Israel is a very inviting country to visit with many important hisrorical and religious sites, different terrenes and modern exciting cities.
Most citizens speak English making it easy to communicate and to find your way around.
There are Tourist Information Centers in all major cities and most hotels.
Weather
Israel has comfortable weather almost all months of the year. However during the summer months of July and August the temperature and moisture levels are very high.
Summers (April – October) are long, dry and warm. Some days can be very hot and the days are long with sunsets at approximately 7:30 – 8:00pm.
Generally Winter (November – March) is mild in most parts of Israel. The areas of Jerusalem and in the north of Israel weather can be cooler.
The Dead Sea Region has comfortable weather year round, while during summer months it’s very hot and very dry. Nights can be coolduring all months of the year as this region is a desert.
Public Transportation
Visiting Israel independantly can easily be achieved using public transportation, which includes buses and trains. Between Haifa in the North, Tel Aviv in the center and Ovda and Eilat in the South there are domestic flights departing and arriving at these cities a couple of times daily.
The public transportation in Israel does limit you when travelling over the weekends. Friday (Shabbat) public transportation finishes 1 hour prior to sunset, summer months at approximately 5pm while during winter months at approximately 2pm.
Public transportation resumes on Saturday with sunset.
It is important that you remember this while tranvelling in Israel and planning your stay.
Money and Currency
Israel’s currency is the New Israel Shekel (NIS) or as called locally, shekel. Bank notes are in denominators of 20, 50, 100 and 200. Coins are in denominations of 10 shekels, 5 shekels, 2 shekels, 1 shekel and 50 and 10 Agorot (cents).
Currency Exchange
There are currency exchange shops on almost every corner in Israel. You can find them on the streets, bus/train central terminals, banks, shopping centers and hotel lobbies. A passport is required when exchanging travelers checks.
Banks charge a commission for any currency exchange.
Most Hotels will have a Currency Exchange desk in Hotel Lobby.
Cash Withdrawals
International credit card holders can withdrawal shekels at most cash withdrawal machines (ATM).
Credit Cards
Most major credit cards are accepted in Israel: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners, Eurocard.
Electrical Appliances
The power supply in Israel is 220 volts at 50 Hertz.
When travelling to Israel make sure that small appliances such as, travelling irons, shavers, hair dryers and phone chargers are fit for 220 volts. Most small travel appliances are fit for 220 volts, however its important to check as you may need a transformer or adaptor plugs. Power sockets in Israel generally have three pin holes but many work with two pin European plugs.
Most tourist shops carry transformers and adaptors, it is also good to check with your accommodations as they may have adaptors for you to use during your stay.
