About Israel

We have compiled some basic information below to help you prepare for an upcoming Israel trip. We send our clients much more detailed pre-trip preparation information in advance of their trips. 
  

     

    

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CLIMATE

Israel is a country typical of brilliant sunshine, whose amount of sunlight and level of UV radiation are among the highest in the world. Israel is located in an area unique in its bi-seasonal nature: hot, dry summers and cold, rainy winters. Nevertheless, due to its placement between the Mediterranean Sea to the west and the desert to the east, the climate in Israel is varied and the visitor can choose between skiing on Mount Hermon and swimming in the Gulf of Eilat.
In the center and north of Israel, a Mediterranean climate prevails, where summer is primarily hot and winter rainy. In the south and the east, a desert climate exists, characterized by hot, dry weather and radical differences between day and night temperatures.
The Arava region, between the desert and the Mediterranean Sea, boasts a climate that is a cross between Mediterranean and desert. The rainy season stretches from the end of October to the beginning of May, but most rain falls between December and February.
Winter rains account for a majority of Israel's precipitation, although snow falls on Mount Hermon and other mountains as well. While more than 400 mm (16 inches) of rain falls annually on most parts of the Mediterranean region, less than 250 mm (10 inches) falls in the desert, while in the Arava, between 300-400 mm (12 and 16 inches) of rain falls every year.
The dry season goes from the beginning of May to the end of October, with the hottest months being July and August. From September to November and April until June, the weather is comfortable; almost no rain falls and visitors can both swim in the sea and travel comfortably in the desert.
When visiting Israel in the summer, visitors should come equipped with light clothing and a bathing suit; in winter, bring heavier clothing and an umbrella.
Israel enjoys long, warm, dry summers (April-October) and generally mild winters (November-March) with somewhat drier, cooler weather in hilly regions, such as Jerusalem and Safed. Rainfall is relatively heavy in the north and center of the country, with much less in the northern Negev and almost negligible amounts in the southern areas.
Regional conditions vary considerably, with humid summers and mild winters on the coast; dry summers and moderately cold winters in the hill regions; hot dry summers and pleasant winters in the Jordan Valley; and year-round semi-desert conditions in the Negev.
Weather extremes range from occasional winter snowfall in the mountain regions to periodic oppressively hot dry winds that send temperatures soaring, particularly in spring and autumn.
For a table of average annual temperatures click here.

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CURRENCY & BANKING

The currency of Israel is the New Israeli Sheqel (NIS) (plural: sheqalim). Each sheqel is divided into 100 agorot (singular: agora). Bank notes are in denominations of NIS 200, 100, 50 and 20 sheqels, and coins are in denominations of 5 sheqels, 10 sheqels, 1 sheqel and 50 and 10 agorot.
   
10 Agorot  5 Agorot 
   
10 Sheqel  1 Sheqel 
   
50 Agorot  5 Sheqel 
   
200 Sheqel  100 Sheqel 
   
50 Sheqel  20 Sheqel 

One may bring an unlimited amount of local and foreign currency into Israel in cash, travelers' checks, letters of credit or State of Israel Bonds. Foreign currency may be exchanged at any bank and at many hotels. Shops or service providers are not obliged to accept foreign currency and may give you change in sheqels even if payment is given in foreign currency.

Payment in foreign currency exempts tourists from Value Added Tax (V.A.T.) on certain purchases and services. Major credit cards (American Express, Diner's Club, Visa and Mastercard/Access/Eurocard) are widely accepted throughout Israel. Holders of Visa or Mastercard/Access/Eurocard cards may withdraw funds at the foreign currency counters of affiliated banks or at certain automated teller machines (ATMs).

Tourists may open local currency accounts or special non-resident foreign resident currency accounts at any bank or use their international credit cards to withdraw cash in foreign or local currency at banks honoring the respective cards.

Sheqalim may be reconverted to foreign currency at airport banks up to a maximum of US$500 or the equivalent in other currencies. Any balance of sheqels exceeding this sum accrued during a single visit to Israel (up to a maximum of US$5,000) can be reconverted on presentation of bank receipts attesting to the original conversion of foreign currency.

Foreign Exchange Rates

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ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES

The electric current in Israel is 220 Volt AC, single phase, 50 Hertz. Most Israeli sockets are of three-pronged variety, but many accommodate some European two-pronged plugs as wall. Electric shavers, travel irons and other small appliances may require adapters and/or transformers, which can be purchased in Israel.

