Traveling in Israel

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Before you start packing, spend some time preparing for an enjoyable and stress–free trip. 

For First time visitors: it is highly recommended to visit Israel as part of an experienced tour group that you are related to. Make sure your group uses a very experienced Tour Operator located in Israel as its support mechanism.  

After visiting the first time and getting a good orientation of the land it is much easier to think and plan your follow on visits as an independent traveler. 

Below you’ll find an array of useful information on accommodations, transportation, exchanging currency, Israel’s climate and customs, and much more. So get the most out of your trip to Israel with the help of Israel Heritage.

Before You Go

Entry Requirements

Go online and search for Israel Entry Visa. Complete the 2 minute application and submit. Once approved print out and bring with you to airport check-in and keep for the duration of your trip. Visas are granted at no charge without advance request to citizens of the U.S., Canada, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand and the U.K. upon their entry to Israel, provided you have a passport valid for at least 9 months after the date of arrival. 

Your tourist visa is good for three months, and can normally be extended for three consecutive months at any branch of Israel’s Ministry of the Interior. A separate permit is required to work, study or settle in Israel.

Transportation:

The overwhelming majority of visitors to Israel arrive at Ben–Gurion International Airport, 15 minutes east of Tel Aviv and about a 45 minute drive to Jerusalem. 

Flights: El Al, the national carrier of Israel known for its excellent security, offers the greatest number of non–stop flights from destinations around the world, Many other major carriers service Tel Aviv, including United, Air Canada, British Airways, Delta, Swissair, Alitalia, Lufthansa, KLM and Sabena. Economy round trip airfare from the US to Israel generally runs from $1,200 to $1,500US. As its safety first, it generally takes about 60 days after any hostilities are over for international flights to start resuming as normal. It is advisable to be very knowledgeable regarding booking terms of an international flights especially layover length of time and total travel times involved as they vary considerably. A 2-3 hour layover is perfectly fine. A 13+ hour layover less than great.

Rental Car: for the small group or independent traveler a variety of autos or vans may be rented from a good number of Israeli or international agencies. Remember it now takes a credit card and not a debit card to be presented to rent a vehicle. Also be sure and check the trunk space needed for luggage. Often in rental cars truck space is very limited and only suitable for 2 travelers. Also, vehicle insurance is mandatory and can be as or more expensive than the vehicle rental itself.  Make sure you are financially comfortable with the amount of deductible you would be responsible for if thee is any damage to the vehicle.  If a first time driver in Israel a zero deductible might be recommended.

For Navigation use the Waze app as it was developed in Israel and about 98% accurate.

Train, Buses and taxis (private or group). 

Train service is excellent from the airport to Jerusalem and Haifa.  Buses are available to all points particularly larger destination centers like Jerusalem, Tiberias, Haifa, Tel Aviv, etc.  Buses generally run on or close to schedule and are very economical.  Using taxis in a large city like Jerusalem or Tiberias makes a lot of sense due to complexity of street system and traffic.

Accommodations:  it is not unusual for hotel rooms to cost 25-35% more in Israel than comparable rooms in the U.S. for example.  This is why visiting as part of a tour group may help mitigate room stay costs. If travelling independently, it is highly advisable to use several room search programs online before booking a room.  Getting recommendations from a friend already experienced with travelling in Israel can also be very useful. 

Pre Reading:

If you are a Christian traveler it is highly advisable to read the entirety of the four gospel accounts before entering Israel. Pay special attention to the first Century biblical maps in your bible. 

Sites: See 'Sacred Sites' tab

There are over 40,000 archeological sites in Israel.  Realize it is impossible to cover more than a small fraction of the most important sites to your particular interests.  

Once in Israel almost every location mentioned in the gospel accounts are available for you to personally visit. You should also check the gospel locations against your tour locations to see how many sites are being covered or missed. It is a complete shame to travel to Israel and be within 2 miles of an important gospel site and not visit it because of poor tour schedule planning. Remember that 80% of the gospel accounts of Jesus were in Galilee. If 20% of your tour days are in Galilee you will highly likely be missing a number of important sites.

Culture and Customs

Customs

Though Israel is a highly educated and largely Western society, it is not homogenous. With citizens of numerous religious and ethnic identities, the country is better described as a colorful mosaic than a melting pot. The ultra-Orthodox population, also known as Haredim, constitute approximately 13.5% of the total population. This group is characterized by strict adherence to Jewish law and tradition and is sometimes not favorably disposed to outside groups. 

