Israel: Useful Tips


Visa

All visitors to Israel must hold a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date they enter the country. People with no nationality must hold a valid laissez passer, as well as a visa back to the country that issued it. The participants are advised to contact their nearest Israel embassy to check visa requirements.


Money

The New Israeli Shekel (NIS = , also known as the Israeli Shekel) is the local, fully convertible currency. The Israeli Shekel is divided into 100 new agorot (singular, agora). Notes are in denominations of NIS 200, 100, 50, and 20. Coins are in denominations of NIS 10, 5, 2, and 1, and 50 and 10 agorot. Foreign currency can be exchanged at authorised banks and change shops. The official exchange rates for the Israeli Shekel are published by The Bank of Israel. All major credit cards are accepted. ATMs are widely available.


Local Time

    

Jerusalem time = GMT + 2.
Daylight Saving time (GMT + 3) is effective between March 23 and October 28, 2018.



Weather

The Jerusalem area is characterised by a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers, and cold, wet winters. Snowfall occurs every couple of winters. January is the coldest month of the year. July and August are the hottest months. Temperatures vary widely from day to night, and Jerusalem evenings are typically cool even in summer. On average, the highest and the lowest daily temperatures for the period October 03 to October 08 were 27 °C and 17 °C, respectively.


Power Supply

The electric current in Israel is 220 volts AC, single phase, 50 Hertz. Most Israeli sockets are of the three-pronged variety but many can accept some European two-pronged plugs as well. Notebooks and other appliances may require adapters and/or transformers, which can be purchased in Israel.

Internal Travel

By Rail. There are eight lines operated by Israel Railways. Reserved seats may be ordered in advance. There is no railway service on Shabbat and public holidays.

By Car. Most international car rental companies and local companies (Avis Israel, Budget Israel, Eldan, Hertz Israel, Sixt Shlomo) have offices in the large cities and at the Ben Gurion International Airport. It is recommended to reserve a car in advance from abroad.

By Bus. The Egged Bus Company provides very frequent, inexpensive local services in all the main towns except the Tel Aviv area, where the Dan Bus Company runs the city’s transportation system.


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