General
While in Israel
STAFF CONTACTS
While in Israel, your guide will be the primary contact for basic questions and assistance. Staff names will be distributed about a month prior to the program start date. Should you need additional support, our back-office staff in Israel and North America are available to assist you. Staff cell phone numbers are provided before your trip.
WEATHER
Israel enjoys warm, dry summers (May-September) and generally mild winters (November-March). Somewhat cooler weather is found in the more hilly regions, such as Jerusalem, Tsfat, and the Golan. Warmer weather is found along the coast, in the desert, and near the Sea of Galilee. December through March are the wettest months in Israel. June through August are the driest months with no expected rain at all.
Average temperatures vary by region and time of the year as follows:
| Jersualem | Tel Aviv | Dead Sea | Tiberias | Eilat | |
| January | 43-53 | 49-65 | 49-69 | 48-65 | 49-70 |
| February | 44-57 | 48-66 | 51-73 | 49-67 | 51-73 |
| March | 44-51 | 51-69 | 55-79 | 51-72 | 56-79 |
| April | 53-69 | 54-72 | 62-86 | 56-80 | 63-87 |
| May | 60-77 | 63-77 | 68-94 | 62-89 | 69-95 |
| June | 63-81 | 67-83 | 72-99 | 68-95 | 75-99 |
| July | 66-84 | 70-86 | 75-101 | 73-89 | 77-103 |
| August | 66-86 | 72-86 | 76-101 | 75-99 | 79-104 |
| September | 65-82 | 69-89 | 74-97 | 71-95 | 75-98 |
| October | 60-78 | 59-83 | 68-92 | 65-89 | 69-92 |
| November | 54-67 | 54-76 | 60-83 | 59-78 | 61-83 |
| December | 47-56 | 47-66 | 53-73 | 53-68 | 51-74 |
PREPARING FOR SUMMER WEATHER
Weather during summer is hot during the day, cooler in the evenings, and humidity is minimal in most parts of Israel. Bring comfortable clothing for warm weather. We also urge you to wear a brimmed hat and sunscreen as you may find the sun to be more intense than at home.
PREPARING FOR WINTER WEATHER
Israel enjoys mild winters, and while there is a chance of rain during this time of year, it is not an everyday occurrence (or even every week). Snow is a very rare (and short-lived) phenomenon in Jerusalem. Pack clothing that can be worn in layers to prepare yourself for fluctuating temperatures.
MONEY MATTERS
The Israeli currency is the Shekel (NIS). We recommend going to www.xe.com for an updated exchange rate closer to departure. Shekels come in various denominations, and it's worth noting that shekel coins come in higher values than you may be used to at home.
You can exchange your home currency for shekels prior to departure, on arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, or you can use an ATM to withdraw shekels all over Israel. Exchanging your home currency during the trip itself will not be convenient or you will be subject to non-advantageous exchange rates at the hotel.
If you choose to use your personal ATM card or credit card in Israel consider this advice:
- If your ATM or Debit card has a Visa, MasterCard, Star, Cirrus, or Maestro logo imprint, there should not be a problem withdrawing money. Other ATM network cards may work, but we encourage you to check with your local bank if you have any doubts. ATM machines have instructions in several languages including English. The money withdrawn will be in shekels.
- Major credit cards like Visa and MasterCard are accepted throughout Israel. We advise that you contact your bank to inform them you are traveling abroad and using your cards to make purchases to ensure fraud alerts and security holds are not placed on your accounts.
- Check with your bank for exact fees charged when using ATM and credit cards. Some credit card companies, such as Capital One, do not charge foreign transaction fees.
- Bring your bank's contact information and place it in a separate, secure location in the unlikely event your wallet or purse is lost or stolen.
- Notify your debit and/or credit card company of your travel plans to avoid a potential security hold on your card abroad.
GRATUITIES
TIPPING YOUR TOUR STAFF
You'll soon discover that our staff pours their hearts into the success of your experience, and at the end of the tour, providing a cash tip (dollars or shekels) is a customary and thoughtful gesture. Although the amounts and allocation are ultimately at your discretion, we recommend budgeting for a tip pool of $100-$150 per traveler to be divided as follows:
- 1/2 for the guide
- 1/4 for the driver
- 1/4 for the tour director/assistant (if applicable)
OTHER TIPPING IN ISRAEL
Gratuities for hotel staff and waitstaff at group meals are already included in the cost of the program. If you are eating at a restaurant separately or taking a taxi, the customary tip range in Israel is 10-15%.
