PRACTICAL TRAVEL TIPS FOR ISRAEL

Dear guests,

Please read this Israel travel tips page, you will find very useful information for your travel to Israel checklist!!!

Our magical country offers a lot of options for recreation.

Medical tourism or beach holidays, or simply visiting holy places.

TIPS ON WHERE TO STAY AND VISIT IN ISRAEL

The first option is Jerusalem, where you can visit all the holy places that relate to the three religions - Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

The second option is the Dead Sea, where you can relax and have a pleasant time on the beach, sunbathe, and even undergo treatment, for example, for various diseases such as psoriasis or asthma.

The third option is a vacation in Tel Aviv. You can visit good restaurants, cafes, museums and, of course, the famous Tel Aviv beaches.

BEST TIME TO VISIT ISRAEL TRIPS

You can visit Israel all year round, the sea is warm and very pleasant for rest and bathing.

Usually, the swimming season officially starts in June, but the weather allows you to swim practically till December, in December you can safely travel around the country and even ski on the famous Golan Heights.

The months of March, April, and May, as well as October, November, and December, are considered months of high season, and good weather, but on the other hand, prices are getting higher.

The currency of Israel is called the shekel. The shekel is about one-quarter of a dollar. In Israel, all types of credit cards are accepted. To exchange shekels is best to change money only in official exchange offices that do not charge a commission for their services.

Israel hotels are not included in the world system of stars, therefore it is better to choose a hotel on the recommendation. The best hotels are, of course, in TEl-AVIV AND JERUSALEM, in Tel Aviv the best hotels are on the coast, and there are also several small boutique hotels in the city center.

It is very important to carry a passport with you, as a tourist in Israel you can get a tax refund that is 17% of your purchases, this money is very easy to get at the airport when you travel back home.

As for clothing or dressing, this is probably the most useful travel tip in Israel, people dress very simply and no one is obsessed with the dress code, so take clothes that allow you to freely walk and not strain. In the same clothes, you can visit restaurants and not feel any discomfort.

If you are visiting Israel for the first time, you need to take into account that the airport may have difficulties, security officials can ask you a series of questions to find out the purpose of your stay in Israel. Take it with understanding, they take care of everything about your safety.

TIPS ABOUT THE HOSPITALITY AND HOTELS IN ISRAEL

Israel is one of the most expensive countries in the world and a night in a decent hotel will cost more than $300.

In order not to go broke, pay attention to boutique hotels, hostels, and apartments. Many of them are cozy and comfortable, in addition, they are located close to the old city centers or the sea, which is convenient for wanderers.

Most importantly, before you pay for a room, make sure that you are satisfied with everything. So for 80-100 dollars a day, you can rent a decent place(AirBNB), sometimes even with a small kitchen. At the same time, you should not expect a luxurious place and find a deep disappointment, because in the hotel you will only sleep and take a shower, and behind its walls, there is a new magical world to explore.

My tip: Small Boutique hotels.

TIPS ABOUT THE FOOD IN ISRAEL

The Israelis have a cult of food, food is a major part of our culture and the most famous tv shows are all about food! so prepare your body to gain a few kilograms on your trip!

Try everything! If funds allow, go to a restaurant, dinner in it will cost 200-400 shekels for two with a bottle of wine. Cafe in the middle price segment - 100-150 shekels, for two, street food- 30-70 NIS, and pick up a bag of Burekas (puff pastry with different fillings) in a bakery and eat them with your hands, drinking hot coffee with cardamom - about 20 NIS.

Israel's cuisine is diversified and, on the whole, excellent after all Israel is a melting pot. Humus and Falafel are very well-known dishes, Falafel- little fried balls of mashed chickpeas eaten with pita bread and hummus is the best thing to "wipe".

Plenty more Middle Eastern foods are also worth mentioning such as Shawarma (chopped meat), fried eggplant, and Shakshuka, extremely delicious dishes. "Kosher" refers to food that meets Jewish law norms (religious Jews don't eat shellfish or pork).except for the Kosher restaurants you will find a very diverse variety of excellent restaurants and not Kosher so you will find your cup of tea in Israel.

Want to save some money? no problem! In supermarkets, you will find jars of hummus, tahini, Labane Cheese and other spreads, pates, sauces, pita in a bag, and delicious bread. This will make a good Israeli breakfast/Dinner at the hotel.

My tip: pick a place to stay with a good Israeli breakfast and eat lunch and dinner in hi ranked restaurants, don't save money just enjoy!

TIPS ABOUT MONEY IN ISRAEL

In Israel, you should never hesitate to mention "it's pricey." And you don't have to make excuses for your thriftiness. Sometimes store employees would comment, "Oh, this is pricey!" and propose another product.

It is preferable to bring Dollars or Euros to Israel but to exchange them for shekels in exchange spots offices rather than at the airport or hotel.

Bank cards are accepted practically everywhere, even at tiny cafes and shops, so you may safely use your credit cards anywhere.

Bartering is one of the most crucial pieces of advice for visitors visiting Israel. Not only can learning to negotiate to save you money, but it will also save you a lot of stress. In Israel, almost everything is negotiable.

My tip: Bring cash and use it.

TIPS ABOUT SAFETY IN ISRAEL

Is it safe to travel to Israel from 2022-2023? It is entirely secure in Israel, especially at night and even around "skeptical" drunk folks. All because there are young individuals in uniform nearby with machine guns, ready to shoot to kill in the event of an unexpected incident.

However, several regulations should be followed. Bags should not be left on the street; this is illegal and may result in a fine. There may be a bomb in a bag with no owner, therefore the police are contacted right away, and they cordon off the area and clear the object for safety.

