Shalom! Bon VoyageWe wish you a wonderful journey and an enjoyable stay in the endlessly fascinating and beautiful land of Israel. IsramWorld and Holy Lands Sun Tours will do everything possible to ensure that your tour will be an exciting and memorable experience, filled with the joy of discovery and remembered happily for many years to come. Thank you for choosing Holy Lands Sun Tours and IsramWorld to Israel.
Tourists are required to hold passports valid for 6 months from date of entry. Visitors are allowed to stay in the country for three months from date of arrival. You Do Not Need A Visa - U.S. and Canadian citizens do not need a visa to visit Israel - just a valid passport (valid for at least 6 months). Visitors from most European countries, Mexico, Latin America, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and many others countries also do not need visas. To check the requirements for other nationalities conctact the Israeli Consulate. You Don't Need Vaccinations - No vaccinations or shots are required for U.S. or Canadian visitors to Israel. (If you've visited a country prior to coming to Israel where cholera, typhoid or yellow fever is endemic, you will need a vaccination certificate.) Transatlantic flights allow 2 checked bags per person (neither to exceed 62 inches) with the total dimension of both bags not to exceed 106 inches, plus 1 carry-on bag not to exceed 39 inches. However, please be aware that on flights between European countries baggage is weighed and limited to 44 pounds per person in Economy and 66 pounds per person in First Class.Note: You are permitted 2 pieces of luggage on Israel Motorcoach Tours, but it’s best to travel with only one suitcase due to cargo space and your convenience. Upon disembarkation from your flight, be sure to affix your name tag on your outer clothing so our airport staff may identify you. Also, please remember to affix the IsramWorld luggage tag to your suitcases. We cannot ensure transfers unless these instructions are followed. You may bring in almost anything you'll need for personal use and your convenience. Limited items per adult are: .44 pints cologne or perfume; 2 liters liquor; 1 liter wine; 250 grams cigars or loose tobacco; 250 cigarettes; gifts up to $200.00 in value. Upon return to the U.S., you may bring in up to $400.00 worth of items duty free.
Please Note: Many Israeli-made items are not counted as part of your duty-free allowance as they are exempt from U.S. duty.
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 - cash, traveler's checks, letters of credit or State of Israel bonds. Upon departure you may take out up to NIS 1,000.
There is no need to change your currency at the banks as you can pay in dollars almost everywhere. Most places accept traveler's checks, major credit cards and personal checks with adequate identification. There are also many ATM machines dispensing U.S. dollars. You will need small change which you can use for items such as buses and newspaper stands.
FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGETourists who have changed foreign currency (U.S. dollars) into Israeli currency (NIS), may re-exchange their money into dollars 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.
STATE OF ISRAEL BONDS
Tourists holding State of Israel Bonds in their name or legally assigned to them, may redeem them at any bank prior to their date of maturity for Israeli currency (NIS) up to the equivalent of $2,500 per month of stay for each member of the family.
Please Note: Passengers who are in possession of an Israeli Passport (including those with dual citizenship) may be subject to a 10% V.A.T. charge levied in Israel at the hotels or for car rentals. It must be paid, if requested, directly to the hotel. Please note that IsramWorld assumes no responsibility whatsoever for any charges to your account made by the hotel or car rental company for V.A.T. All banks and most hotels in Greece are authorized to buy foreign currency at the official rate of exchange fixed by the Bank of Greece. Banking hours are 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., except Saturdays, Sundays and official public holidays. For the convenience of tourists, the branches of many banks also remain open in the afternoon and on Saturdays. 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.
Mean Temperatures
Jerusalem |
Tel Aviv |
Haifa |
Tiberias |
Eilat |
|
Jan |
43-53 |
49-65 |
45-63 |
48-65 |
49-70 |
Feb |
43-57 |
47-65 |
47-64 |
48-67 |
51-73 |
Mar |
47-60 |
51-68 |
47-70 |
51-72 |
56-79 |
Apr |
53-69 |
54-72 |
54-77 |
55-80 |
62-87 |
May |
59-77 |
63-77 |
58-76 |
62-89 |
69-94 |
June |
63-81 |
66-82 |
63-81 |
68-94 |
75-98 |
July |
65-83 |
70-86 |
68-86 |
73-98 |
77-103 |
Aug |
65-85 |
72-86 |
70-86 |
74-99 |
79-104 |
Sep |
64-82 |
68-88 |
67-85 |
70-95 |
74-97 |
Oct |
60-77 |
59-83 |
59-81 |
65-89 |
68-91 |
Nov |
54-66 |
54-76 |
55-73 |
58-78 |
60-82 |
Dec |
46-56 |
47-66 |
48-64 |
53-68 |
51-74 |
VOLTAGE &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 confirm to European adapters, but hotels and electrical stores can easily supply you with the right adapter if necessary.TIME Israeli Standard Time is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, 1 hour ahead of mid-European Time; and 7 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time, U.S.A.; Daylight Saving Time(s) may differ.
