Geography
Israel is situated at the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea. The country is divided into four regions: the coastal plain, the central hills, the Great Rift Valley and the Negev Desert. It is border on the north by Lebanon, on the northeast by Syria, on the east and southeast by Jordan, on the southwest by Egypt and on the west by the Mediterranean Sea. Israel has an area of about 8,550 square miles or 22,145 square kilometers. The Highest point is the Mount Hermon about 2,814 meters or 9,232 feet tall, and can be found in the Golan Heights and the lowest point of Israel is the Dead Sea about 399 below sea level.
Jerusalem is Israel's capital and holds religious significance for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, while Tel Aviv is the economic and cultural hub. Hebrew and Arabic are the Israeli official languages however there are some locals who also speaks English.
The population of Israel has about 9.3 million (as of September 2021). While in the Palestinian Territories, the population in West Bank was estimated to be around 2.8 million people and 2 million people in the Gaza Strip.
Israel was established as a state in 1948, leading to conflicts with neighboring Arab states and the Palestinian population. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict over land, borders, and rights remains a central issue in the region.
Israel contains sacred sites to Judaism, Islam and Christianity. The City of Jerusalem, houses holy sites for each of these religions: The Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque for Muslims, the Western Wall (the remnant of the Second Temple) for Jews and, for Christians, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The Baha’i World Center, the spiritual and administrative center of the Baha’i faith is located in the city of Haifa. Tel Aviv is ranked as top international tourist destination for its culture, cuisine, nightlife, architecture and large LGBT community.
Best Time to Visit
Israel can be visited all-year round. The season of spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are the best time to visit Israel, where the temperature is around 15°-20°C and the weather is generally mild and pleasant, with blooming flowers and green landscapes. It's a great time for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Although spring and autumn months are the recommended time to travel there are also factors you have to consider. September and October are the busiest months in the Jewish calendar, with Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) and Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement).
Many tourists travel to Israel during the month of April due to Passover (Pessach) and Easter. Dates of these holidays may vary from year to year and it’s best to avoid these traveling on these dates. Easter and Christmas are significant events in the Christian calendar, and Jerusalem hosts pilgrims from around the world during these times. Prices during these dates are very expensive too.
Peak summer in the month of June-August the average temperature is over 30°-40°C most especially in the south and Negev Desert area.
The winter months of November to March are the coldest with occasional snowfall in the northern part, Golan Heights and in Jerusalem. Expect heavy rainfall on coastal areas during this time too.
Dress Code
In general, casual clothing is suitable when travelling to Israel. Jeans, T-shirts, comfortable and sturdy walking shoes are ideal in most of the sites.
In winter: It is best to pack warm sweater or coat, jacket, long sleeves shirts, scarves and gloves. Bring also with you an umbrella or rain coat, winter boots or rain boots as heavy rains also occurs during winter time.
In summer: Lightweight shirts, jeans, maxi dresses or skirt are suitable when travelling during summer in Israel. Do also bring with you sun screen lotion/cream, hat/cap, lightweight scarf and sunglasses. If you’re visiting Dead Sea and Eilat, you must pack with you a swimwear.
When visiting religious sites such as mosque, synagogue, church or even the Wailing Wall, always remember to cover up your chest, shoulders, elbows and knees. Avoid wearing sleeveless shirts, ripped jeans, short skirts and shorts. If visiting Jewish religious sites, men should cover their heads with a kippah. It is usually marked with a sign when men must cover their heads, most notably at the Western Wall.
Health & Safety
Take in to consideration of availing a travel insurance including a medical coverage, trip cancellations, and other unexpected events when travelling to Israel. Make sure you're up-to-date on routine vaccinations. Depending on your travel plans and personal health history, you might need additional vaccinations. Check with a travel health clinic or your healthcare provider well before your trip. If you're on any prescription medications, ensure you have an adequate supply for your entire trip. Carry a copy of your prescription and a note from your doctor explaining the necessity of the medication.
Israel has one of the most technologically advanced and highest-quality healthcare systems in the world. Hospitals in Israel are equipped with modern facilities and high-quality medical technology. Medical personnel are very well-trained. Doctors mostly speaks in English. Israel is also well-known as one of the world’s leaders in in-vitro fertilization.
