ABOUT ISRAEL
ABOUT ISRAEL
ABOUT ISRAEL
ABOUT ISRAEL

Useful General Information About Israel

Climate:

Sunshine Season (April to October): It's hot and dry most of the time, with lots of sunshine. It can get especially hot in some areas during this time.

Milder Season (November to March): It's generally warmer than many places in winter, but it can rain sometimes, especially in the north. Places with hills, like Jerusalem, can be a bit cooler in winter.

Rain isn't as common in the south of Israel, especially in the Negev desert, which is hot and dry most of the year.

The weather can change depending on where you are in Israel. The coast is usually more humid and milder than areas with hills. The Jordan Valley gets very hot in summer but has nice winters.

Sometimes it snows in the mountains during winter, and there can be strong, hot winds in spring and autumn that make it feel even hotter.

Money:

The money in Israel is called the Shekel (NIS). You can also say New Israeli Shekel.
It comes in bills (20, 50, 100, and 200 shekels) and coins (1, 2, 5, 10 shekels, and 50 and 10 agorot, which are like cents).

Bringing Money:

You can bring any amount of cash, traveler's checks, or credit cards to Israel.
You can exchange your money for shekels at airports, banks, post offices, hotels, or special money changers in big cities. Make sure you have your passport if you use traveler's checks.
The exchange rate can be different depending on where you go, and banks might charge a fee.
Exchange rate official Website - Click Here
Having some US dollars might be helpful, especially in Jerusalem's Old City, but it's not necessary.

Getting Cash:

If you have a credit card that works internationally, you can get shekels from ATMs (cash machines) outside most banks.

Credit Card

You can pay by card, Apple Pay, Google Pay at places like: hotels, most sit-down restaurants, most shops, and grocery stores. If you are making a small purchase, cash is preferred.

Tips

In Israel it is customary to tip primarily in restaurants. When the bill does not include service, a 12% tip should be added to the payment.

Communication:

Wi-Fi:

Most places you'll visit in Israel will have Wi-Fi, especially tourist spots like hotels, hostels, airports, and cafes. Look for signs that say "Wi-Fi" or ask the staff for the network name and password.

Local SIM Card:

Having internet on your phone, not just relying on Wi-Fi, is helpful for navigating and staying informed.
To get internet on your phone throughout Israel, you can buy a local SIM card.
Buying a local SIM card is usually cheaper than using your phone's international roaming plan (check with your home provider first).

Where to Buy a SIM Card:

You can easily find SIM cards at:
- Airport
- Mobile phone stores
- Some convenience stores

Electricity:

The Israeli power supply is single phase 220 volts at 50 Hertz. Most power sockets in Israel have three pin holes, but many of them will work with double-pin European plugs. Visitors who want to use shavers, traveling irons and other small appliances may need both transformers and adaptor plugs.

Cost of traveling in Israel:

Accommodation: US$100-150 per person per night (mid-range hotel),

Food: US$20-30 per person per day (street food, falafel); Restaurant: US$50-100 per person

Transportation: US$10-20 per person per day (public transport )

Activities: US$10-50 per person per day (museums, tours, historical sites)

Day tours: US$70-200 per person (depending on the program start / end point)

Private guide: US$300-500 per day (depending on the language; No car )

Weekend

Friday night is the start of the weekend for Jewish people, kind of like a super long rest day. It starts when the sun goes down on Friday and lasts until you see the first stars on Saturday night. Most government offices, buses and trains, banks, and shops are closed during this special time. But don't worry, some restaurants and fun places are still open if you're visiting on a Saturday!

Kosher Food

In Israel, many restaurants and hotels follow kosher rules. This means their food is prepared in a special way following Jewish religious traditions. Here's what that means for you:

Meat: It's prepared in a specific way.
No Mixing: Meat and dairy products aren't cooked or served together.
Limited Choices: Pork and seafood aren't usually on the menu.