. It can be quite cool in the hilly regions, and Jerusalem
has been known to see just a touch of snow.
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| Shabbat (The Sabbath) and Holidays:
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Shabbat commences at sundown on Friday evening and continues until sundown Saturday night. Holidays also begin at sundown on the preceding evening and end at night.
During Shabbat and major holidays all Jewish shops, businesses, offices,
and institutions are closed. Most public transportation stops, though taxi
service is generally available. Kosher restaurants are also closed at these
times, though hotel dining rooms serve a limited selection. Non-kosher restaurants stay open. Museums will
often be open at least part of the day on Saturday, though tickets may
have to be purchased in advance or from kiosks set up nearby.
It is worth mentioning that as the economy in Israel is
much improved, and the lifestyle is more cosmopolitan, Israelis are moving
from a 6-day to a 5-day work week. Some businesses and shops are now closed
all day on Friday as well as Saturday, rather than just closing early on
Friday. If there is something you are dying to see, check ahead or schedule
for Sunday through Thursday. (Sunday is the first day of the week and a
regular workday in Israel.)
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| Taxis:
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All urban taxis are equipped with meters and are
required by law to operate them. We urge you not to use a taxi if the driver
refuses to use the meter. You will, in almost all cases, be overcharged.
Shared taxis (sherut in Hebrew), at a fixed rate per passenger, are available
between major cities, and on certain urban routes as well, such as to and
from the airport.
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