Stay informed about the current security situation before and during your trip. Follow any travel advisories issued by your government and local authorities. Political discussions can be sensitive. It's best to avoid engaging in such conversations with strangers, as opinions can be strong and varied. Avoid participating in or getting too close to political demonstrations or protests. They can escalate quickly and become unsafe. Public transportation is generally safe in Israel, but be vigilant, especially in crowded areas. Keep an eye on your belongings and be cautious of pickpocketing. Keep the contact information for your country's embassy or consulate in Israel or the Palestinian territories. Know the local emergency numbers as well.
Currency
The currency in Israel is the New Israeli Shekel or NIS. Israeli bank notes come in four denominations: 20, 50, 100 and 200 NIS and coins come in five denominations: 10, 5 and 1 NIS; 50 agorot and 10 agorot. These banknotes have braille on them so the blind can easily identify them.
All of the major credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard and American Express are widely accepted and can be used to withdraw funds from ATMs with your pin code.
Tipping
Tipping is not expected but it is increasingly common in Israel.
For local guide and drivers: On average, 15-20 NIS or $4-5 USD per person per day is the minimum, however if you think you were provided with a good quality of service, a more generous tip is most likely appreciated.
For Restaurants: A service charge of around 12-15% may be automatically added to your bill in restaurants. However, it's common to leave an additional tip of 5-10% if you're satisfied with the service. If a service charge isn't included, leaving a tip of 10-15% is customary.
For taxi drivers: They generally do not expect to be tipped, but you can round off your fare.
For Hotels: 4-8 NIS or $1-2 USD for good housekeeping.
Always be courteous and respectful when interacting with service staff. A sincere "thank you" goes a long way.
Photography
Photography is allowed in most of the historical sites and museums in Israel. However, there are certain areas and situations where photography might be restricted or discouraged due to security and privacy concerns. Do not take photos of police or military personnel and/or stations and installations. Also, be cautious when taking photographs near borders, especially those adjacent to neighboring countries. Always respect any signs or warnings that indicate photography is prohibited.
Furthermore, it is advisable to be sensitive when taking photos of Muslims and Orthodox Jewish areas. It's a good practice to ask for permission before taking photos, especially during ceremonies or when people are praying. It's courteous to ask for permission before taking close-up photos of individuals, especially if you're photographing them in a candid manner. Some people might be uncomfortable with their photos being taken without their consent.
Communications and Internet Access
The international dialing code for Israel is +972. Israel is technologically advanced country and internet access for tourists in Israel is generally widespread and reliable. Wi-Fi is available in most cafeterias, restaurant, malls, airport and hotels and are usually free, though sometimes you have to ask for the password. If you prefer constant connectivity and need internet access on the go, purchasing a local SIM card is a convenient option. Israeli cellular providers offer prepaid SIM cards for tourists that include data packages. These can be easily purchased at airports, convenience stores, and mobile phone shops. Having a local SIM card allows you to use mobile data for navigation, communication, and other online activities.
Alcohol and Smoking
Israel is a country with a diverse range of religious and cultural practices. While alcohol is generally available, some areas might have restrictions on alcohol sales during religious holidays or in more conservative communities.
Alcohol is forbidden following the traditions of Islam and it is certainly not available in Arabic communities and West Bank. Alcoholic drinks are only available at some hotels for tourists. When purchasing alcoholic drinks, proof of age is required. Drinking alcohol in public places, such as streets or parks, might not be as common as in some other countries. Many Israelis and tourists enjoy their drinks in designated places like bars and restaurants. Smoking in all public places such as restaurants, trains, buses, and taxis is against the law.
Climate
Israel and the Palestinian territories have a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. However, there can be some variations in climate between different regions due to factors like elevation and proximity to bodies of water.
Summer (June to August): It is generally hot and dry throughout the region. Coastal areas, such as Tel Aviv and Haifa, experience more moderate temperatures due to the cooling effect of the Mediterranean Sea. Inland areas, including Jerusalem and the Jordan Valley, can experience higher temperatures, often exceeding 30°C (86°F) or more. The Jordan Rift Valley, including the Dead Sea area, is known for extremely high temperatures, sometimes exceeding 40°C (104°F).
Autumn/Fall (September to November): It is characterized by gradually cooling temperatures and decreasing rainfall. It's a popular time for tourists due to the more comfortable weather. Coastal areas remain pleasant, while inland areas begin to cool down.
