Passport
Check that your passport is not expired or about to expire. Your passport must be valid for at least six months following the date you arrive in Israel. Information about ordering a passport is found here. Make a copy of your passport photo/signature page which includes your passport number and keep it in your suitcase.
Packing
Be sure to check with both your domestic and international airline carriers about baggage rules and fees. It is recommended that you bring at least one change of clothes, toiletries, prescription medications, and valuables in your carry-on bag in the unlikely event that your checked luggage gets delayed. You may also want to bring some snacks with you for your flight. It can be difficult and expensive to get over-the-counter medication. Consider bringing a small quantity of items such as Tylenol, Imodium, and motion sickness medication.
Make sure you bring:
- Sunglasses and a hat. You’ll find the sunlight is stronger that what you’re accustomed to, even in the winter. A hat is also useful sun protection, year-round.
- For women – have an easy, packable skirt, scarf and/or shawl for covering up in Israel’s holy places. Throw it in your bag in the morning and you’re ready for whatever stops you make.
- Comfortable walking shoes, sneakers and sandals.
- Swimwear is appropriate year-round, whether it’s to splash in the hotel’s indoor pool or hit a beach on a warm, winter day in the southern part of the country.
- Sunscreen and insect repellent are useful items as well.
- Water bottle – it’s a dry country and you should be drinking regularly.
Currency
The local currency is the New Israeli Shekel. Each shekel is worth about 25 cents. Shekel coins come in units of 1 (~25 cents), 2 (~50 cents), 5 (~$1.25),and 10 (~$2.50), as well as much smaller coin denominations called agorot. Shekel bills come in units of 20 (~$5), 50 (~$12.50), 100 (~$25) and 200 (~$50) denominations. One important thing to keep in mind is that coins in Israel have much higher values than what we are used to in North America, so watch your coins carefully. Go to www.coinmill.com for the current exchange rate.
Exchanging Money, Debit & Credit Cards
The most convenient place to exchange cash is at the airport. There are two exchange booths near the luggage carousels. If your ATM/Debit card has a Visa, MasterCard, Star, Cirrus, or Maestro logo imprint, there should not be a problem withdrawing money. Major credit cards like VISA and MasterCard are accepted throughout Israel. Most banks and credit card companies charge a foreign transaction fee. Be sure to check with your bank/credit card company about what their fee is and also let them know you will be traveling abroad prior to your departure. Some credit card companies do not charge foreign transaction fees.
Electrical Current
The electrical current in Israel is 220 volts, which is twice the voltage used in North America. The electrical plugs are also different, with two rounded prongs. You will need a voltage converter if you are bringing electronic or electrical items (unless they have a built-in one) as well as an adapter for plugging in your items. Adapters can be purchased at an electronics store, travel store, or in the travel section of a discount store (i.e. Target & Walmart).
Medication and Contact Lenses
If you are taking prescription medication, bring enough for the duration of your trip. Take all medication on the plane with you in your carry-on luggage. Do NOT pack any medication with your checked luggage. The same is true for contact lenses.
Water
The water in Israel is properly treated and is perfectly safe to drink. Bottled water is widely available and inexpensive or you can bring a water bottle and fill it as needed. If you plan on hiking in Israel, especially in the summer, consider a CamelBak or other device to carry larger quantities of water.
Cabs
If you use a cab anywhere in Israel, insist they turn the meter on – “moneh b’vakasha” (meter please). Cab drivers will try to negotiate a price in advance and not use the meter so they do not need to report the income. Unless you know how much the ride will cost, you are almost always better off paying the meter price. If the driver refuses to put the meter on, simply get out of the car and wait for another cab.
Internet Access
In many areas of Israel, in particular Jerusalem, you can find free internet access. Many hotels still charge for a wi-fi connection. It may be beneficial to purchase a wi-fi modem through your phone company to have internet access at all times. There are also companies in Israel that rent modems for your computer. The rental fee is normally less than what hotels charge and you would have internet access at all times.
Weather
Israel enjoys warm, dry summers (April-October) and generally mild winters (November-March) with somewhat drier, cooler weather in hilly regions, such as Jerusalem and Safed. January is the wettest month, and June, July, and August are the driest months with no precipitation. Average temperatures are listed below.
| Jerusalem | Tel Aviv | Yokneam | Tiberias | Eilat | |
| January | 43-53 | 49-65 | 46-63 | 48-65 | 49-70 |
| February | 44-57 | 48-66 | 47-64 | 49-67 | 51-73 |
| March | 44-61 | 51-69 | 47-70 | 51-72 | 56-79 |
| April | 53-69 | 54-72 | 55-78 | 56-80 | 63-87 |
| May | 60-77 | 63-77 | 58-76 | 62-89 | 69-95 |
| June | 63-81 | 67-83 | 64-82 | 68-95 | 75-99 |
| July | 66-84 | 70-86 | 68-86 | 73-89 | 77-103 |
| August | 66-86 | 72-86 | 70-86 | 75-99 | 79-104 |
| September | 65-82 | 69-89 | 68-85 | 71-95 | 75-98 |
| October | 60-78 | 59-83 | 60-81 | 65-89 | 69-92 |
| November | 54-67 | 54-76 | 56-74 | 59-78 | 61-83 |
| December | 47-56 | 47-66 | 48-65 | 53-68 | 51-74 |
Popular Israeli Foods
While there is a tremendous variety of cuisines and foods eaten in Israel, certain dishes are considered typical Israeli food. These traditional foods of Israel can be found throughout the country in restaurants and cafés, food stands, and of course, in many Israeli homes.
Recommended Cafés in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv
Israeli Breakfast Foods
Borekas - Pastries filled with cheese, potatoes, or vegetables
Israeli salad - Typically chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, onions & parsley in lemon juice
Jachnun - A filling dish made from dough and cooked overnight
Labane - A tangy yogurt spread to be enjoyed at any meal
Shakshooka - Poached eggs in a spiced tomato sauce
Israeli Lunch/Dinner Foods
Baba Ganoush - A tangy eggplant spread
Falafel - Deep fried chickpea balls, often served in pita bread
Hummus - A mashed chickpea spread
Malawach - This flaky round pastry can be enjoyed with sweet or savory toppings
Shnitzel - Chicken/turkey cutlets breaded and fried
Shwarma - Grilled lamb or other meat that is then sliced or “shaved” very thin and often enjoyed in pita or laffa bread
Tahini - A delicious spread made from ground sesame seeds
Israeli Drinks
Café Afuch - An “upside-down” cappuccino
Iced Coffee - A coffee slushi
Lemonana - Mint lemonade, sometimes served frozen and blended
Nana Tea - Mint tea
Commonly Used Hebrew Words & Expressions
Excuse me - S’licha
Good evening - Erev Tov
Good morning - Boker Tov
Good night - Lyla tov
Hello, goodbye, peace - Shalom
How much? How many? - Ka’mah?
No - Lo
Please, you’re welcome - B’va-ka-sha
Thank you - Toda Raba
Where are the bathrooms? - Eh-foh ha’sherutim?
Wonderful - Yofi