Trip Information
Water -- Tap water is safe and drinkable in Israel, except at The Dead Sea. There, even some luxury hotels have special taps on each floor that you must go to for drinking water. Although Israeli water is safe, the presence of various minerals in the water may make you a bit queasy. For this reason, bottled water could be a good investment, though in small amounts and for teeth brushing, local water is fine.
Bugs, Bites & Other Wildlife Concerns -- Scorpions are always something to be aware of in desert and Mediterranean regions. If bitten by a scorpion, get emergency medical treatment immediately. Scorpions do not go out of their way to attack, but they love damp, warm places, and you can get bitten if you happen to put a hand or foot where one of them is resting. Check carefully when entering showers, bathrooms, or other damp places in the desert or countryside. There's minimal danger in the cities, but at beaches and in the countryside, take some simple precautions. Always shake out towels at the beach or pool before drying yourself; shake out shoes and socks before putting them on. If you're staying in simple places in the desert, shake out your sheets before getting into bed. Orange groves may look inviting, but big, mean snakes think so, too; avoid the temptation to stroll or picnic in them. In the Jordan Valley, there is a rare but very ugly skin infection called "Rose of Sharon" that's hard to control and will scar unless you get medical treatment -- don't hesitate to see a doctor about any unusual or persistent bug bites or skin eruptions.
There is rabies in the countryside, and wild animals should be avoided. Dogs that are clearly well-tended pets are okay, but keep away from stray dogs and kittens and the urban refuse bin cats, no matter how friendly or hungry they may seem.
When snorkeling or diving in the Red Sea, remember that many coral formations are not only sharp, but they can burn. It is illegal to touch or walk on any coral -- not only for your safety, but for the protection of the coral, which can be easily broken and killed. Spiny sea urchins, covering the underwater floor in many places, are the bane of snorkelers. Getting your foot impaled on one of these spines can wreck a vacation. It's best to wear foot coverings and try to avoid stepping anywhere near a sea urchin -- and note that it's very easy for a wave or current to glide you right onto one. Study photo charts of fish before snorkeling, and memorize those that are poisonous to touch, especially the stone fish or rock fish, with their billowing, diaphanous fins that appear to be so delicate.
Sun Exposure -- Sunburn and dehydration are problems throughout the region, but especially in the desert in summer. Although the air is dry, paradoxically, you often don't feel thirsty. Force yourself to drink a minimum of four 1.5-liter bottles of water a day as you travel the area in summer, more if you are in the desert. Sunscreen is a must, though you need less of it at The Dead Sea because the thicker atmosphere screens out the sun.
Safety -- Israel is a low-crime country. Some of the major dangers you will encounter are car-related. Israeli drivers, though no worse than drivers in some other countries, aren't renowned for sound driving practices. Blatant tailgating is the unnerving way of life here. Car theft and theft of belongings from rental cars is also a major problem. Some rental car companies require you to use a steering wheel lock, and it is never a good idea to leave valuables in your car. Keeping baggage out of sight in the trunk helps a bit, but a parked rental car is an irresistible magnet for thieves.
When traveling in Jordan or in East Jerusalem and Arab cities inside Israel, travelers should not carry or drink alcohol (which is forbidden by Islam) in public, and modest dress is expected of both men and women. Women traveling alone must realize they are visiting Muslim societies, where the very fact of being unaccompanied by a man will be regarded as suspicious and provocative. Extremely modest dress is essential. All behavior must be very guarded, and all visitors should be aware of conservative Muslim sensibilities. Gay and lesbian travelers are advised to be unusually discreet when visiting these areas.
Renting a Car -- In general, you'll do best by scouting things and reserving a car in advance of your arrival in Israel. Car-rental agencies, both international and local, rent small cars for about $45 to $70 (£23-£35) a day, depending on the season, the company, and the size of the car, and whether you've booked an advance-payment special package from your own country. Apply ahead of time for the discount cards that most international car-rental companies currently offer. At the very least, they may get you an automatic upgrade. Remember, if you plan to travel in the summer, or drive to the Negev and Eilat, you'll want a car with air-conditioning that really works (if you deal with a rent-a-wreck outfit, which I don't advise, there may be no air-conditioning at all)
Driving Rules -- Seat belt use for drivers and all passengers is mandatory. Although Israel honors American, Canadian, and U.K. driver's licenses, if you plan to drive in other countries you might want to have an international driver's license, which should be obtained in advance in your hometown. Speed limits are 50km (31 miles) per hour in towns and urban areas; 90km (56 miles) per hour on intercity roads unless otherwise posted.
Currency -- The Israeli Shekel is the currency of Israel. Our currency rankings show that the most popular Israel Shekel exchange rate is the ILS to USD rate. The currency code for New Shekels is ILS, and the currency symbol is ₪.
Visas -- Visas are given free to U.S., U.K., and Canadian citizens, without prior application, when they enter Israel at Ben-Gurion or Eilat International airports and show passports that are valid for at least 6 months beyond the time of arrival. The tourist visa is good for 3 months and can be extended for another 3 consecutive months at any office of the Ministry of the Interior (you may be asked to prove you have adequate funding for your extended stay). For residents of New Zealand, Australia, and Ireland, visas are issued free upon entry and are valid for 3 months. To work, study, or settle in Israel, you need the proper permit before arrival. If you enter Israel at an overland crossing from either Egypt (Sinai) or Jordan, you may receive a visa valid only for 30 days.