We recommend that you use safe in your hotel room (or in the hotel) for your valuables and passports, etc. It is advisable to make a photocopy of your passport and carry it with you. The Israeli Tour Guides are world-famous. They are well trained; extraordinarily knowledgeable and ready at all times to aid you with your special requests and arrangements. Your guide will be happy to make suggestions for evenings or free days and provide lists of available optional tours.
There is so much to see in Israel and we want to show you the maximum during the short time you will be here. Therefore, we ask that you follow the guide’s instructions and be punctual at all times...this makes our job easier and your trip even better. Seats on the bus are rotated on a daily basis in order to enable everyone to have the opportunity to sit in the front. Smoking is not allowed on any of our touring vehicles. However, rest stops are made with frequency for people who wish to smoke. The Jerusalem Post is published daily and on weekends and is the major English newspaper in Israel. News broadcasts in English on the radio are aired in the evening. Most of the major hotels feature CNN and BBC on a daily basis along with other cable news channels.
PHOTOGRAPHYIsrael’s stunning landscapes and picturesque inhabitants make it truly a “photographer’s paradise.” Please be aware, however, that there are certain religious communities whose members resent having their picture taken. These include certain Orthodox Jewish sects and observant Moslems. Your discretion will save embarrassment.
Be sure to protect your camera against the sun and heat. Don’t take pictures between 12 noon and 3:30 p.m. when the light is too harsh, particularly in the summertime. In the Negev, don’t take color shots early in the morning or late in the afternoon as the result will be a reddish overtone.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATIONYou will need Israeli currency, but not exact change. The public transportation (buses and trains) does not run on Saturdays and Jewish Holidays (in the Jewish calendar the day start and ends with sunset). On these days, and other days as well, you can use either the "Sheirut" or a taxi. A "Sheirut" is a service that uses 7-seater mini-buses and operates on the exact route of public bus lines. You can get on and off the "Sheirut" anywhere along the line (not only at the bus stops).
Taxis. When using taxis, insist that the driver use the meter. Remember that the amount shown on the meter is in Israeli currency and prices do change according to time or day. Evening rates are higher.
If you have not pre-arranged a transfer to your hotel, please be aware that there is an Airport Bus Service at Ben Gurion Airport, which operates hourly to all of the major hotels in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. The Information Desk will give you complete details as to the cost of the service. The buses also operate in reverse, picking up passengers at the hotels for return to Ben Gurion Airport. All hotels have a complete time schedule.
Driving Yourself. All international car rental companies are represented in Israel, and there are a variety of Israeli companies, too. A passport, major credit card and U.S. or Canadian driver’s license is needed to rent a car in Israel. The highway system is advanced and up to U.S./European standards. Most signs are in English in addition to Hebrew. In Israel, we drive on the right, just like in the U.S.A.
How to call Israel? To call Israel from North America, dial 011-972 and then the number in Israel (including the area code, omitting the initial zero).
Calling Home From Israel? It’s easy: AT&T, MCI and Sprint all have toll-free access numbers in Israel. Ask the hotel operator how to dial directly from your room. From a public phone check the instruction card (which will tell you to dial 012, 013 or 014 for overseas) then continue with 1 for the United States, the area code and phone number.
Calling Cards: Public phones in Israel operate with calling cards purchased from your hotel, post office, kiosks and newsstands throughout the country.
Cell Phones: It's easy to rent a cell-phone anywhere in Israel. Most convenient is to rent a phone when you arrive at Ben Gurion International Airport and return it upon departure (advance reservations aren't necessary). If your U.S. cell-phone is a Tri-Band model, it will work in Israel.
Internet: Travelers can get on the internet in their hotel’s Business Center, or, with your own laptop, from the comfort of your hotel room (there is normally a charge for internet access). And you’ll find Internet Cafes and public Internet outlets all over Israel.
Israeli food takes the best of Oriental and Western cuisine and adds its own flavor. 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 (like Mama makes)!
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.
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.
You Don’t Need To Worry Fresh Produce: Israel’s fresh fruits and vegetables are world-class and safe to eat. Enjoy them as much as you can as they are delicious.
Kosher Food: 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.
Water: 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.
Israeli Breakfast: The famous Israeli Buffet Breakfast is included in your tour unless otherwise specified. You have free choice at the buffet and may eat as much as you want, but there may be a charge for some special items ordered from the waiter. Breakfast may be ordered to your room, but please note that there is a small charge for room service.
When touring, stops are usually made at self-service restaurants for lunch, where you may choose from a large selection of dishes. We attempt to stop at clean places where you will be able to get fast service and have proper washroom facilities. Please bear in mind, however, that in some areas of the country these places are limited and not always up to standard. Restaurants do not permit the eating of food brought in from outside.
Dinners: Our guides will recommend different restaurants in each city (on the tour, some dinners are included.) There is a wide variation of restaurants specializing in international cuisine in Israel. You may, of course, always choose to eat at your own hotel.
At some hotels, “Half-Board” dinners are limited to certain dining rooms and there may be a supplement for meals eaten at different outlets. Please check with the reception desk at the hotel to be sure that you are eating in the proper dining room. Half-Board (Passengers with Meal Plans): Your meal plan begins with dinner on your first evening. No credit is given for meals that are missed, nor can they be eaten on another day and transferred. If arrangements are made in advance with the reception desk at the hotel, lunch may be substituted for dinner the same day.