You can't make fun of security inspections at train stations, supermarkets (yep, we check visitors at the entry), or airports.  visiting the West Bank is not a problem and it's completely safe since the Israeli military is all over, more sensitive places will not be possible to visit anyway without a security check or border crossing.

TIPS ABOUT THE LANGUAGE IN ISRAEL

In Israel, most people speak or understand English, and many speak Russian after all we have a strong American influence. But learning a few expressions in Hebrew is also useful. First, it pleases the Israelis. Secondly, in rare cases, you can pass for a local. here are s couple of expressions. "Kama ze ole?" - how much does it cost?",“Toda!”- "Thanks!".and the most important "shalom" to say hello, goodbye and just to greet anyone.

 TIPS ABOUT THE TRANSPORTATION IN ISRAEL

In Israel, public transportation is quite well-developed. Traveling around the country by bus and train is both convenient and economical. They are clean, and comfy, have air conditioning and wi-fi, and visit frequently and regularly. Cashiers at bus and railway terminals speak English and Russian, and people at stops always know which bus to take to get to their destination. However, taxis are highly expensive in this city; a journey around the city will cost between $10 and $50, while a trip to a neighboring city (despite the modest distances) will cost between $100 and $200. Domestic flights are less expensive. if you travel with a family booking private transportation will be the best tip.

TIPS ABOUT THE ISRAELI MENTALITY 

Israelis are direct.

Israelis do not like to play games and usually state their requirements clearly. To an unfamiliar tourist, this may appear unpleasant, but it is simply an aspect of the mentality; in fact, it is pleasant, because you don't have to search for the genuine meaning in the web of subtle expressions.

In Israel, individuals frequently laugh aloud and express themselves emotionally; at first, it appears that people swear. But that's fine; you'll get used to it.

CHILDREN IN ISRAEL

In Israel, there are two cults: food and children. Children are treated as gods in this world. They can do everything and more, and it is traditional to look after them across the country.   As a result, if you are traveling with children, be prepared to be offered advice and flattered by how nice your kids are. Prepare for noisy, out-of-control small individuals running free in restaurants :)

 TIPS ABOUT TIPPING IN ISRAEL

Tipping is not mandatory, but it is anticipated.

Tipping is optional but expected in Israel, as it is in the rest of the Western world. , the tip in Israel is between 10% and 15%. The lowest is 10%, the average is 12%, and the highest is 15%. (for exceptional service).

Waiters and bartenders are paid a minimal wage, thus tips make up the majority of their revenue so avoid a man waitress chasing you down the street and tip. Tip in cash rather than credit cards, so keep some modest change on hand.

TIPS ABOUT THE SHABBAT IN ISRAEL

On Shabbath, everything is closed.

You must know about the holiday of the Jewish religion, you have most likely heard about Shabbath. Sabbath (or Shabbath) is the most unique custom of Judaism, a full rest day that begins after sundown on Friday and finishes at sundown on Saturday.

Shabbat is more than just a day off from work in Israel. It is a one-of-a-kind and special time of physical rest designed to be spent with loved ones and relatives or for religious worship if you are religious. Israel has changed a lot and today many restaurants and national parks will remain open, just check in advance.

TIPS ABOUT A VACATION DURION JEWISH RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS

A tourist's experience in Israel during any of the Jewish festivals may be quite frustrating. 

Religious holidays are rigorously observed in Israel. Most businesses, including cafes, bars, and public transport, close. Everything is closed on Yom Kippur (the Hebrew Day of Atonement). Ben Gurion International Airport, too! On that day, no one drives, and the roads are virtually deserted. So, if you're in Israel on this day, plan on doing nothing.

WHAT IS THE TIME ZONE IN ISRAEL?

Israel operates two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Daylight Saving Time begins on the Friday before April 2nd. According to the Jewish calendar, the return to normal time might occur in late September/early October, between The Jewish holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

AIRPORT - TRAVEL TIPS TO ISRAEL

No more stamps upon arrival, which is excellent news if you want to travel to other Middle Eastern countries where an Israeli visa may be required. Instead, you'll receive your visa on paper, which you must keep secure because you'll need it for your departure, this is a small blue piece of paper that you shouldn't lose!

Expect an even longer procedure while leaving Israel, therefore be at the airport at least 3 hours before departure(summer months will be very crowded and you must arrive 4 hours before the flight). At the Security Checkpoint, you will be asked security questions and they will check your bag of electronics. starting in 2023 Ben Gurion Airport will become electronic the process will roughly take 40 minutes!!!

WHICH CLOTHES TO PACK FOR ISRAEL

Take your ordinary clothes considering the local weather, there is no dress code in Israel, for summer days take shorts and flipflops and in winter months take a coat with socks, Israel is not the coldest place in the world but some places like Jerusalem and the Golan Heights can be very cold and snowy! When traveling to holy sites this is one of the most important holy land travel tips! the dress code will be different, no shorts above the knees and no leggings will be allowed, take a skirt or a scarf to cover yourself.

TIPS ABOUT WI-FI AND INTERNET CONNECTION IN ISRAEL

WiFi is generally available in Israel and is normally provided for free in most hotels, restaurants, cafés, and pubs. Cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem offer free internet connection all over the city.

You can also buy a local sim card with a large internet package, the price will be roughly 10usd and it will be more than enough for a week in Israel

 WHICH PLUGS SHOULD I BRING WITH ME TO ISRAEL?

We use The standard voltage in Israel-220 volts, and the frequency is 50 hertz. for tourists coming from the USA, you will need a Power Adaptor Type H. Typically hotels are likely to offer C-type plugs.

If you have any additional questions about things to know about Israel or other Israel travel tips -contact me directly 

 +972 53 4779797, I'll be happy to help you.

Have a nice trip!

I'll see you in Israel!