Tips on Dining -- Israel used to be a practical, early-to-bed and early-to-rise country, but in Tel Aviv, and increasingly elsewhere, late dining has become the trend. For travelers who want to get an early start in the morning, or want to take in an evening performance, Israel has become the land of the luncheon special -- in many restaurants, the fabulous weekday lunch specials last until 5pm, or even later! Once the lunch deadline passes, the cost of a meal can double or even triple
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g293983-Jerusalem_Jerusalem_District-Vacations.html
Bugs, Bites & Other Wildlife Concerns -- Scorpions are always something to be aware of in desert and Mediterranean regions. If bitten by a scorpion, get emergency medical treatment immediately. Scorpions do not go out of their way to attack, but they love damp, warm places, and you can get bitten if you happen to put a hand or foot where one of them is resting. Check carefully when entering showers, bathrooms, or other damp places in the desert or countryside. There's minimal danger in the cities, but at beaches and in the countryside, take some simple precautions. Always shake out towels at the beach or pool before drying yourself; shake out shoes and socks before putting them on. If you're staying in simple places in the desert, shake out your sheets before getting into bed. Orange groves may look inviting, but big, mean snakes think so, too; avoid the temptation to stroll or picnic in them. In the Jordan Valley, there is a rare but very ugly skin infection called "Rose of Sharon" that's hard to control and will scar unless you get medical treatment -- don't hesitate to see a doctor about any unusual or persistent bug bites or skin eruptions.
There is rabies in the countryside, and wild animals should be avoided. Dogs that are clearly well-tended pets are okay, but keep away from stray dogs and kittens and the urban refuse bin cats, no matter how friendly or hungry they may seem.
When snorkeling or diving in the Red Sea, remember that many coral formations are not only sharp, but they can burn. It is illegal to touch or walk on any coral -- not only for your safety, but for the protection of the coral, which can be easily broken and killed. Spiny sea urchins, covering the underwater floor in many places, are the bane of snorkelers. Getting your foot impaled on one of these spines can wreck a vacation. It's best to wear foot coverings and try to avoid stepping anywhere near a sea urchin -- and note that it's very easy for a wave or current to glide you right onto one. Study photo charts of fish before snorkeling, and memorize those that are poisonous to touch, especially the stone fish or rock fish, with their billowing, diaphanous fins that appear to be so delicate.
Sun Exposure -- Sunburn and dehydration are problems throughout the region, but especially in the desert in summer. Although the air is dry, paradoxically, you often don't feel thirsty. Force yourself to drink a minimum of four 1.5-liter bottles of water a day as you travel the area in summer, more if you are in the desert. Sunscreen is a must, though you need less of it at The Dead Sea because the thicker atmosphere screens out the sun.
Safety -- Israel is a low-crime country. Some of the major dangers you will encounter are car-related. Israeli drivers, though no worse than drivers in some other countries, aren't renowned for sound driving practices. Blatant tailgating is the unnerving way of life here. Car theft and theft of belongings from rental cars is also a major problem. Some rental car companies require you to use a steering wheel lock, and it is never a good idea to leave valuables in your car. Keeping baggage out of sight in the trunk helps a bit, but a parked rental car is an irresistible magnet for thieves.
When traveling in Jordan or in East Jerusalem and Arab cities inside Israel, travelers should not carry or drink alcohol (which is forbidden by Islam) in public, and modest dress is expected of both men and women. Women traveling alone must realize they are visiting Muslim societies, where the very fact of being unaccompanied by a man will be regarded as suspicious and provocative. Extremely modest dress is essential. All behavior must be very guarded, and all visitors should be aware of conservative Muslim sensibilities. Gay and lesbian travelers are advised to be unusually discreet when visiting these areas.
Renting a Car -- In general, you'll do best by scouting things and reserving a car in advance of your arrival in Israel. Car-rental agencies, both international and local, rent small cars for about $45 to $70 (£23-£35) a day, depending on the season, the company, and the size of the car, and whether you've booked an advance-payment special package from your own country. Apply ahead of time for the discount cards that most international car-rental companies currently offer. At the very least, they may get you an automatic upgrade. Remember, if you plan to travel in the summer, or drive to the Negev and Eilat, you'll want a car with air-conditioning that really works (if you deal with a rent-a-wreck outfit, which I don't advise, there may be no air-conditioning at all)
Driving Rules -- Seat belt use for drivers and all passengers is mandatory. Although Israel honors American, Canadian, and U.K. driver's licenses, if you plan to drive in other countries you might want to have an international driver's license, which should be obtained in advance in your hometown. Speed limits are 50km (31 miles) per hour in towns and urban areas; 90km (56 miles) per hour on intercity roads unless otherwise posted.
Currency -- The Israeli Shekel is the currency of Israel. Our currency rankings show that the most popular Israel Shekel exchange rate is the ILS to USD rate. The currency code for New Shekels is ILS, and the currency symbol is ₪.
Visas -- Visas are given free to U.S., U.K., and Canadian citizens, without prior application, when they enter Israel at Ben-Gurion or Eilat International airports and show passports that are valid for at least 6 months beyond the time of arrival. The tourist visa is good for 3 months and can be extended for another 3 consecutive months at any office of the Ministry of the Interior (you may be asked to prove you have adequate funding for your extended stay). For residents of New Zealand, Australia, and Ireland, visas are issued free upon entry and are valid for 3 months. To work, study, or settle in Israel, you need the proper permit before arrival. If you enter Israel at an overland crossing from either Egypt (Sinai) or Jordan, you may receive a visa valid only for 30 days.
Tips on Dining -- Israel used to be a practical, early-to-bed and early-to-rise country, but in Tel Aviv, and increasingly elsewhere, late dining has become the trend. For travelers who want to get an early start in the morning, or want to take in an evening performance, Israel has become the land of the luncheon special -- in many restaurants, the fabulous weekday lunch specials last until 5pm, or even later! Once the lunch deadline passes, the cost of a meal can double or even triple
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g293983-Jerusalem_Jerusalem_District-Vacations.html