General Information

Israeli Currency :
The Israeli currency is the New Israel Shekel (NIS) or shekel for short. There are 100 agorot (agora in singular) in each shekel. Bank notes are in denominations of NIS 20, 50, 100, and 200; coins are in denominations of NIS10, NIS5, NIS1 and 50, 10 and 5 agorot.

Changing Money:
Local and foreign money may be brought into Israel as cash, travelers’ checks, credit cards or State of Israel bonds. Foreign currency of all kinds may be exchanged at the airport, banks, post offices, most hotels or licensed exchange agencies in large cities. A passport is required when exchanging travelers’ checks. The rates vary from place to place, and banks charge a commission. It is recommended, though not obligatory to carry a small amount of US dollars since certain tourist sites, especially in the Old City of Jerusalem, take payment in dollars.

Cash Withdrawal:
Holders of international credit cards can withdraw local at banks which accept their credit cards. There are Automated Teller Machines outside most banks. Many ATMs will provide foreign currency, and you can see at the ATM if that service is provided.

Bargaining:
In the Holy Land bargaining is acceptable in most places. In the open-air markets do not hesitate to bargain as it is part of the experience and doing so can lower the price. Storekeepers are legally required to display prices and for the most part are not open to bargaining. This is also true of restaurants and public transportation. Passengers are advised to ask cab drivers to turn on the meter thus avoiding unnecessary haggling or misunderstanding.

Electric Current:
Most hotels in Israel will have 220 volts AC 50 Hz. You will need to bring along necessary converters and adapters to operate any 110 volts, 60 Hz appliances such as hair dryers, electric razors, etc.

Medications:
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. In general, no special immunizations are needed for travel to the Holy Land. In case you have a problem during the tour your guide will help you to make contact with a clinic or hospital.

Departing Israel:
Israel's airport security is very tight, so it is vital that you arrive in plenty of time to board your flight. Be aware that you will need at least three hours for pre-departure screening and check-in.

What to pack:
Dress in Israel and Palestine is casual. Plan to dress casually and remember to pack lightly. Be sure to take comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, a sun hat, a swimming suit, and a sweater or jacket for cool evenings. Comfortable, casual and "mix-and- match" are the secret to a successful tour wardrobe. Women should wear a modest outfit with shoulders and knees covered for touring religious sites. Men also will need to have their knees covered at religious sites. Feel free to bring along some shorts, especially for Masada and the Dead Sea area. Many passengers, both men and women, find it quite comfortable to tour in shorts during the day at these warmer locations. Each evening we will post the next day'sitinerary on the hotel's bulletin board so that you may know in advance when shorts are not appropriate.

VAT Refund:
Purchases can be made in Israeli Shekels, U.S. dollars or Euros. Tourists who have purchased items with a value exceeding $100 (including VAT) in stores that are registered with the Ministry of Tourism or in stores participating in the VAT-refund plan are entitled to a refund of VAT when they leave the country.

To receive VAT refund, ensure that you get a receipt with a list of all the items you have purchased and details of the purchaser. The receipt and purchases must be put into a sealed bag.

Tourists must then go to the “Change Place” at Ben Gurion airport or other exit port. If you wish to send the items that you purchased with your luggage, you must declare the purchase at the security check, and present your passport, flight ticket, purchases and receipts at the counter. The attendant will open the bag, examine the contents, sign the receipt, and refund the VAT in any currency minus a commission. The VAT refund can also be sent to your address abroad for an additional charge.

There is no VAT refund for the following items: food, drinks, tobacco products, electrical appliances, cameras, film or other photography equipment.

Additional information about VAT refunds is available here or at 03-975-4020.

Calling Home:
To direct dial home from Israel, dial 001- , then the area code and telephone number. Direct toll-free service is available to international operators for holders of the following credit card numbers: AT&T-177-100-2727; MCI-177-150-2727; Sprint-177-102-2727. The international dialing code for Israel is 972 (from outside Israel) To direct-dial Israel from overseas, omit the "0" in the local Israeli area code. Public telephones are either operated with tokens or magnetic cards, which are available at post offices, hotel gift shops and lobbies, automatic vending machines and private vendors.

Time:
Israeli Standard Time is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, 1 hour ahead of mid-European Time; and 7 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time, U.S.A.

Smoking:
Smoking is not allowed on any of our touring vehicles. However, frequent rest stops are made allowing time for smoking.

Valuables:
We recommend that you use the safe in your room or in the safety deposit boxes in the hotel for your valuables.