Israelis tend to be very hospitable, open, and sometimes outspoken. They dress informally, and are candid in discussing politics, sports, however, its best to be sensitive when speaking about religious issues or matters related to long and painful struggles with neighboring countries.

Modest dress and behavior – including avoidance of physical contact between men and women – are expected in strictly observant circles.

Communication:

Email: Link your personal email to your cell phone before departing. 

Cell phone:  before going to Israel purchase an international data plan from your carrier to cover the time outside of your home country.  Or, plan on using WhatsApp for text and calls. You can also easily purchase an Israeli sim card for your cell phone for use in Israel.

International Calls: The most convenient and low to no cost service is WhatsApp. You may also let your phone service know you are traveling to Israel and inquire about international calling plans that best fit your travel schedule. It is best to avoid roaming charges without an international call plan activated.

Cell Phones: It is also very easy to buy or rent a local Israeli cell phone at Ben Gurion airport upon arrival or later when more convenient. It is also easy to purchase an Israeli sim card for your existing cell phone. Use in Israel and replace upon departure.

Public pay phones accept “telecards” – magnetic phone cards available at post offices, newsstands, and many hotels – that can be purchased in increments of 10, 20, or 50 units. (One unit generally allows a three–minute local call). Directory assistance can be reached by dialing 144, and overseas operators by dialing 188; both services offer English–speaking operators.

Post offices are identified by a red sign bearing the image of a white leaping deer. English–style red–letter boxes are also used, Post offices also send telegrams and telexes, and often operate overseas telephone calling centers.

Internet: In Israel, business centers in hotels and a multitude of Internet cafes offer e–mail and fax services. It is also very easy to buy or rent cellular phones.

Public pay phones accept “telecards” – magnetic phone cards available at post offices, newsstands, and many hotels – that can be purchased in increments of 10, 20, or 50 units. (One unit generally allows a three–minute local call). Directory assistance can be reached by dialing 144, and overseas operators by dialing 188; both services offer English–speaking operators.

Post offices and mailboxes in Israel are identified by a red sign bearing the image of a white leaping deer. English–style red–letter boxes are also used, and special yellow intra–city mailboxes are found in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Stamps can be purchased at newsstands and shops displaying a similar sign. Post offices also send telegrams and telexes, and often operate overseas telephone calling centers.

Electricity Converter:

The electric current used in Israel is 220 volts. To use American appliances purchase an inexpensive 110 to 220 volt transformer plug. Outlets usually are compatible with Israeli three–pronged plugs; however, if an appliance has a two–prong plug, an inexpensive adapter can be purchased.

Languages

Hebrew is Israel’s national language, but Arabic also enjoys official status. English is widely spoken, especially by students. Most hotels, tourist sites and major businesses have English–speaking staff, and nearly all traffic signs are translated into Hebrew, Arabic and English.

Media

Israel is a media–saturated country, with a number of English–language TV and radio broadcasts, films and newspapers.

Israel Television’s Channels 1 and 2 offer many British and American programs in English, and Channel 1 broadcasts international and local news in English every day at 6:15 p.m. Additional broadcast, cable and satellite stations, including CNN and BBC, are widely available.

In major cities, it is easy to find prominent English–language dailies like the Jerusalem Post and the English edition of Ha’aretz. International newsstands and large bookstores offer International Herald Tribune and other major foreign publications like Time and Newsweek.

Israeli radio stations can be picked up from all eastern Mediterranean countries and often from Europe. The Voice of America and the BBC’s World Service are both accessible on the AM dial. Voice of Israel (Kol Yisrael) broadcasts news bulletins in English and then French three times each day.

Money and Spending

Currency

As in Biblical times, the official currency of Israel is the shekel, which is divided into 100 agorot. The value of the shekel, like all currencies, fluctuates slightly –current exchange rates can be checked at the Currency Converter. Money can be exchanged at the airport, banks, hotels and currency exchanges. All Israeli currency is labeled in English as well as Hebrew and Arabic.

Major credit cards are widely accepted and ATMs are easy to find. Traveler’s checks are not as easily accepted.