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GEOGRAPHY

Israel is located in the southwest of the Asian continent, between the Mediterranean Sea and the deserts of Syria and Arabia. Her geographical borders are the Mediterranean Sea to the west and the Jordan Rift Valley to the east; from the mountains of Lebanon in the north to the Gulf of Eilat in the south. Despite Israel's small size, her climate and views are widely diverse; even with high population density, Israel boasts a rich variety of wildlife, vegetation, nature and vistas
Regions
Israel is divided into three main regions: The Coastal Plain, The Galilean-Samarian-Judean Highlands, and The Jordan Rift Valley.
The Coastal Plain
This is the western strip of the country, running the length of the Mediterranean Sea from Rosh Hanikra to the north and Gaza to the south. The land is easily worked, water sources are relatively plentiful and the main infrastructure lines of Israel run through it. Population density is high, and the Coastal Plain boasts most of Israel's largest cities, such as Haifa and Tel Aviv. To the east of the Mediterranean coast lies the moderately hilly plain, a transitional area between the Coastal Plain and the Galilean-Samarian-Judean Highlands.
The Galilean-Samarian-Judean Highlands
The highlands are a stretch of hills from Lebanon to the north to the Gulf of Eilat to the south, with the Coastal Plain to the west and the Jordan Rift Valley to the east. Its highest points are Mount Miron in the Galilee (1,208 meters-3,963 feet), Mount Baal Hazor in Samaria (1,016 meters-3,333 feet) and Mount Ramon in the Negev (1,037 meters-3,402 feet). Most of this region is rocky and thus relatively sparsely populated. The climate in the region's northern mountain is rainy and classically Mediterranean; while the southern region's climate tends to be typical of the desert.
The main parts of the highlands are: the Galilee, the Carmel Mountains, the Samarian and Judean Hills, and Mount Negev.
The continuity of the highlands is broken by two valleys that stretch the breadth of the country – the Jezreel Valley (separating the Galilee to the north and the Samarian Hills to the south) and the Beersheba-Arad Valley (separating the Judean Hills to the north and the Mount Negev to the south). Lying at the eastern foothills of the Samarian and Judean Hills are two desert regions – the Samarian and Judean Deserts.

The Jordan Rift Valley
The valley runs the length of Israel, from Metulla to the Red Sea. The valley is the result of fractious geological forces, and is part of the African-Syrio Rift, stretching from Syria-Turkey to the Zambezi River in Africa. The Jordan River, Israel's largest river, flows through the valley, and two bodies of water are found within its borders. The first is the Sea of Galilee, Israel's largest freshwater inland sea, and the second is the Dead Sea, a saltwater lake, and the lowest point on the Earth's surface (on dry land). The central sites of the Jordan Rift Valley are: the Hulah Valley, the Kinrot (Chinneroth) Valley, the Dead Sea Valley and the Arava.

Golan
The Golan Heights is also a region found in Israel; the Israeli Golan is the extremity of a large basalt plane found mostly within Syrian borders. Mount Hermon, Israel's highest mountain at a height of 2,224 meters (7,296 feet) above sea level, is found in the northern Golan.

Streams and Lakes
Israel's rainfall is minimal, therefore most of the streams located here are "deceptive" and run only seasonally. Israel's largest river, at a length of 250 kilometers (155 miles), is the Jordan River, descending from the Hulah Valley via the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea. Israel's largest streams ("Nahal") are found in the Negev Desert, including Nahal Zeelim, Nahal Zin, Nahal Habasor, and Nahal Arava.
Israel's two largest inland seas are the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea.
The Sea of Galilee is Israel's largest freshwater sea, and home to many sites holy to those of the Christian faith.
The Dead Sea is saltwater lake, and the lowest point on the Earth's surface, whose visitors are generally nature loving tourists and those who come for the therapeutic waters. The rest of Israel's bodies of water, including the remains of the Hulah Sea, are few in number.

Flora and Fauna
Israel has been blessed with a surprising wealth of vegetation, boasting a total of 2,380 types of plant life, many endemic strains common solely to Israel. The highest concentration of plant life is found on the Mediterranean coastal region. Desert vegetation is sparse, although tropical flora is intermingled, and the Arava region boasts both desert and Mediterranean plants.
Our animal kingdom is also diverse, including animals whose roots can be traced to countries surrounding Israel. The substantial abundance is noticed especially among insects and birds, although reptiles and mammals are also plentiful.
Israel boasts approximately 100 types of wild mammals; mammals of European origin can be found next to mammals of Africa or the sub-Continent of India and its environs. Although many of Israel's mammals are rare or active only at night, there are plenty that may be glimpsed in their natural environments like the antelope, the ibex, the hyrax and the jackal.
Over 520 types of birds call Israel home, many of them rare, whose stay here is fleeting during their southern migration to Africa in the autumn, and return northern migration in the spring; Israel is the choke point over which millions of birds fly during migration. Bird-watching during migrating season is best done at the Hulah Preserve, the bird-watching centers at Kibbutz Kfar Ruppin in the Beit Shean Valley, Kibbutz Lotan in the Arava and the Eilat International Birdwatching Center.
There is an abundance of marine life in the Red Sea, such as tropical fish and colorful coral. The Underwater Observatory Marine Park is the perfect place to observe them, as is scuba diving in order to get a first-hand look.

