Local Time
Israel Weather Forecast
Passports
In order to travel to Israel, you will need to have a valid passport (if your passport is expiring in 6 months or under you will need to renew or extend before travelling to Israel). Passports are also required for all foreign currency bank transactions.
Visas
All visitors are required to have a valid passport and for some countries, a visa is required. For more information please contact your nearest Embassy, Consulate or local travel agency. It is the responsibility of the participant to obtain a visa if required.
For your convenience we enclose herewith a detailed table with additional information as advertised on the website of the Israeli Ministry of Interior. For viewing the list of countries, please click here.
Climate
While you may expect rain from November through early April, it is dry during the rest of the year. During the dry season expect high humidity in Tel Aviv and along the coast: Click here for weather forecast updates.
Airport Information
Ben Gurion International Airport is the main international gateway to and from Israel. It is situated approximately 25km (16 miles) south-east of Tel Aviv.
Transportation to Tel Aviv by Bus
Upon exit from arrivals, exit the terminal; cross over the road for bus number 5 which serves as a transport line from Ben Gurion International Airport to Tel Aviv. The price today is 6.90 NIS (1.80 USD).
Note: Buses do not run on Saturday (Shabbat) – from half hour before sunset on Friday till one hour after sunset on Saturday.
Transportation to Tel Aviv by Private Taxi
The Taxi Stations and dispatcher’s counter at Terminal 3 are located on Level G of the Multi Level Road.
Cost is between 130-170 NIS (34-45 USD) at the time of printing.
It is recommended not to use random Taxi services.
Rate 2 (25% extra) will apply in the following cases:
Night journeys between 21:00 and 05:59 hours the next day.
An additional 5 NIS will be applicable for each piece of luggage.
Packing & Clothing
The weather in Israel during the summer months (May – August) is generally sunny and hot (80-100 degrees Fahrenheit / 26-38 degrees Celsius). Regardless of season, the evenings will be significantly cooler than the days.
For the summer time, bring light clothing. A light sweater is recommended for high-elevation evenings and for indoor air-conditioned places, even in the springtime. Modest clothing is required for most holy sites. For men – long pants and casual shirts. Women – skirts and blouses (with sleeves). Hats are a good idea year round.
Electricity
Israel operates on 220 volts, 50 cycles. Make sure that your shavers and hair dryers have 220-volt adapters. If not, then 220-volt adapters along with the proper plugs may be purchased in Israel. Luxury hotels have a 110-volt outlet for shavers, etc. in the bathroom. Plug adapters for your appliances can often be borrowed from the concierge at 5 star hotels.
Insurance
Make sure that you have health insurance coverage. Your hotel concierge can connect you, should the need arise, with the house doctor. Or, private emergency rooms now operate in the major cities.
Vaccinations are not required for tourists entering Israel from western countries.
Bank of Israel
Exchange Rates, Monetary Policy, Banking System, etc. – http://www.bankisrael.gov.il/firsteng.htm
Finances
While you may use travelers’ checks in Israel, the rates offered are less than generous. Credit cards are widely accepted at most stores, restaurants and at many tourist sites, parks and museums.
US dollars may be changed into shekels at official money changers in Tel Aviv. So too, shekels can be obtained from ATM machines with your PIN number. The exchange rate has been fluctuating.
Banking – Each bank has different hours of operation. However, most banks are open Sunday-Thursday between 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM. Bring your passport and a book to read. Many banks have separate lines for foreign currency exchange. Don’t be shy to ask where to go. As the rate of exchange varies from day to day, stay abreast of the situation.
Currency Exchange
Credit Cards – All major credit cards are accepted, even at the local grocer.
Money
The NIS – New Israeli Shekel (or simply shekel) operates on the decimal system. There are 100 agurot to the shekel. The rate of exchange to the dollar is approximately 1 US dollar = 3.6 shekels. Check local newspapers for the average rate of exchange or click here for on-line currency exchange rates.
Taxes
There is 17% value added tax (VAT) on most goods and services in Israel. At retail stores, this tax is always already included in the price. Upon making a purchase of $100.00 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. You will be eligible, upon presenting the form and the item, for a refund at the airport prior to departure. Do not pack these gift items in your luggage. They should be kept in your hand luggage along with the special VAT formed that you receive from the merchant. Tourist services, such as hotel rooms and meals, purchased as export goods with foreign currency are exempt from VAT: Click here to read more about Israeli Customs for tourists.
Tipping
Tipping is not necessary for cab drivers or barbers. As to restaurants, check the bill to see if “service included” (it often is). If not, 10 – 15% is a good bet. It is accepted practice to tip hotel staff, your tour guide and tour bus driver.
Weights and Measures
Metric system used exclusively. A kilometer is a bit over a 1/2 mile – (0.62 miles). A kilogram is equivalent to 2.2 pounds.
Security & Safety
You and your bags may often be checked by security guards at public buildings such as shopping malls, banks, etc. Be cooperative – it is for your safety too. Do not leave your bag unattended anywhere. While walking about the large cities, keep your wallet in your front pocket and your purse close by.
Water
Although water in Israel is of good quality and suitable for drinking, you may not be used to the high mineral content. Bottled natural spring water is available everywhere – expensive at your hotel, more reasonable at the supermarkets.
Drinking
It’s hot in Israel. Drink plenty of fluids so that you don’t dehydrate. Alcohol is not recommended in high temperature zones in mid-day. Minimum drinking age for alcohol is 18.
Food
Check with your tour guide or concierge for a list of good restaurants. Food is generally safe to eat. There are many international food franchises operate in Israel such as: Macdonald’s, Subway, Pizza Hut, Domino’s Pizza, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and more. But don’t be afraid to try the local fare.
Gifts
A word to the wise: Look check and price items. Make your purchases toward the end of the visit after you have compared prices. Do not forget to save the VAT form so that you can get your refund at the airport.
Traffic
Rush hour in and out of Tel-Aviv and other major cities is from about 6:15 AM – 9:00 AM and from 4:15 PM – 7:30 PM. If you have a meeting to catch allow for plenty of time. Within Tel-Aviv itself, traffic can be hectic throughout the day
Public Buses
There is comprehensive bus service in the large cities. While drivers do give change, it is always best to buy tickets at the counter when leaving from bus stations. Save your receipt until the end of the ride. Multi-ride cards are available at a discount from the driver.
Click here for Egged Bus services (mainly Intercity). Click here for Dan Bus services (mainly in Tel-Aviv).
Taxis
Taxis While traveling in the city, insist that the meter be turned on. The driver may want to close a “deal” with you — insist on the meter and make sure it is reset at the start of the trip. Between cities, you can close a deal with the driver, as you will be using the services of a “special”.
Tourist Information
The Ministry of Tourism has closed most of their “manned” information centers and has placed computer information terminals in their stead. Good luck! Click here for the Israel Tourist Office.
