Traveling in Israel Tips
Q: How do I call home?
A: To place a collect or credit card overseas call from a public telephone,
dial 1822, 1838, or 1848 and you will be connected to an operator from
one of the three long distance companies. Recently, the international
telecommunications market was opened to competition, resulting in
significantly lower rates on international calls dialed from Israel. To
make an overseas call, use one of the three companies offering
international service. Information on rates to all countries, operator
assistance and the like is available through the following toll-free
numbers:
Bezeq International 1-800-014-014
Barak 1-800-013-013
Golden Lines (Kavei Zahav) 1-800-012-012
The country-code for Israel is 972. Israeli area codes commence with a zero (e.g. 02-123-4567), so if you calling Israel from overseas, drop the zero (i.e. +972-2-123-4567). Cell phones Per capita, more Israelis have cell phones than any nationality on earth. Even children have them. If your U.S. cell-phone and/or handheld wireless device is programmed for international service, it will work automatically in Israel. Alternatively, cell-phones can be rented as soon as you arrive in Israel.
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Q: How do I use public telephones in Israel?
A: Public phones are operated by a telecard, a computerized card that
initially bears from 10 to 150 message units, depending on the quantity
purchased. Cards with a greater number of message units cost less per
unit. Telecards are available from post offices, some stores and from
machines in various public buildings. Make sure your telecard has enough
message units, or you'll be cut off in the middle of a conversation.
There are public telephones in the lobbies of most hotels.
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Q: What is the weather in Israel?
A: (April-October) Israel enjoys long, warm, dry summers -70-90F during the
day, 50-70F in the evening with minimal precipitation. DEHYDRATION IS
COMMON; MAKE SURE TO DRINK WATER ALL THE TIME! --- "Have no fear if your
clear!"
(November through March) winter is usually rainy with lower
temperatures. It even snows in Jerusalem and on Mt. Hermon in the north.
Although there is more precipitation in the winter, still be sure to
drink water all the time to avoid dehydration.
Current weather in Israel
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Q: What kind of money should I bring?
A: For security reasons we highly recommend people bring traveler's checks.
Please be aware that you will be responsible for a couple of meals on
the town and tips for drivers and guides, totaling about $100. The shekel (NIS
- New Israeli Shekel) is Israel's legal tender. Many stores will gladly
accept your dollars and may even give you a discount when you pay in
dollars. You do not need to change a lot of money into shekels. American
money is accepted almost everywhere. Please do not plan to redeem
Israel Bonds - unfortunately, this will not be possible during our trip.
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Q; Is there sales tax in Israel?
A: VAT of 15.5% is added to all sales and services and is included in the price. Tourists are exempt from VAT payments for the following services: Lodging in hotels, youth hostels, field schools, campgrounds and accompanying services, organized tours, care rentals (with or without a driver-guide), flights provided by local airlines, cruises, meals provided by tour operators during organized tours, meals served in hotel restaurants which are included in the price of the hotel, hospitalization, participation in conventions of 50 tourists or more, rights for use of exhibition areas, and accompanying services. For more information visit the
Israel Ministry of Tourism >>
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Q: What kind of tips are expected in restaurants?
A: Tip 10-15% in restaurants if the gratuity has not been included in the bill.
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Q: What should I know about shopping in Israel?
A: Be aware that the prices in Israel are much higher for those things you
can easily get in the US (especially electronic goods or clothing).
However if you forget something, don't worry, you can find just about
everything you need in most major cities in Israel. Learn more from the
Israel Ministry of Tourism.
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Q: What kind of electrical appliances can I use in Israel?
A: The electrical current in Israel is 220 volts AC, single phase, 50
cycles. If you are taking electric shavers, hair blowers, irons or
electrical appliances, we advise that you bring a small converter kit
(most local hardware stores carry them).
The Type C electrical plug is a two-pin unearthed plug used throughout
continental Europe, parts of the Middle East, and much of Africa, South
America, central Asia, and the former Soviet republics.
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Q: What is the difference in Time Zones?
A: Israel is usually* 7 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time. *(Although NOT during our trips, for just a few weeks around April
and September U.S. Eastern Standard Time and Israel Standard Time are
either 6 or 8 hours apart.)
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Q: What are the differences in measurements in Israel?
A: Israel uses the metric system. Clothing and shoe sizes are also different. Here are some tables to help you make conversions.
Length:
1 kilometer [km] = 0.621 miles (10 km = approx. 6.2 mi.)
1 meter [m] = 1.094 yards = 39.37 inches
1 centimeter [cm] = 0.393 inches
Weight:
1 kilogram = 2.207 pounds
Food is sold by the kilo (fruits, vegetables) or by 100's of grams (cheese, olives, nuts)
Liquid Measure:
1 liter = 1.057 quarts
Milk is sold in liter bags or cartons; Coke in 1.5 liter plastic bottles.
Approximate Size Conversions:
| Shoes | Men Israeli | 39 | 40 | 41 | 42 | 43 | 44 | 45 | 46 |
| | Men USA | 6.5 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 12 |
| | Women Israeli | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 | 41 | 42 | | |
| | Women USA | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | | |
| Temperature: | Fahrenheit | 32F | 50F | 68F | 86F | 104F | | | |
| | Celsius | 0C | 10C | 20C | 30C | 40C | | | |
Temperature conversion equation:
Fahrenheit = 9/5 C + 32 Celsius = 5/9 (F - 32)
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