Northern Region
Here you will find the land of brooks, streams and spectacular views which attracted many residents of different historical periods who lived among some of the world's most amazing natural phenomena. Jesus of Nazareth was born, matured and was active in his ministry in the Galilee. A flowering Jewish settlement has survived in the Galilee for hundreds of years, and its Arab residents built villages and cities, some of whom remain in existence to this day, offering lively and diverse bazaars. Volcanoes, basalt canyons, layers of blossoming flora, ancient synagogues are all but the tip of the iceberg… In summer and fall the shady and aquatic areas offer the finest touring; in spring the best excursions are among the forests and greenery, while in winter they are ascensions to the snow-topped summits.

Southern Region
The desert is alive – not a wilderness, but a challenging home to man, animal and vegetation that live there. For hundreds of years, the Negev Desert was an area teeming with life, commerce and culture, a central axis between Petra, beyond the Jordan River, and Gaza, situated on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. In the Negev you will find wide open plains alongside steep canyons. Among all the natural phenomena of the region, those which set this region aside from any other in the world are the craters: the Large Crater, the Small Crater and the Ramon Crater. The breadth of the desert calls out to be conquered; tour here and experience the quiet and power of the desert, feel the might of nature and try and comprehend why in fact religions flower in the desert.

Central Region
In the heart of Israel, in the region that never stops, the heart of culture, cuisine, art and dazzling nightlife lives and beats. Come and discover Tel Aviv-Jaffa – the center of Israeli life – city of business and history, city of bazaars alongside opulent stores. Tel Aviv-Jaffa is the capital of Bauhaus design and a continuously developing center of modern architecture. Tel Aviv-Jaffa is the city that never rests, day or night; take handfuls of the city's stories and secrets, from the time of its establishment to the present – events that come and go like the waves lapping at its shores.

Jerusalem Region
Jerusalem – "The Center of the World"
Jerusalem boasts a 5000 year history of highs and lows, prophets and kings, armies and conquerors. The city has been destroyed and rebuilt, contracted and expanded, yet has always retained its beauty in the eyes of its many admirers. We will walk in the city's lanes, smelling its scents, hearing the sounds of prayer from every corner and from the remnants of castles, among fragments of buildings, faiths, religions, hopes and dreams we will rise from Jerusalem Below to Jerusalem Above. In Jerusalem you can smell the aromas of distant lands infused in the Jerusalem stone that have become a part of the city's inescapable charm.

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HEALTH REGULATION

Visitors to Israel require no immunizations.
Pets & Animals
Import of animals accompanied by owners:
Pet dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, and rodents which are not considered wildlife, up to two of each type, accompanied by their owners, are exempt from a Veterinary Import Permit provided that:
a.) A Veterinary Health Certificate, issued by a government veterinary officer in the country of origin within 7 days prior to export is attached, stating that the animals were examined, found healthy, free from infectious and contagious diseases, and that a declaration has been received from the owner stating that the animals have been in his/her possession for at least the last 90 days.
b.) An international certificate of vaccination stating that the dogs or cats have been vaccinated against rabies, not more than a year and not less than a month prior to shipment to Israel.

c.) Dogs and cats younger than 3 months will not be admitted. Following details of every import of animals must be notifies to the Ramla Quarantine Station at least 48 hours prior to arrival to Israel, (fax number: 972-8-9229906): name of owner, animal species, age, flight number, and approximate time of arrival. Animals arriving in good health and properly certified will generally not be quarantined.

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PASSPORTS & VISAS

Every visitor to Israel must have a passport current for a minimum of six months beyond his or her date of entry into the country.
Non-Israeli visitors must hold a valid travel document with a return visa to the country from which it was issued. Tourists are permitted to stay in Israel for a period of three (3) months from the date of their entry, determined by the entry visa issued them. Visitors planning to work in Israel must apply to the Ministry of the Interior for a special work visa (B/1).
Tourist Visas
Residents of the following countries will receive free entry visas at any port of entry into the State of Israel:
Europe:
Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany (for those born after 01/01/1928), Gibraltar, Greece, Holland, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Lichtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom
Asia and Oceania:
Australia, Fiji Islands, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, the Philippines

Africa:
Central African Republic, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, South Africa, Swaziland

Americas:
Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Surinam, Trinidad & Tobago, United States of America, Uruguay, Venda

Transit Visas:
Passenger who request a stopover in Israel on their way to a different destination, are permitted to receive a transit visa valid for up to five (5) days. These may be extended by up to ten (10) additional days upon their arrival to Israel. Passengers of cruise ships docking in Israel will be issued Landing Cards permitting them to stay in the country while their ship is docked in port; there is no need to apply for a visa.

