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Israel Travel Tips
Visas & Passports to Israel
When traveling outside of the United States, a valid passport
for at least 6 months is always required. No visas are required. If your tour includes other destinations, please contact the respective consulate or visa agency of your destination, in order to determine if any visas are required for your trip. All information above pertains to US citizens only.
Health
You may want to consult your physician prior to departure. It is always good to be fully prepared and safe. We strongly recommend you to purchase a trip cancellation, baggage and medical insurance prior to departure. *We strongly recommend you to purchase a trip cancellation, baggage and medical insurance prior to departure.
Baggage
Transatlantic flights allow 2 checked pieces of luggage per person as well as 1 carry-on bag.
Luggage Identification
Please print your name and address on the enclosed Arza luggage strap. Please keep the luggage strap on your luggage at all times. For security reasons, luggage not wrapped in the enclosed luggage tag will not be identified as luggage belonging to our group and may not be placed on our buses. In addition, the tag makes it far easier to identify your luggage on the airport luggage carousel.
Please note:
Different airlines have different baggage regulations. Please call your carrier for weight limitations and dimensions.
What to Pack
Pack loose-fitting, lightweight clothes for summer visits.
1. Cotton and linen garments will keep you comfortable and can be easily laundered. Layer with a sweater for cool summer nights.
2. Take long shorts, skirts, long and short-sleeved T-shirts, khakis, button-down shirts, sunglasses and a hat for visits between May and September, when the sun is most intense. Keep skirt lengths to the knee and below. Take a large scarf to layer over bare arms at religious sites. Darker colors will hide any dust or dirt.
3. Bring a jacket, a few sweaters and long pants for visits between October and April, when temperatures range fromthe high 40s to the high 60s. Showers may fall during this period, so an umbrella is wise.
4. Pack comfortable walking shoes or sandals for sight-seeing.
5. No matter when you are traveling, bring a swim suit with you.
6. Remember insect repellent and sunblock.
TIP: Bring a carry-on bag that includes all necessities, such as your passport, a change of clothes, all medications, spare contact lenses or glasses, all forms of money and any important documents, in case your luggage goes astray. Pack to accommodate your needs. Leave superfluous items at home. Always bring a Hebrew/English dictionary, even though most people in Israel know some English. Remember to bring a water bottle and to have water with you at all times.
Israel Weather
Please view the following table of average annual temperatures:
Electronic Appliances in Israel
The electric current in Israel is 220 volts AC, single phase, 50 Hertz. Most hotels provide hair dryers, and virtually all hotel rooms have 110/220 electric shaver sockets. Electric shavers, traveling irons and other small appliances may require adaptors or converters, which can be purchased prior to your departure.
Arrival and Transfers
When going on a group travel , upon arrival in Israel our representative will be waiting for you immediately after passport control. To make identification easy, please make sure that your ARZA name tags and luggage straps are visible. Our representative will lead the group to the bus, where your guide and driver will be waiting for you.
For travelers arriving in Israel on their own, you may purchase a private transfer (please contact our office for more information). Or, please refer to ‘Airport Public Transportation’ section in this information booklet.
Shabbat and Holidays
Shabbat and all Jewish holidays, commence at sundown on the prior evening, and end the following night at sunset. Banks, businesses and public institutions are closed at these times. In Major cities, many restaurants, cinemas, nightclubs and shopping malls remain open. Taxi services are available, while all other public transportation is not.
Israel Currency and Bank Information
The currency in Israel is the New Israeli Shekel (NIS). Each shekel is divided into 100 “Agorot” (singular: “Agora”). N.I.S bills are in denominations of 200, 100, 50 and 20 Shekels. Coins are in denominations of 1, 5 & 10 Shekels, and 50 & 10 Agorot. One may bring an unlimited amount of local and foreign currency into Israel; in cash, travelers' checks, letters of credit or State of Israel Bonds. Foreign currency may be exchanged at any bank and at many hotels.
TIP: Most convinient way to obtain currency is through ATM machines, which are all over Israel. Enter your 4 digit numeric pin number, and receive Shekels debited to your account. This is the best exchange rate you will receive!
Most banks’ operating hours are: Sunday through Thursday from 08:30AM - 12:00PM and from 16:00PM - 18:00PM.
Newspapers in Israel
Local, international newspapers and periodicals are readily available in a number of languages.
Handicapped facilities
Israel is well-equipped for catering to travelers with special needs. Airports, public transportation and many tourist sites are wheelchair friendly, and most hotels have special rooms designed for handicapped travelers. Should you require handicapped facilities, please contact our office.
Emergency Assistance
Police:
Dial 100 | Web Site: www.police.gov.il
Ambulance:
Dial 101 | Web Site: www.101.up.co.il
Fire Brigade:
Dial 102
Time difference in Israel
Israeli Standard Time is 7 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time, U.S.A.
Postal Service and Telecommunications
Israel Telephones
- How do I dial to Israel form the US?
From North America, dial 011-972 and then the number in Israel (omitting the initial zero). For example: 972-2-111-1111.
- How do I dial to the US from Israel?
AT&T, MCI and Sprint all have toll-free access numbers in Israel.
Ask your hotel operator how to dial directly from your room. From a public phone, check the instructions on your calling card (which will tell you to dial either: 012, 013 or 014 for overseas) then, you can continue with a 1 for the United States, the area code and phone number.
Calling cards
Public phones in Israel operate with calling cards which are available at your hotel, post office, kiosks and newsstands throughout the country.
Cell Phones in Israel
You are able to rent a phone upon arrival to Ben-Gurion International Airport, and return it upon your departure (advance reservations are not necessary).
