Israel offers a welcoming environment for tourists throughout the year. However, it is important to note that certain attractions may be closed during the Sabbath and major holidays. When planning your trip, take into consideration the timing of these closures. Crafting a detailed itinerary that accommodates the Sabbath and holidays will ensure a smooth travel experience. The peak travel months in Israel are December (second half), June, and July, with the Passover and Sukkot holidays also drawing large crowds. While traveling during peak seasons can be more expensive and crowded, booking in advance is recommended. For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, consider traveling during off-peak times.

Rest assured that traveling within Israel is extremely secure. We prioritize your safety and are well-informed about our surroundings. We regularly receive updates from the Israeli security establishment and the Ministry of Tourism. If there are any security concerns, we are ready to adjust your itinerary promptly to ensure you are not taken to any potentially unsafe areas.

Security measures in Israel are quite stringent and are usually not in response to any immediate threat. Armed security personnel and metal detectors are commonly seen at the entrances of major public facilities, where you and your belongings may undergo screening. Unattended bags are promptly inspected and possibly removed by the authorities, therefore it is important not to leave personal items unattended, even briefly. These precautions have been integrated into the daily routine of Israelis and should not be interpreted as a sign of imminent danger or hazard.

Overall, Israel has a relatively low crime rate. However, it is still important to take necessary precautions to prevent becoming a victim. It is advisable to securely store your wallet to avoid pickpocketing incidents. Additionally, it is recommended to keep your passports and valuable belongings in the hotel room safe whenever possible. Lastly, it is best to exchange currency only at authorized establishments to ensure a safe transaction.

Packing is very personal, but there are things you should keep in mind while preparing for your trip.

• Plan to dress casually, packing clothes which can be layered if the weather changes. Choose comfort over fashion. If you plan on dining in exclusive restaurants, you may want to pack just one dressy outfit.
• Bring along a light-weight jacket which will not prove to be too cumbersome if you end up carrying it for a few hours.
• Bring along modest options for visits to certain religious venues.
• Do not make yourself a target by wearing expensive jewelry.
• A good way to conceal your valuables is by purchasing an inexpensive but light-weight travel pouch which attaches around your waist and is worn under your clothes.
• It is highly recommended to bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as protection against the harmful rays of the sun.
• Women should bring wear a scarf to cover their head and shoulders at certain sites.
• Don’t forget these travel-sized necessities: sewing kit, first aid kit, tissues, travel clock, toiletries, notebook and pen. 
• Put all medication and necessities in your carry-on bag, not your checked bag, along with a few changes of clothes.

Cell phones are an excellent source for staying connected.  Before travel, contact your cell provider to learn about options for using your phone in Israel. But there Here are some items you will want to check on:

• Confirm that your cell phone can be used internationally
• Check on international rates (Note all countries being visited)
• Inquire about activating and deactivating process.

Travel SIM cards can be purchased in Israel – make sure that your phone is unlocked if you wish to go this route.  Free WIFI is available at most hotels.  At restaurants – just ask your waiter for the WIFI password.

The local currency is the New Israeli Shekel (NIS). Most Israeli businesses will accept Credit Cards, but it will be a good idea to exchange some cash to the local currency, which can be done at any of the Money Exchange offices throughout the country. Traveler checks are usually not accepted in Israel, and you can use the many ATM machines available everywhere in Israel.

It is customary to tip your tour guide, bus driver and hotel staff (when traveling with a group) at an average rate of $10-$15 per day per person. The cash is usually collected by your tour leader and is divided between your service providers before the journey’s end. It is common to tip staff at restaurants at roughly 10-15% of the bill.

In case of an emergency, your Premium Global Tours guides are equipped with all the necessary information and procedures to ensure your safety and well-being. When necessary, local emergency numbers are: • Police: 100 • Emergency Medical Services: 101 • Fire and Rescue: 102 • Dialing 112 from a mobile phone will connect you to the emergency services

The Israeli cuisine is delicious and nutritious, and food is safe and clean. Meals are based on hotels’ or restaurants’ buffets or set menus. In general, beverages are not included, unless specifically stated. 

Please note: Most of the Israeli hotels dining rooms and restaurants conform to the Jewish dietary Kosher laws and will not serve un-kosher foods or mix dairy and meat products.

Value Added Tax (VAT) of 17% is automatically applied to goods and services in Israel, with exceptions for tourists in certain cases. Upon arrival, a blue visa slip will be provided to you at passport control. This slip, along with your passport, must be presented during hotel check-in to confirm your VAT exemption. If Premium Global Tours has organized your accommodations, the package price already includes the VAT exemption. It is important to note that Israeli citizens, including those residing abroad permanently, are not eligible for VAT exemption. If you or any member of your group holds Israeli citizenship, please inform us in advance. 

