Are you considering a trip to Israel? Maybe you’ve heard so much about the ancient land, but you don’t know much else. Or, maybe you’ve planned your trip and are looking for some key tips to better prepare for your travels. These Israel facts will teach you everything you have been wondering.
Jerusalem
Parliamentary Democracy
Hebrew, Arabic, (English is widely spoken in all parts of the country)
8.1 Million
New Israeli Shekel (NIS), 1 Shekel = 100 Agorot (singular: agora) Bank notes are in denominations of NIS 200, 100, 50 and 20 shekels and coins of 10 shekels, 5 shekels, 2 shekels, 1 shekel, 50 agorot and 10 agorot.
Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Netanya, Haifa & Eilat
+972
TLV (Ben Gurion International Airport)
VDA (Ovda International Airport)
You can travel between Israel, Jordan and Egypt. However we recommend that you check with the relevant embassies to see if a visa is required by the destination country. If you’re on a private tour in Israel, be sure to check all the necessary documents.
Visitors entering Israel are not required to undergo vaccinations prior to their arrival.
Egged is the leading public transport operator in Israel, accounting for over 60% of all public transport services throughout the country. Dan is the largest public transportation company in the area of greater Tel Aviv. It is very important to note that public transport service stop at sundown on Fridays and resumes at sundown Saturdays. A shared 10-seater van service called “Sherut” is available for inter-city travel as well as local bus routes. These sheruts charge fares about 30% higher than a bus.
To rent a car in Israel the driver must be over 21 years of age, and must have a valid international driver’s license , as well as an international credit card.
Driving in Israel can be different from what travelers are used to in their home countries. Speed limits are in kilometers: 50 kph in the city, 80 on inter-city roads, and 90 on highways, unless otherwise specified. Seat belts must be worn in front and in back at all times. Children under 12 are not allowed in the front seat unless they are infants in a safety seat. Driving is on the right. Passing is on the left.
It’s hot in Israel. Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Alcohol is not recommended in high-temperature zones, especially in mid-day. The minimum alcohol-drinking age is 18. In most areas, it is safe to drink the tap water.
220 volt AC, single phase, 50 Hertz
It is possible to charge currency in all major banks and post office as well as licensed exchange points all over the country.
Most ATM’s accept all major credit cards such as Master Card, Visa, Diners, and American Express.
All public offices in Israel are closed on Shabbat (Friday afternoon – Saturday), as are most private businesses. In most cities, public transportation (trains and buses) does not operate. Most restaurants are closed, with the exception of Tel Aviv where most restaurants and coffee shops are open for business. Radio and TV broadcasts operate as usual.
It is customary to tip waiters adding 10%-15% to the bill, and taxi drivers with 5%.
Security guards at public buildings such as shopping malls may often check your bags. Be cooperative – it is for your safety too. Never leave your bag unattended!
Police – 100
Ambulance – 101
Fire Department 102.
On average, January is the coldest month with average temperatures ranging from 6 °C (43 °F) to 15 °C (59 °F), and July and August are the hottest months at 22 °C (72 °F) to 33 °C (91 °F) on average across the country.
Summers are very humid along the Mediterranean coast but dry in the central highlands, the Rift Valley, and the Negev Desert. In Eilat, the desert city, summer daytime temperatures are often the highest in the state, at times reaching 44 °C (111 °F) to 46 °C (115 °F).
More than 70% of the average rainfall in Israel falls between November and March; June through September are usually rainless. Rainfall is unevenly distributed, significantly lower in the south of the country. In the extreme south, rainfall averages near 30 millimeters (1 in) annually; in the north, average annual rainfall exceeds 900 millimeters (35 in).
History:
Israel is one of the most historical countries in the world due to its ancient history and significance in various civilizations and religions. Almost every place and landmark in Israel is a small piece of heaven for the greatest history buffs. There is an abundance of knowledge to learn about the rich past of sites such as Jerusalem, Caesarea, Masada, and even the Dead Sea. Don’t believe us? Check out our Dead Sea tours to discover history where it’s least expected. We gaurantee you’ll be surprised.
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