ELECTRICAL CURRENT
If you plan to bring small electrical appliances, consider that Israel uses a 220-volt electrical
current versus the 110-volt current used in North America. To avoid "frying" any electrical items, bring a voltage converter (this is already built into most smartphones and tablets). The outlet types are different as well, with two circular prongs, so you will also need a simple adapter to plug your items into the wall. If you are unsure of which plugs to purchase, check with your local electronics or travel store.
DIETARY CONSIDERATIONS
The program covers two meals a day (with the exception of the arrival day). Breakfast is provided daily at the hotel and will consist of a wide variety of salads, dairy products, fruits, breads, and more traditional breakfast items. Since lunch is typically a quick stop, we encourage you to eat a full breakfast. All meals provided are kosher according to the "Rabbanut" certification. Most of the restaurant meals provided will consist of traditional Israeli cuisine, which has a Middle Eastern flair and is typically served buffet-style or family-style.
Travelers with special dietary situations (i.e. allergies, lactose intolerance, vegetarian, etc.) should note it with their registration or contact us separately. We will notify the meal providers in advance, and make a good faith effort to ensure your considerations are accommodated.
During meals on your own, you will find that you often have a huge selection of styles to choose from, ranging from sushi to Italian and nearly everything in between. In general, you may find that restaurants are not as aware of allergens or potential reactions, so we recommend that you exercise caution when ordering or ask your staff for assistance. Finally, most restaurants accept credit card for payment, but many of the small quick-service restaurants will only accept cash.
STAYING CONNECTED
If you do not have a cellphone plan with reasonable international calling/data services, you can take advantage of discounted rates for mobile services at www.stayconnectedabroad.com. Options include local cellphone rentals, SIM cards, and other mobile data solutions. Pick-up is free at Ben Gurion Airport as long as you place your order at least a week in advance of your arrival (the pickup kiosk is closed during Shabbat hours).
Download the WhatsApp app for free messaging and calling services while you're traveling abroad!
STAYING HYDRATED
Carrying a water bottle is a must, especially during the summer months. You will require much more frequent hydration than you are probably used to, around 2-4 liters of water per day. If you do not wish to pack a water bottle or hydration pouch, you can easily recycle your plastic store-bought bottles of water by refilling them from the tap, which is safe to drink. Additionally, bottles of water are available for sale on your tour bus, and typically cost only US$1-$3 per bottle (depending on size).
ISRAEL'S TIME ZONE
When communicating with friends and family at home, remember that Israel is usually seven hours ahead of Eastern Time or ten hours ahead of Pacific Time. This means evenings in Israel are equivalent to morning/afternoon in North America. Mornings in Israel are equivalent to late night in North America.
MEDICINE & VACCINATIONS
If you are taking medication, we recommend bringing enough to last for the entire time that you expect to be in Israel. If you have a notable medical condition, inform us in advance so that we can prepare our staff accordingly. No vaccinations are required for Israel, but we do recommend coming to Israel with an up-to-date tetanus shot.
TAXIS IN ISRAEL
If you use a taxi anywhere in Israel, insist that they turn the meter on – "moneh b'vakasha" (meter please). Cab drivers will often try to negotiate a price in advance without the meter to avoid reporting the income. Unless you know how much the ride will cost, you are almost always better off paying the meter price. If the driver refuses to put the meter on, simply get out and wait for another cab.
Down the Gett app to order taxi service in advance (most taxis only accept cash -- with Gett, you can pre-enter your payment information and choose taxis who will accept your preferred method of payment).
ROOM CONFIGURATIONS
If you reserved a double occupancy room, you will be accommodated with either a queen-sized bed or two twin-sized beds depending on your rooming request. If you reserved a triple occupancy room, the additional bed in the room will typically be a sofa bed or pull out bed. Exact mattress sizes vary from hotel to hotel and can not be guaranteed in advance.