Travel Information for Israel

We have gathered together some fast facts on visiting Israel. Additional in-depth information is available through the links on the left.

PASSPORTS and VISAS

Tourists are required to hold passports valid for 6 months beyond the duration of their stay. Visitors are allowed to stay in the country for three months from date of arrival.

U.S. and Canadian citizens as well as visitors from most European countries, Mexico, Latin America, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and many others countries do not need visas to visit Israel - just a valid passport (valid for at least 6 months). To check the requirements of your country, if not mentioned above, contact the Israeli Consulate nearest you.

No vaccinations or shots are required for American, Canadian, and European visitors to Israel. (If you’ve visited a country prior to coming to Israel where cholera, typhoid or yellow fever is common, you will need a vaccination certificate.)

WEATHER

The weather in Israel is often compared to the temperate climate in Florida, and southern California. There are sun-drenched summers and mild, balmy winters. However, as in most countries there can be sharp contrasts dependent upon the season. Year-round swimming is possible from April to October along the Mediterranean coast and the Sea of Galilee and throughout the year at the Dead Sea and the Red Sea.

The summer season (April to October) has fairly constant temperatures and is unspoiled by sudden showers. The winter season (November to March) is mild but quite cold in hilly areas (Jerusalem). Spells of rain are interspersed with brilliant sunshine.

FOOD and WINE

Israeli food - what a delight! Hungarian goulash, Russian borscht, Viennese schnitzel, American hot dogs, hamburgers and pizza are to be found side by side with Oriental falafel, humus, tahini, shishlik, kebab and Turkish coffee, as well as traditional Jewish dishes such as gefilte fish, chopped liver and chicken soup!

The wines of Israel compare well with those of Europe and range from light white to dry red to sweet rosé. There is also a good choice of local brandies and liqueurs. If you're used to your "name brand" liquor, we suggest you bring it from the Duty Free Shop before you arrive in Israel - imported liquor is very expensive in Israel.

You will thoroughly enjoy the fruits and vegetables in Israel, as they are extraordinarily tasty, fresh and delicious. Israel’s fresh fruits and vegetables are world-class and safe to eat. Enjoy them as much as you can as they are delicious.

Most Israelis eat a large breakfast, a main “meat” meal at midday and a light “dairy” meal in the evening. The wide variety of restaurants throughout the country cater to this preference, but they are also prepared to suit individual tastes.

The Hebrew word “kosher” means food conforming to Jewish dietary laws. Certain animals and fish are prohibited and milk, cream or cheese may not be served together with meat. Most hotels have kosher food and many restaurants conform to the dietary laws. However, it is quite easy to find non-Kosher restaurants all over Israel.

Tap water is officially drinkable throughout Israel, but bottled mineral water is widely available for those who prefer to be cautious. In hot weather remember to drink much more liquid than usual to combat the effects of dehydration.

CURRENCY and CUSTOMS

You may bring in almost anything needed for personal use. Limited items per adult are: 2 liters liquor; 1 liter wine; 250 grams cigars or loose tobacco; 250 cigarettes; gifts up to $200.00 in value.

The Israeli Shekel (NIS) is the country’s legal tender. The Shekel is divided into 100 agorot. The bills are in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 shekels. There are coins of 1,5, and 10 shekels and 5,10, and 50 agorot. You may bring an unlimited amount of foreign currency into Israel.

There is no need to change a great amount of currency in advance as you can pay in dollars almost everywhere. It is advisable to change a small amount of money for buying food, snacks, and incidentals at the Kiosks, etc. There are many ATM machines throughout Israel, and this is the easiest way and often most economical way to get cash.

Most places accept traveler's checks & major credit cards. We recommend that you carry more than one credit card aside from an American Express card.

Tourists who have changed foreign currency into Israeli currency (NIS), may re-exchange their money by presenting the receipt of the transaction up to a maximum of $500. This may be done at any bank in Israel or at Ben Gurion Airport upon departure.

VAT (VALUE ADDED TAX)

The V.A.T. (Value Added Tax) is 17% (Israel's equivalent of U.S. Sales Tax). All tourists in Israel are exempt from V.A.T. when paying in foreign currency for services provided in Israel. It is advisable to charge all of your extras, including meals, to your room and when checking out to pay in U.S. dollars, traveller's checks or credit card. Anything that is not charged to your room even if paid in dollars, will be taxed 17%. When purchasing items in approved shops, be sure to ask for a "V.A.T. Refund Form." This will entitle you to a V.A.T. Refund at Ben Gurion International Airport upon departure at the Bank Leumi counter (upstairs in the Departure Lounge). The refund will be given in cash after presentation of your purchase invoice.

ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES

The electric current in Israel is 220 volts AC, single phase, 50 cycles. Sockets are usually three pronged and foreign-made appliances often require adapters for plugs. Israel’s voltage is 220 volts, like Europe. Most luxury hotels provide hair dryers, and virtually all hotel rooms have 110/220 electric shaver sockets. Our electricity outlets usually conform to European adapters, but hotels and electrical stores can easily supply you with the right adapter if necessary.

TELEPHONES

To call Israel dial +972 (so for example, from the US 011 972...) then omit the first zero of the Israeli number.

Public phones in Israel operate with calling cards purchased from your hotel, post office, kiosks and newsstands throughout the country.

It’s easy to rent cell-phones/mobile phones in Israel. It is possible to rent a phone when you arrive at Ben Gurion International Airport and return it upon departure (advance reservations aren’t necessary). However, this may take time and delay your arrival to the hotel.

Internet Travelers can get on the internet in their hotel’s Business Center, or, with their own laptop, from the comfort of the hotel room (there is normally a charge for internet access). And you’ll find Internet Cafes and public Internet outlets all over Israel.

MEDICAL INFORMATION

While touring, please remember not to pack your medication in your luggage, since your luggage is not always readily available during the day. We recommend that you keep your medication and valuables in your carry-on piece. Please be aware that every hotel does have a House Doctor on call, if necessary.

SHOPPING

Several hundred shops are approved for tourists by the Israel Tourism Administration. These shops display a sign stating “Listed by the Ministry” and the Ministry’s emblem (two scouts carrying a bunch of grapes on a pole between them). This is the symbol of quality merchandise and courteous service. Among the best buys in Israel are carpets, ceramics, copperware, religious articles, jewelry, silverware, diamonds, paintings, and sculptures.

Stores are generally open all day on weekdays (including Sunday) and are closed on Saturday. On Friday and eve of holidays, stores close at mid-day. If you like to bargain, comb the colorful local markets and bazaars (Jerusalem, Acre, Jaffa) for handmade arts and crafts. Remember to ask for the “V.A.T. Refund Form” as discussed in the V.A.T. section of this page.

TIPPING

Tipping in Israel is very similar to tipping in the U.S. and Europe. Use your own judgment, based on your personal satisfaction with the services as to how much to tip. Tipping at restaurants is typically 10%-15% of the total price.

Back to the top of the page

Shore Excursions

Discover Northern Israel from the Haifa port and Visit Jerusalem from the Ashdod port