Israel Travel Tips

Visa

Except citizens from 97 jurisdictions, including United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, European Union, Norway, Singapore, South Africa, etc., all visitors to Israel must hold a valid visa.

Tourism visa usually allows a stay of 30 days in the country. Visitors from the visa exempt countries can stay at most 3 months.

Travelers should note that entry to other Arab countries (except Egypt and Jordan) would be refused if there is record of entering Israel on their passports. To avoid the problem, they can get a separate paper visa or renew passport after leaving Israel.

Spending

The consumption level of Israel is basically the same as that of the Western European countries. A meal costs about 25-40 NIS. A bed of youth hostel costs 50 to 100 NIS for one night.

Currency

All foreign currencies can be exchanged into New Shekel at airports, banks, post offices, most hotels or foreign exchange offices that are authorized to operate in large cities. Traveler's checks can be cashed and travelers need to present their passport. The exchange rate is different in different cities, and the banks may charge a certain amount of service fee.

ATM with English interfaces is common in major cities, supporting withdrawing money by credit cards or debit cards with foreign currency business.

Credit Card

The use of credit card in Israel is convenient. Travelers can use it in supermarkets and coffee shops expediently, but they should be aware of different currency conversion fees of each bank.

Tips

Restaurants charge about 10% of the total expense as tips. Before checking out from hotels, travelers can leave 5 to 10 NIS in the room for tip, and they can tip the waiter who helps carry luggage when checking in.

Hot Hotels

City Center Suites, Jerusalem City Center
Herbert Samuel Hotel Jerusalem, Jerusalem City Center
Crowne Plaza Tel Aviv City Center, 5 Star Hotel
Oasis Dead Sea Hotel, 4 Star Hotel, Dead Sea
German Colony Guest House, Haifa

Foods

Jewish don’t eat pork and they rarely eat beef, mutton or other meat. The staple food of Jewish is usually Pita, pancakes made of wheat or barley. Vegetables in their diet mainly include onions, garlic, and leeks.

The foods in Israel offer a wonderful taste blending East and West styles. Almost every meal in Israel is started with salad and Pita. Travelers can select their preferred dishes to put into the Pita, and then pour sauce on it. There are kinds of special sauces and Hummus is the most common one.

Drinking Water

Tap water is drinkable.

Shopping

1. Mahane Yehuda Market

It is an outdoor market in Jerusalem selling various vegetables, fruits, beef, mutton, and peculiar spices. Many local snacks in the market are worth a try.

2. Dizengoff Avenue

Dizengoff Avenue is a lively high street in the center of Tel Aviv abounding with banks, restaurants, cafes and shopping centers.

3. Ben Yehuda Street

It is the busiest pedestrian street in Jerusalem, considered as the most worthwhile shopping street in the city, where there are many souvenir shops and antique shops. Buskers on the street show the other side of the holy city.

4. Cardo Shopping Mall

Located in the Old Town of Jerusalem, it has a mixed feature of ancient and modern styles, with dazzling boutiques selling exquisite hand-made silverware, art works and skin care products made of Dead Sea mud.

Festivals

1. Rosh Hashana

It is the New Year’s Day of Jewish, when the horns were blown in the church, indicating they are willing to talk to God and expect God's blessing. People always eat apples dipped in honey, which signify the sweet and beautiful New Year.

2. Sukkot

Every household will build a straw hut in memory of Moses. Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces usually host a tank exhibition at the municipal square in Tel Aviv.

3. Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur, also called the Day of Atonement, is the most important festival of Judaism. On the day there is a fasting prayer. People pray and repent in the church.

Do’s and Don’ts

1. When entering religious sites, females should wear a turban to show respect to local custom. Skirts and shorts are forbidden.
2. No Smoking in public.
3. Jewish do not eat meat and dairy products together, travelers had better do as they do.
4. Do not ask Jewish to take pictures on the Sabbath.

Phone Card

There are public telephones in large shopping malls, gas stations, bus stations, and main streets. Travelers can buy a phone card from the post office or currency exchange offices.

Network Service

Wifi is widespread in the country. Shopping malls, light rails, buses, and train stations often offer free Wifi. Most of the four-star hotels do not provide broadband access or charge high Internet access fees.

Power Outlets

Power Outlets: Type C
Voltage: 230V
Power Frequency: 50Hz

Useful Telephone Numbers

Calling Code: +972
Police: 100
Fire: 102
First aid: 101
Information Consultation: 144