Extension of Stay:
Visas may be extended for a nominal fee at offices in the following cities:

Information Center – Population Administration - *3450
Jerusalem -24 Hillel Street – 02-629-4726
Tel Aviv-Center – 9 Ahad Haam Street, Shalom Tower, 03-5193305
Haifa – 15 Pal-Yam Street – 04-8633333
Eilat – Hatmarim Street, City Center-2nd Floor – 08-6381333
David Ben Gurion International Airport – 03-9774200/4211/4212
Tiberias – 23 Zaki Elhadef Street – 04-6729111

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POSTAL & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Local and international mail and parcel post
E.M.S. – Express mail service (up to 20 kg.) to more than 133 countries. Delivery to major European and American cities in 2-3 days.
Stamps, aerogrammes, pre-stamped picture postcards, greeting cards, envelopes and packing material may be purchased at any postal outlet.
Fax, telegrams and telex messages – can be sent from most branches.
Poste Restante – The post office will hold your mail for you in Israel.
Exchange of foreign currency
Exchange of foreign currency in cash for NIS is possible only at main post offices.
Western Union – International money transfer service provided by the Postal Authority and Western Union. Money can be transferred within minutes from Western Union agents located in over 60 countries to post office branches throughout Israel. For more information call toll-free: 1-800-213-141

Postal money orders – can be sent from any of 15 countries to Israel and may be cashed for Israeli sheqels at all branches.

Cashing Euro cheques - Up to the amount of NIS 600 per cheque.

Cashing Giro cheques – A service for those having a postal bank account in European countries (maximum amount per cheque: approximately NIS 600).

Philatelic Service

Post offices are closed on Sabbath and major holidays.

Hours in most Post Offices:
Sunday through Thursday – 08:00-12:00, 15:30-18:30, (except Wednesdays); Wednesdays – 08:00-13:30; Fridays and Eves of major holidays, only 08:00-12:00.

For more information on the location and hours of the post office nearest to you, call the toll free number: 1-700-500171.

Telephones
Public telephones are operated by magnetic cards (Hebrew: "Telecards"), sold at post offices. Telephones in shops and restaurants are often available for public use at a higher cost than that of a magnetic card. Long distance and overseas calls can be made from your hotel or at the following International Phone Centers:

Jerusalem:
3 Koresh Street (236 Jaffa Road), hours: Sunday-Thursday: 08:00-21:00; Friday: 08:00-14:00

Tel Aviv:
13 Frishman Street, hours: Sunday-Thrusday: 08:00-23:00; Friday: 08:00-14:30; Saturday: 06:30-00:00

There are three telephone companies offering international telephone services:

Barak: Call 1-800-013-013 or 1838

Bezeq: Call 1-700-700-000 or 188

Golden Lines: Call 1-800-012-012 or 1822

The international dialing prefix for Israel is 972. When direct dialing from overseas, omit the '0' in the local area code. For example, to call (02) 111-1111 from abroad, dial the relevant international access code, followed by 972-2-111-1111.

English language telephone directories are published every two years and may be consulted at main post offices in major cities.

Fax & Telegraph
On weekdays, central telegraph offices are open 24 hours a day in Tel Aviv (7 Mikve Israel Street, open on Sabbaths and holidays as well); Jerusalem (23 Jaffa Road), Haifa (22 Hanevi'im Street) and from 07:00 to 19:00 in Beersheba (9 Hanessaim Boulevard), providing telegraph and facsimile (fax) services.

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SABBATH & HOLIDAYS

The official day of rest in Israel is called Shabbat.
The Jewish calendar is based on the lunar cycle, so Jewish holidays fall on different dates every year on the Gregorian calendar. Jewish Sabbath and holidays start at sunset the evening before the holiday, ending with the following sunset.
Public institutions, banks and businesses are closed at these times and, with the exception of taxis, almost no public transportation is available.
In large cities, some restaurants are closed, but many theaters, nightclubs and discotheques are open, with the exception of the following holidays: Yom Kippur Eve (Day of Atonement Eve), Holocaust Remembrance Day Eve, Remembrance Day for the Fallen of Israel's Wars, and the 9th of Av.

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WHAT TO PACK

• A small day-pack is indispensable for making short trips and day tours.
• Israel is chilly in winter and even summer evenings in many areas are cool enough to need a sweater.
• A sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, water canteen and comfortable walking shoes.
• In summer – clothes suitable for the hot climate; in winter – a raincoat and warm clothing in hilly areas.
• Bathing suit – also in winter, for bathing in Eilat and the Dead Sea. 
When visiting religious sites - take care to be modestly dressed.

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