Tips for Travel
American Embassy in Israel
71 Hayarkon Street, Tel Aviv
The American Consulate in Jerusalem
18 Agron Road, Jerusalem
Business Hours
Both offices are open 8:00-11:00 AM, Monday - Friday.
Most stores open/close with appropriate hours to accommodate their customers. It is not uncommon for a store to close in the middle of the day for an hour or two. Jewish shops will also close on the Shabbat, Friday evening at sunset, and will not reopen until Saturday evening at sunset.
Climate
The weather pattern in Israel is similar to that of Los Angeles County, USA. Winters are short, but at times can be very cold. Rainfall is mostly limited from November to April. The warmest places in Israel lie in areas below sea level.
Currency
The currency of Israel is called the new shekel (NIS), which is divided into 100 agorot. You can exchange money at the airport, banks and in hotels. Most all of the places visited on a Holy Land tour will accept USD. ATM and major credit cards are also accepted.
Jordan's currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JD), which is divided into 100 Piastres.
Egypt's currency is the Egyptian Pound (E£), which is divided into 100 Piastres.
Customs Regulations
As a general rule, returning U.S. residents are allowed to bring $800.00 worth of merchandise purchased abroad duty-free. For detailed regulations, check out the U.S. Customs website: www. customs.treas.gov
You must be abroad 48 hours.
Merchandise totaling $800.00 must be based on fair retail value of the country from which they are purchased.
Gifts may be mailed or shipped to the U.S. duty-free, but make sure you are aware of the restrictions. For details, contact the U.S. Customs authority.
Documentation
A valid Passport is the only official document you will need to travel throughout the Holy Land, but it is recommended that you take along another form of ID as well. Guard your passport and keep it secured at all times.
Electricity
Israel works on a current of 220/240 volts. Almost all newer U.S. electronics have built-in converters and run on both 110/240v. All that is necessary for most appliances is an adaptor. Although Israel has three-pronged outlets, a two-prong adapter is best because it will also fit in Jordanian sockets as well.
Your electronic device will tell you if it runs on both currents, but you may need good eyes to see it. Just look something like: 100v-240v, 50/60Hz.
Geography
Israel is a small country about the size of New Jersey whose entire west coast is exposed to the Mediterranean Sea. It is bordered by Lebanon to the north, Syria to the northeast, Jordan to the east and south, and Egypt to the southwest. From north to south, Israel is less than 300 miles in length. At its widest point, it is about 70 miles. Despite its small size, Israel has a diverse terrain. (See a topographical map of Israel on page 50)
Government
Israel is a parliamentary democracy. A President-Chief of State-is elected by the Knesset (Parliament) for a five-year term. The head of the government is the Prime Minister. He/she is elected by popular vote and may serve a four-year term. The legislative body is the Knesset (120 members), elected by popular vote for a four-year term.
Holidays and Festivals
More than likely, you will not be on a tour during a National festival or holiday. It is very likely, though, that you will be there on a Shabbat. The Shabbat begins Friday evening at sunset and ends on Saturday evening at sunset. Virtually all Jewish businesses, government offices, and transportation shut down. (Hotels and other businesses that cater to tourists may have staff available for service).
The major Jewish holidays are:
Rosh Ha-Shanah - New Years (September)
Yom Kippur - Day of Atonement and ending of the New Year celebration. (September/October)
Sukkot and Simchas Torrah - the Feast of Tabernacles and the Rejoicing in the Law, is an annual pilgrim festival. (September/October)
Purim - The story of Esther. It has an almost carnival like atmosphere. (February/March)
Pesach - An annual pilgrim festival, Passover celebrates the Exodus from Egypt. (March/April)
Shavuot: An annual pilgrim festival, the Feast of Pentecost commemorates the harvest (May/June).
Hanukkah: The Festival of Lights (December)
Religions
Jewish 80%
Muslim 15% (mostly Sunni)
Christian 2%
Other 3%
Shopping-Things that you might consider purchasing in Israel:
Diamonds
Jewelry
Woodwork (especially olive wood)
Leather goods (including fashion items)
Copper and Brass
Artwork
Shopping in the Middle East can be an exciting experience because you can barter for everything (unless the shop has a 'fixed price' sign posted). Don't settle for the asking price of any item. If you are not comfortable with the price, just walk away. My Father was fond of saying, "If you paid more than you wanted to, and the guy got less than he wanted, you've probably settled on a good price."
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is highly recommended. You can choose from a simple trip cancellation policy to a comprehensive policy that includes: health, luggage, and trip cancellation. Your own insurance company may carry trip insurance or they may have a good recommendation. Two companies (as of the current printing) that come highly recommended are: http://www.travelguard.com and http://www.aaintl.com
TSA Information
The following is the latest information from the TSA website regarding liquids with your carry-on luggage:
3-1-1 for carry-on = 3 ounce bottle or less; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. 3 oz container size is a security measure.
Be prepared! Each time TSA searches a carry-on it slows down the line. Practicing 3-1-1 will ensure a faster and easier checkpoint experience.
3-1-1 is for short trips. If in doubt, put your liquids in checked luggage.
Declare larger liquids. Prescription medications, baby formula and milk (when traveling with an infant or toddler) are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint.
For the most current TSA information go to: http://www.tsa.gov/311
The A, B, C's of Holy Land Group Travel
Adapter - Bring a plug adapter for anything that needs electricity or recharging. You will not need a transformer if your appliance reads 50-60 Hz and 110-240V. (See pages 21-22)
Be - on time, flexible, and have a good sense of humor! Every day is a learning, exploring and worshipping experience. Your attitude may affect the morale of the entire tour-for better or worse.
Clothes - Bring comfortable clothing and don't waste your efforts packing formal wear. Israel is very informal. Ladies may wish to wear slacks on the trip. Men should wear the same. Remember when packing, think layers, and less is better. Wash and wear items are very helpful. Shorts are acceptable but if you wear them you should also bring a "modesty kit" on the bus for those times when you visit churches and shrines. A "modesty kit" for men and women means, knees and shoulders covered-and men, covering for the head. Ball caps and hats are considered covering. Paper yarmulkes are usually provided at the Western Wall Plaza (Kotel) where covering is necessary.
Dining - Buffet breakfast and dinners are served daily on most...
