Travel Resources

Effective January 1, 2025, Israel will be requiring a travel permit to enter the country, (ETA-IL). The permit will remain valid for up to two years or until your current passport expires, whichever comes first. The cost is approx $7. Additional information and the application to apply can be found here https://www.gov.il/en/departments/topics/eta-il/govil-landing-page

Check that your passport is not expired or about to expire. Your passport must be valid for at least six months following the date you arrive in Israel. Information about ordering a passport is found here. Make a copy of your passport photo/signature page which includes your passport number and keep it in your suitcase.

Be sure to check with both your domestic and international airline carrier about baggage rules and fees. It is recommended that you bring at least one change of clothes, toiletries, prescription medications and valuables in your carry-on bag in the unlikely event that your checked luggage gets delayed. You may also want to bring some snacks with you for your flight.  It can be difficult and expensive to get over-the-counter medication.  Consider bringing a small quantity of items such as Tylenol, Imodium and motion sickness medication.

The most convenient place to exchange cash is at the airport. There are two exchange booths near the luggage carousels.  If your ATM/Debit card has a Visa, MasterCard, Star, Cirrus, or Maestro logo imprint, there should not be a problem withdrawing money. PLUS cards will not work in Israel. Major credit cards like VISA and MasterCard are accepted throughout Israel.  Most banks and credit card companies charge a foreign transaction fee. Be sure to check with your bank/credit card company about what their fee is and also let them know you will be traveling abroad prior to your departure. Some credit card companies, such as Capital One, do not charge foreign transaction fees.

The electrical current in Israel is 220 volts, which is twice the voltage used in North America. The electrical plugs are also different, with two rounded prongs. You will need a voltage converter if you are bringing electronic or electrical items (unless they have a built-in one) as well as an adapter for plugging in your items. Adapters can be purchased at an electronics store, travel store or in the travel section of a discount store (i.e. Target & Walmart).

If you are taking prescription medication, bring enough for the duration of your trip. Take all medication on the plane with you in your carry-on luggage. Do NOT pack any medication with your checked luggage. The same is true for contact lenses.

The water in Israel is properly treated and is perfectly safe to drink. Bottled water is widely available and inexpensive or you can bring a water bottle and fill it as needed. If you plan on hiking in Israel, especially in the summer, consider a CamelBak or other device to carry larger quantities of water.

CABS

If you use a cab anywhere in Israel, insist they turn the meter on – “moneh b’vakasha” (meter please).  Cab drivers will try to negotiate a price in advance and not use the meter so they do not need to report the income. Unless you know how much the ride will cost, you are almost always better off paying the meter price. If the driver refuses to put the meter on, simply get out of the car and wait for another cab.

GETT

Gett (Hebrew: גט), previously known as GetTaxi, is an Israeli on-demand mobility company that connects customers with transportation, goods and services (similar to Uber). Customers can order a taxi or courier either through the company’s website, or by using the company’s GPS-based smartphone app. Note that Gett drivers are the same as cab drivers. Look for the Gett decal on the cab.

Free Wi-Fi is available at most hotels in public areas and in each guest room. Tel Aviv has free internet “hot spots” throughout the city. Jerusalem has complementary Wi-Fi in many of the restaurants and cafes. If you would like internet access at all times, you can rent a mobile hot spot which will connect to five different devices.

Israel enjoys warm, dry summers (April-October) and generally mild winters (November-March) with somewhat drier, cooler weather in hilly regions, such as Jerusalem and Safed. January is the wettest month and June, July and August are the driest months with no precipitation.

While there is a tremendous variety of cuisines and foods eaten in Israel, certain dishes are considered typical Israeli food. These traditional foods of Israel can be found throughout the country in restaurants and cafés, food stands, and of course, in many Israeli homes.

Israeli Breakfast Foods

Israeli Lunch/Dinner Foods

Israeli Drinks

Value added tax is usually included in the purchase price rather than added on later at checkout. The tax rate hovers around 16-20% of the total price of the item.

To be eligible for a VAT tax refund, you must purchase a minimum of $100 worth of goods at one time in a shop registered with the Ministry of Tourism. Look for the “Tax Free Shopping” logo at most retailers participating in the VAT refund. Have your passport or a copy of your passport with you, as the retailer needs the information to complete the VAT refund receipt. The value added tax does not apply to services such as hotel rooms or meals in restaurants.In order to receive a VAT refund at the airport, will you need to present your receipt as well as the purchased item(s). If you would like those items to go in your checked luggage, there is kiosk in the Departure Hall as you enter the airport. Present the items and have your receipt stamped. Once this has been completed, you can put the purchases in your suitcase and check-in at the airline counter.  After going through Passport Control and Security, you can then receive your VAT tax refund at the Change Place counter in the Rotunda. If you are packing your purchased items in your carry-on bag, you do not need to stop at the kiosk in the Departure Hall. All refunds are given at the Change Place counter in the Rotunda. The refund is calculated in US dollars. There are times that the lines are quite long and you may not be able to receive your refund.

Excuse Me – S’licha

Good Evening – Erev Tov

Good Morning – Boker Tov

Good Night – Lyla tov

Hello, Goodbye, Peace – Shalom

How Much? How Many? – Ka’mah?

No – Lo

Please, you’re welcome – B’va-ka-sha

Thank you – Toda Raba

Where are the bathrooms? – Eh-foh ha’sherutim?

Wonderful – Yofi