Moreover, you may be eligible for a VAT refund on purchased items that you plan to take back with you, provided that the total purchase amount is at least 125 NIS. To claim this refund, you will need to fill out a form (available at many stores) and submit it, along with your original receipt, passport, and blue visa slip, at the designated counter in the airport. Keep in mind that you should arrive at the airport earlier than usual on your departure day, and you might be required to present the purchased items themselves at the counter, so it is advisable to pack them in your carry-on luggage. If you intend to claim a VAT refund at the airport, please inform your tour specialist so that we can make arrangements for your departure transfer accordingly.

Throughout your touring days, you will have plenty of opportunities to shop for gifts, souvenirs, and personal items in safe and recommended outlets. Department stores and shopping malls are open all day, but not on Saturdays.

In Israel, your upcoming trip will probably include at least one Shabbat Day, and possibly a holidays. The Shabbat Day and all Jewish holidays are celebrated from the evening prior and end on the evening of the day itself. On those days most government services, public transportation, businesses and banks are closed, while some restaurants and places of entertainment remain open. You will be able to receive specific information from your tour guide or the hotel concierge.

We strongly recommend that you purchase your own travel insurance.  Travel insurance can be purchased for a minimal amount of your travel investment, and can cover the following: 

• Hospital and doctor needs. Many seasoned travelers don’t realize that their health insurance may not be valid outside of their home country.
• Cancelled trip coverage. If you need to cancel your trip due to an unforeseen emergency or serious illness, most of your trip may be non-refundable. This can help you save thousands of dollars.
• Travel insurance also covers lost baggage, and worldwide emergency assistance coverage.

You do not need any vaccinations to visit Israel. Before you travel to Israel, ask your doctor to write a prescription for any medications you may be taking with you in the event they are lost. Keep all of your medications in their original bottles or packaging. Israel is known around the world for its medical care, so if any need arises, you will be well cared for.

The tap water in Israel is safe to drink. In the Dead Sea area, certain hotels advise not to drink the water as an extra precaution because of the potentially high sulfur content. Otherwise, the tap water is treated throughout the country just like any westernized country.

All Israeli taxis are white vehicles with standard yellow taxi signs on the roof. To ensure you are in an official taxi, make sure the driver turns on the meter (and that it's reset before the trip). Standard surcharges range from 5 to 12 shekels, with potential additional fees (up to 25%) for night rides, on the Sabbath or holidays, or if you have luggage. Despite the surcharges, taxi fares in Israel are generally affordable. When traveling outside the city, it's advisable to agree on the fare beforehand. The hotel concierge can provide an estimate of a reasonable fare to your destination. It is not customary to tip your taxi driver, unless they assist with luggage (in which case, 5 shekels per piece of luggage is an appropriate tip).

Numerous taxis exclusively take cash (shekels), therefore, if you prefer to use a credit card for payment, ensure to inquire with the driver prior to entering the cab. Gett Taxi proves to be an excellent application for local taxi services, particularly in large cities; it enables you to request cabs to your present location (or any desired location) and conveniently settle the fare through your credit card.

Public transportation in major cities is generally reliable and secure, except during holidays and the Sabbath (starting from the afternoon/evening before). However, tourists may find it challenging to navigate city buses as drivers may not speak English and stops may not be clearly announced. On the other hand, the inter-city railway is a convenient and tourist-friendly option, providing English signage, announcements, and information booths.

It is possible to find laundry services while traveling in Israel, but they can be costly and/ or inconvenient. It is advisable to pack enough clothing for the duration of your trip, including some basic items that can be easily washed by hand in your hotel room if needed. 

Some larger hotels offer laundry services for items that require professional cleaning, but it is important to note that this option tends to be quite expensive. It is not recommended to use public laundry facilities while traveling in Israel.

In Israel, electrical outlets provide electricity at a range of 220 to 240 volts, whereas American and Canadian outlets supply electricity at 110 to 120 volts. If you are connecting an appliance that is designed for 220-240 volts or is compatible with various voltages, you will only need a plug adapter. However, if you are plugging in an appliance that can only accept 110-120 volts, you will need a voltage converter/transformer. It's worth noting that most cell phones, laptops, and other mobile devices are compatible with multiple voltages.

To put it simply, the answer is no. A trip to Israel typically comes with higher costs for accommodations, dining, and shopping compared to other popular tourist destinations around the world. The prices are often on par with those in cities like New York and London. Although it's difficult to lower the overall expenses of visiting Israel, your Tour Specialist can assist you in getting the most out of your budget and making wise decisions on when and where to indulge.

At PGT, we prioritize the safety and security of our tourists above all else. We make sure to avoid any places that may pose a risk, such as military zones or restricted locations. As an Israel-based company, we work closely with the Israeli government to ensure the safety of our guests. Therefore, we do not take tourists to areas beyond Israeli authority. 

At PGT, the safety and security of our tourists is our utmost priority. We go to great lengths to steer clear of any locations that could potentially be hazardous, including military zones or restricted areas. Being an Israel-based company, we maintain a close collaboration with the Israeli government to guarantee the well-being of our valued guests. Consequently, we refrain from taking tourists to any areas that may pose a risk.