Taxes

A value–added tax (VAT) of 17% is included in the price of anything paid for in shekels. However, VAT is not applicable when hotel bills (including incidental charges) are paid by foreigners in dollars. At most tourist–oriented stores, VAT on single–item purchases of more than $100 will be returned at the airport by providing the proper forms to Customs before departure.

Tipping

At tourist–oriented spots and upscale restaurants, a tip of 10% is normal, unless the menu states that a service charge has been included in prices. In modest restaurants, small change in the 5%–10% range may be left. A moderate tip should also be given to guides, and to both the housekeeping staff and the bellhop at hotels. In private or group taxis, tips are unnecessary unless some special service has been provided.

Getting Around

Business Hours

Most businesses open by 8:30 a.m., but many neighborhood grocery stores open by 7 a.m. Most stores do not close before 7 p.m. Supermarkets often close later, with some open 24–hours (except on Shabbat). Most museums are open from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Banks, meanwhile, typically open by 8:30 a.m. daily, close from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., and reopen until 5:30 or later. While most businesses close for Shabbat (sundown Friday through sundown Saturday), as well as major religious holidays, some non–kosher restaurants remain open.

Medical Care / Doctors:

Consider paying a few dollars for international medical coverage to cover unforeseen medical expenses that can happen. That peace of mind can be nice to have when thousands of miles away from home. Get the coverage from a well known well rated provider. Israel is known for the high–level of its doctors and medical care. Pharmacies are easily found and sell items that might not be bought over–the–counter in the United States. Major cities have pharmacies with 24–hour emergency service. The American embassy or local consulate can provide a list of area doctors fluent in English.

Embassies

Check your government's official travel website: Most countries have a dedicated section on their foreign affairs or state department website that lists their embassies and consulates in other countries. You'll typically find addresses, phone numbers, and possibly other services offered. Each country’s diplomatic mission, with contact information easily found on the Internet or in phonebooks, can provide its citizens with passport services, safety suggestions, and help in an emergency. For example, the U.S. Department of State website lists the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem and a branch office in Tel Aviv. or simply use a search engine and type in "Embassy of [Your Country] in Israel"

Safety

Though Israel is safer than most US cities, common sense should be used when traveling in any unfamiliar location. For example, do not flaunt valuable items such as personal jewelry, lock car and room doors; do not visit isolated areas, and report any unattended or suspicious items. Magen David Adom (Red Shield of David), Israel’s equivalent of the Red Cross, provides ambulance and first–aid service nationwide as do many emergency clinics. The army maintains a presence throughout the country, and each municipality in Israel also has its own police force.

Special Interests

Israel offers numerous tours with a special focus –religion or language, archaeology or adventure, politics or cuisine. Contact Israel Government Tourist Offices in your area for more information.

Special Needs:

Tour groups and sites may be contacted for information on options specially geared to women, students, families, seniors and individuals with disabilities. All National Park sites are designed for mobility and as much accessibility as possible for all visitors.

Calendar

Israel uses two systems to determining day, month, and year: the Jewish calendar and the Gregorian calendar used in most Western countries. Each Shabbat and each Jewish holiday begins at sundown on the evening before Gregorian date on which it occurs.

Clothing:

Israel has a Mediterranean climate and culture. Dress is typically casual. Especially during the hot summers, even business people wear short–sleeved, open–collared shirts with no jacket or tie. Winters can be chilly, however, especially away from the coast and at higher elevations. At holy sites and in religious neighborhoods, exceptionally “modest” clothing is expected throughout the year.

Time Zones

During Daylight Savings time in Israel, late March through early September, the time in Israel is 6 hours later than the Eastern Standard Time zone in the U.S.; at other times of the year, it is 7 hours later than Eastern Standard Time.

Weather

Winter in Israel begins with showers in October and continues with periodically heavy rainfall from November to March. Eilat and the Dead Sea, however, normally remain temperate during wintertime, even as snow caps Mt. Hermon in the North. From late March to September, there is hardly any rainfall. In late February and the beginning of March, the entire country is green from the winter rains. In the months that follow, the heat climbs, reaching its peak in July and August when the only relatively cool spots (at least at night) are Jerusalem and the northern hills. Temperatures begin to drop by September.: 

Communication:

Business centers in hotels and a numerous Internet cafes offer quick access to e–mail and fax services.