Israel Travel, what you need to know

Shopping in the narrow streets of Jerusalem.

Passport - US citizens need a valid U.S. passport with at least six months validity beyond intended stay, to enter Israel. Make two photocopies of your passport. Leave one copy at home and carry the other separately from your original. You do not need a Visa when entering Israel.

Entry/Exit - Entering and exiting Israel is an interesting adventure. As you would expect they are understandably security-minded.  You can expect to be questioned about the sites you have visited, the reason for your visit and a variety of other questions.  Always answer honestly and politely! Since I lead tour groups in and out of Israel it is interesting to watch the dynamics.  They usually pick at least one or two people from a tour group to question a bit more extensively. On a recent trip they picked an elderly woman who, after two questions, bluntly stated, "Young man I am 82 years old, you can't expect me to remember where I was yesterday let alone the day before."  The reality was that she was sharp as a tack and never forgot a thing but it put an end to her interview and got us moving.  Gotta love that spunky lady (pictured right)!

Languages Spoken - Hebrew, Arabic, and English

Currency/Money Matters - The currency in Israel is the Shekel. However, you will not need to exchange money when we arrive. All merchants accept payment in US dollars. They will most likely make change to you in shekels.  Not to worry, they will take either/or and even a combination of both. If you use an ATM machine you will get your currency in Shekels, not US dollars. 

Credit cards can be used in Israel for larger purchases in established businesses but is not recommended with street vendors or in the markets. When in doubt if it is safe to use a credit card ask your tour guide. 

Please Note: Call your bank and/or credit card company before you leave to let them know you will be out of the country and using your ATM card or credit card in Israel. Ask them to put a "travel note" on your account to keep them from freezing your account because of unusual activity.

Voltage - Electricity is 220 volts. You will need to bring along the necessary converter or adapter to operate any 120-volt appliances such as hair dryers, electric razors, etc. You will need an adapter to use with any chargers or appliances that are dual voltage. The plugs needed for the middle east are round and have two prongs. Adapters are available for specific devices such as the Kindle adapter.

There is a lot of confusion between what needs a converter and what needs an adapter and you want to be sure you use the right one or it will fry your appliance. Plug adapters do not convert/change voltage or electricity. Converters convert/change voltage from 110v to 240v. A converter is used with items that ONLY run on 120-volts, these are usually older items. An adapter is used on appliances that have been made for dual voltage. If the rating (usually small type on every appliance) states something like 100v - 240v that means it is dual voltage and you will only need an adapter. This is true of nearly all newer electronics such as cameras. If it is an older appliance it may need a converter. On every trip I take, someone blows out one appliance or another so take the time to research what you pack.

Health Requirements - None required for U.S. citizens. Modern medical services are readily available in Israel’s larger cities. Most doctors speak English fluently. Pharmacies can provide medication for minor ailments, but travelers should carry their own prescription medication. Israel meets western standards of sanitation and no special precautions usually need to be taken. In Israel, the water and food are safe to consume, and medical facilities are more than adequate. Eating food from street vendors are at your own risk so bring Immodium if you plan to be adventurous.

Climate - In Israel the climate is temperate, and temperatures all year round are reasonable. Israel has two main seasons: Winter from November to March is cold and rainy in most parts of the country; summer from April to October is hot and dry with little or no rainfall. The desert areas can be extremely hot in the summertime. The best time to visit is March-June or October-November, although climate shouldn't be a major consideration in choosing a time to visit. 

Culture - Show respect for the religious observances throughout Israel - do not eat or drink in or around religious shrines. Remove your shoes before entering a mosque.  Because of the large amount of religious sites throughout the country, the Bible could well be the best guidebook for the nation of Israel - bring one along.  Women should never travel alone outside the main tourist areas. They should also ignore any rude remarks directed at them and avoid eye contact with men. When in the Muslim quarter of Jerusalem or predominately Arab towns, men should be careful not to touch a woman in the group (i.e. holding hands with your wife etc). Be sure to ask permission before taking pictures of people and do not photograph anything with military significance or connected with the Israeli government.

I strongly suggest that you be culturally sensitive in the way you dress!  Since Israel is a state with several religious groups plan to be conservative. I always avoid sleeveless tops, anything that shows cleavage and tight fitting clothing. This not only shows respect for those who hold different religious views than yourself, but it also adds to your safety and the safety of those you are traveling with.

Disclosure: Bear in mind that some of the links in this post are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a commission. Keep in mind that I link these companies and their products because of their quality and not because of the commission I receive from your purchases. The decision is yours, and whether or not you decide to buy something is completely up to you.