CLOTHINGSummer Season: May to September
During the summer, very light and comfortable clothing, preferably drip-dry for day wear. In the mountains (Jerusalem, Safed and Upper Galilee) a sweater is quite useful in the evening in the middle of summer. This holds true for the desert as well.
Spring/Fall: March thru April, October thru November
Light coats, suits and light shirts. The secret to dressing this time of the year is to "layer" and "peel" as the weather changes. best.
Winter Season: December thru February
Warm coat, raincoat, hat, sweaters, woolen or heavy coat, warm shoes and boots. suggested.Eilat on the Red Sea & Dead Sea
Lighter clothing and a swim suit are suitable.
Monasteries and Churches
Ladies are required to wear an appropriate length dress, skirt or pant with sleeved blouse or scarf. Men are required to wear slacks and a shirt. A scarf for head/shoulders
Very comfortable shoes
First Aid Kit
Sewing Kit
Bathing Suit
Medical and Eyeglass Prescriptions
Soft, foldable slippers for the plane
Packet and tissues and towelettes
Crease-free and casual clothing
Tote page for day trips
Decaiffenated coffee/tea packets
Rubber shoes for the Dead Sea
Sunglasses, sunhat and Sunscreen
Travel alarm clock
While touring, please remember not to pack your medication in your luggage, since your luggage is not 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. 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 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on weekdays (including Sunday) and are closed on Saturday. On Friday and eve of holidays, stores close at Noon. Department stores and malls are open all day and some evenings. 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.
Stores are generally open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on weekdays (including Sunday) and are closed on Saturday. On Friday and eve of holidays, stores close at Noon. Department stores and malls are open all day and some evenings. 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. Our office will advise you as to the time of departure to the airport. Please settle your hotel bill and be ready at the reception desk at the time indicated.
Advance El Al Check-In
Passengers returning to the U.S. on El Al Israel Airlines may check-in their luggage on the day before departure at the El Al Terminal in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem. (check-in can be done on Saturdays after sundown). A security check and boarding pass is done "on the spot" allowing you to arrive at Ben Gurion Airport 1 hour prior to departure time. At that time you proceed immediately to Passport Control and to the departure area, avoiding all check-in lines We highly recommend this service to passengers traveling on their own.Airline Tickets
Our office in Israel automatically reconfirms your departure flight from Israel (for those airlines that require reconfirmation) if you are traveling on a bus or private car tour. You will receive a written note with the details as well as the information regarding your transfers, if applicable, to the airport. Please be advised that if you are traveling from Israel to Europe, the baggage is weighed and limited to 44 pounds per person, Economy Class. Tipping in Israel is very similar to tipping in the U.S. Use your own judgement, based on your personal satisfaction with the services as to how much to tip. For additional services (i.e., restaurants, hotel meals, and porterage) please tip these individuals as you would in the U.S. Taxicabs — for good service; 10% of Fare.Be sure to bring a supply of $1 bills and $5 bills, as they will come in handy during your visit.
Suggested Minimum Tips:
Porters —$1.00 Per Suitcase
Dining Staff (Dinner) — $2.00
Chambermaids —$1.00 Per Person Per Day
Motorcoach Driver — $3.00 Per Person Per Day
Tour Director/Guide — $7.00 Per Person Per Day
Taxicabs — If the service was good; 10% of Fare
INSURANCE
| Boker Tov | good morning
|
| Erev Tov | good evening |
| Lyla tov | good night |
| Shalom | hello, goodbye; peace |
| Toda Raba | thank you |
| B’va-ka-sha | please, you’re welcome
|
| Ken | yes |
| Lo | no |
| Ha-yom | today |
| Ma-char | tomorrow |
| Et-mohl | yesterday |
| La-ma? | why? |
| Ma-tai? | when? |
| Ka’mah? | how much? how many? |
| Yo-tair’ me-die! | too much |
| A-nee m’dah-ber’et-evreet’ (fem.) | I speak Hebrew |
| A-nee m’dah-ber’evreet’ (masc.) | I speak Hebrew |
| Ha-tich-ha | a pretty girl |
| Ha-tich | a handsome man |
| Sab’-ra | a prickly pear; someone born in |
| Israel | |
| Sh’mi | my name is |
| Hanut | store; shop |
| Kesef | money |
| Bank | bank |
| Bool | stamp |
| Ma Zeh? | what is it? |
| Mi Zeh? | who is it? |
| Ma Shlomcha? (masc.) | how are you? |
| Ma Shlomech? (fem.) | how are you? |
| A-nee rotza (fem.) | I want |
| Ehfoh uchal liknot? | where can I buy? |
| Ma ha mechir? | what is the price? |
| Ehfoh ha telefon? | where is the telephone? |
| Yofi! | wonderful |
Isram-Israel
Tel Aviv
40 Aliyat Hanoar Street
Tel (03) 694-7777