Winter (December to February): It is mild and relatively wet, especially in coastal and northern regions. Rainfall increases, and there can be occasional heavy rainfall and storms.
Spring (March to May): During these times, temperatures are mild, and the landscape often blooms with colorful flowers. It is one of the most pleasant times to visit the region. Coastal areas enjoy comfortable temperatures, while inland areas start to warm up.
Electricity
In Israel, the standard voltage is 230V and the frequency is 50 Hz. There are three associated plug types C, H and M. Type plug C is the plug that has two round pins, also known as “Euro” plug. Plug type H has three pins in a triangular shape and type M has three round pins.
Hotels’ Check in / Check out time and Room Types
The general check-in time in Israel is 14:00-15:00 and check out time is 12:00. Request for early check-in and/or late check-out, depends on the availability of the hotel and it is not guaranteed. Additional charges will be made according to hotel’s rules and policies. Double room, twin bedded and single room are available to most hotels. For triple sharing, it is either double or twin room with 1 extra roll away bed or a sofa bed.
Domestic Flights
Ben Gurion Airport (IATA code: TLV and ICAO code: LLBG) is the main international airport in Israel. It is located 20 km south of Tel Aviv and about 45 km from Jerusalem. Tel Aviv airport is considered one of the best airports in Middle East because of its high-level security and amazing passenger service.
Located in the southern part of the country and about 18 km from Eilat, Ramon airport is the second biggest airport in Israel. It handles the domestic operations Tel Aviv and Haifa.
Holidays in Israel
Holocaust Memorial Day
Yom HaShoah is often known as Holocaust Remembrance Day and an occasion to commemorate the lives and heroism of the six million Jewish people who died in the Holocaust between 1933 and 1945. The law prohibits places of public entertainment from being open on the evening before until the day of Yom HaShoah.
Israel Independence Day
Israeli Independence Day also called Yom Ha'atzmaut, commemorates the declaration of independence in Israel in 1948. It is considered an official national holiday of the state and the only official non-working day in Israel. It usually celebrated in late April or early May in the Gregorian calendar.
Rosh Hashanah
Rosh Hashanah or the Jewish New Year is observed the first and second day of the seventh month of the Jewish religious year, Tishri. The exact date varies each year in the Gregorian calendar, as it follows the lunar Hebrew calendar. The celebrations continue for ten days of repentance, culminating on Yom Kippur or the Day of Atonement. In the Old Testament in the book of Leviticus and Numbers, it is known as Feast of the Trumpets.
Rosh Hashanah is a time for personal reflection, self-examination, and spiritual renewal. It is an opportunity for individuals to evaluate their actions, seek forgiveness, and set intentions for personal growth in the coming year. The holiday emphasizes themes of humility, gratitude, and the power of change.
Yom Kippur
Day of Atonement or Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the year for the Jews. Its central themes are atonement and repentance. Jews traditionally observe this holy day with a 25-hour period of fasting and intensive prayer, often spending most of the day in synagogue services.
As a tourist it is advisable not to travel on this day as all malls, restaurants, cultural sites, museum and land borders are close. Both public and private transportations and tours are not allowed and roads will be empty. Some tourists cross the border going to Jordan early and take their time to travel to Petra or Wadi Rum during Yom Kippur.
Responsible Travel
-Sight-seeing tours are operated and led by a local guide and/or local drivers.
-Be sensitive in discussing politics and religion. It is better to do research or some readings prior you travel in Israel and other Palestinian territories.
-Always follow security warning from the authorities. Always best to carry with you your passport as ID.
-Be mindful and respectful when talking about the Holocaust and never make jokes about it.
-Israel is a hot country, most especially during summer time, it is important to keep yourself hydrated all the time. It is not necessary to buy bottled water as tap water is safe in Israel. Do not do hiking in the height of summer heat.
-When hiking at off beaten paths such as the Golan Heights, it is advisable to hire an expert guide, better yet a local guide licensed by the Israel Ministry of Tourism.
-Local products especially Dead Sea products are very popular souvenirs or gifts. Supporting such products is also a way to help Israeli and Palestinian locals.
-When travelling to Red Sea and doing water activities such as scuba diving, book with diving company that has responsible tourism credentials.
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