You can also order a phone right here in the U.S.- it will be delivered to your home prior to your departure, and you will be given the number in advance. A rental agreement form is supplied within your travel documents. Phone rental information and rates are also available on our home page
at www.arzaworld.com.
Internet Access in Israel
Hotel Guests can use the internet at the hotel business lounge, or with your own laptop, from the comfort of your hotel room. You will also find Internet Cafes and public Internet outlets all over Israel.
Postal Service
You can buy stamps, envelopes, picture postcards and greeting cards at your hotel, at kiosks and at the post office. The Post Office sells calling cards and is able to provide assistance with money transfers.
*Post offices are closed on Shabbat and major holidays.
Upon Your Departure
Airline Check-In
Passengers must check in at Ben Gurion International Airport at least three hours before the departure time.
Airport Security
Security checks are carried out routinely for your protection and safety. We thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
*For further information, please visit: www.israel-airport.co.il
Airport Public Transportation
Bus schedule from Ben Gurion International Airport:
Sunday-Thursday: 6:00AM – 12:00AM on the hour.
Fridays: 6:00AM – 8:00PM on the hour
Saturdays and holidays: 5:00PM – 12:00AM on the hour
* For updated information and schedules, please visit: www.iaa.gov.il
Group Taxis (sherut)
Reservations by phone can be made by dialing:
02-623 1231 or 02 -625 7227 / 3233 / 5332
Fax: 02 624 1114
Egged Bus Service
Israel's Egged Bus Cooperative offers frequent bus services.
* For detailed schedules, please visit their website: www.egged.co.il
Israel Trains and Railways System
Israel's domestic train network links major cities. Express trains connect Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Haifa.
* For more information, visit: www.israrail.org.il
Renting a Car in Israel
All international car rental companies are represented in Israel, and there is a variety of reliable Israeli companies as well. A passport, major credit card and U.S. or Canadian driver's license will be required.
Transportation
ARZA World uses modern air-conditioned motorcoaches. "No smoking" is permitted while on board the motorcoach.
Hotels in Israel
If you arrive at your hotel before noon check-out, rooms may not be available. You might want to enjoy a cup of coffee or step out and gather first impressions of the city.
Sightseeing
As tour schedules are planned many months ahead of your vacation, it may be necessary to modify sightseeing timings or advertised visits when necessary. In this case alternative details will be advised by your Tour Director or local guide.
Suggested Tipping
Tips for your guide and driver are not included in the cost of your tour. The following suggestions are guidelines for tipping and are provided for your reference.
Driver: $ 3.00 per person, per day of touring.
Guide: $ 6.00 per person, per day of touring.
Porter: included
Wait stuff: included
Chamber Maid: included
Israel's Border Procedures
Passport Control
Upon arrival to Israel, visitors need to present their passports and entry forms. Forms will be given on board your flight.
Israel Customs
A dual-channel customs clearance system operates in Israeli
airports and at the Rafiah Terminal. Visitors without any goods
to declare may pass through the Green Channel upon exiting
the Arrivals Hall. Passengers bringing in items other than the
following, even if exempt from duty, must declare them and
use the Red Channel.
Green Channel - Items and Quantities Permitted
Goods brought into Israel may require the payment of Customs duty and other taxes, however the following goods may be brought in duty and tax free if accompanying you at the time of entry:
Clothing, footwear, and personal toiletries - of the type and quantities that would normally be brought in a person's hand luggage.
Alcohol/spirits and wine - for each entrant age 17 and above, 1 liter of alcohol/spirits and 2 liters of wine.
Cigarettes and other tobacco products - for each entrant age 17 and above, up to 250 grams of tobacco products.
Other items not detailed above may be brought in as long as they are for your own personal use or intended as a gift for another person. The total value of such items should not exceed US$200. Included within this amount, each entrant may bring in up to 3 kg. of foodstuff, provided that the weight of each kind of foodstuff does not exceed 1 kg.
(1 kg = 2.2 lb)
This is an individual exemption for each entrant age 2 and above, and may not be combined with that of another entrant. (i.e. this exemption will not be granted for one item which exceed US$200, even if a number of people enter together.)
Red Channel – Items which must be declared
You Should Enter the Red Channel If:
You have any doubts as to which channel you should enter.
You are bringing in items that are not specified in the Green Channel list.
You are brining in portable work tools, diving equipment, a new video camera, a new VCR machine, any type of personal computer, similar type items.
Please note:
If you enter the Red Channel, you must declare all items in your luggage.
If you bring in any of the items mentioned in this section, you must export them with you when you leave Israel.
When bringing in certain items, you may be asked by the Customs Collector to deposit an amount equal to the tax that would be due on an item. This amount will be refunded to you when you show you are leaving the country with that item.
* For further information please contact The Department of Customs: www.mof.gov.il.
Emergency contact
ARZA World - Israel
19 Washington Street
P.O. Box 71047
Jerusalem
91710 Israel
Voice: 972-2-625-9911
ARZA World - USA
33 East 33rd Street, Suite 1102
New York, NY 10016
Toll Free: 888-811-2812
Voice: 212-683-6311
Important Reminders!
Please make certain that you have a valid passport
Please do not forget your passport and flight tickets.
We recommend that you keep a photocopy of your passport in your purse or wallet.
If you take any kind of medication, please make certain that you pack it in your carry-on bag. Do not pack medicine in the luggage, which you plan to check to Tel Aviv.
Never leave your passport, valuables or money in your hotel room, unless placed in the safe.
If you require special meals, please let the ARZA Travel – Office know at least 45 days prior to your departure so that the airline and travel office in Israel can be advised.
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