Useful Pre-Tour Info

Get general info you’ll need for your trip!

Overview — Just the Facts, Ma’am

  • -Area: 20,770 sq km

  • -Population: ~10 million

  • -Capital: Jerusalem

  • -Currency: New Israeli Shekel (NIS)

  • -Languages: Hebrew, English, Arabic

  • -Exchange Rate: USD $1 ≈ 3.1–3.2 NIS

Estimated Incidental Costs (Approx.)

  • -Newspaper: 20–25 NIS

  • -Maccabee Beer: 30–40 NIS

  • -Falafel Sandwich: 20–40 NIS

  • -Shawarma Sandwich: 40–60 NIS

  • -Water Bottle: 6–10 NIS

  • -Souvenir T-Shirt: 40–80 NIS

Interesting Reading

What Should I Pack?

Packing doesn’t have to be stressful. Grab a coffee, sit back, and use this simple, no-nonsense packing guide to make life easy.

Weather & What to Wear

  • -Always check the 10-day+ forecast 1–2 days before departure.

  • -Dress casual and comfortable — Israelis do.

  • -Comfortable, broken-in sneakers are essential. You’ll be walking a lot.

  • -Evenings in Jerusalem can be cool — bring layers.

  • -Winter travelers should pack an all-weather coat.

  • -Summer temperatures regularly reach high 90s°F (38–40°C)

Modesty & Religious Sites (Important)

You’ll visit religious sites throughout Israel.

  • -Women: Two lightweight shawls to cover shoulders and knees when required (especially in Jerusalem’s Old City, Tzfat, Yad Vashem).

  • -Men (Jewish & non-Jewish): Bring a kippah/yarmulke or baseball hat).

These small preparations show respect and help ensure a smooth, enjoyable visit.

Clothing Recommendations

  • -Pants: Jeans or similar for daily wear + 1 pair of semi-casual evening pants.

  • -Sweater/Fleece: For evenings (yes, even in the desert)

  • -Shorts & T-shirts: Suitable for light hiking and nature walks

  • -Bathing Suit: Dead Sea, rafting, and Mediterranean Coast

  • -Button-down shirts: For evenings, dinners, or Friday at the Wall (no suit required)

  • -Optional (Men): Sports jacket for Shabbat or dinners

  • -Shoes: Sturdy walking shoes or sneakers; loafers are fine for evenings

  • -Water Shoes: Helpful for the Dead Sea (optional, but recommended)

Laundry

  • -Hotels do not offer self-service laundry.

  • -Many hotels in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem offer send-out laundry service.

  • -No laundry services are available on Fridays or Shabbat.

Miscellaneous Essentials

  • -Toiletries & copies of prescriptions

  • -Camera + extra battery packs

  • -Day bag (purse, backpack, or money belt)

  • -Sunscreen (for adults and kids — bring plenty)

  • -Sunglasses

Electronics & Power

  • -Israel uses 220V AC electricity (the US is 110 volts).

  • -Phones, tablets, and laptops usually auto-convert voltage — you’ll only need a plug adapter.

  • -Small appliances (shavers, curling irons) are not recommended without a voltage converter.

  • -Plug adapters are easy to purchase online (e.g., Amazon).

Credit Cards & Cash

  • -Most places accept Visa, MasterCard, and many also accept American Express.

  • -Use bank-front ATMs to withdraw shekels — typically no local fees.

  • -Exchange-rate apps or Google (USD → ILS) provide daily rates.

  • -Hotels can exchange money, but their rates are usually less competitive.

Passports & Entry Visa

  • -Beginning in 2025, all travelers must obtain an entry visa before traveling:
    https://israel-entry.piba.gov.il/

  • -Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date.

  • -Make a copy of your passport and store it separately.

  • -Upon entry, you’ll receive a small blue entry slip — keep it with you for your entire stay (critical).

VAT Refunds (18%)

Eligible purchases may qualify for a VAT refund:

  • -Purchases must be over 400 NIS and made at participating stores.

  • -Ask the store for a special VAT refund invoice (a regular receipt is not enough).

  • -Bring the purchased item with you to the VAT Refund counter.

  • -Present documents before baggage check-in at Terminal 3, Departure Hall.

Note: This is a general guide only. Policies may change and this is not legal advice.

Tipping Recommendations

  • –Group Tours:

    • –Guide: $15 per person, per touring day

    • –Driver: $10 per person, per driving day

  • –Private Tours:

    • –Guide: $50–$100 per tour day

Let’s Go Touring!

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