Weather

Israel enjoys a Mediterranean climate. It is hot and fairly arid for most of the year. It does have seasons; winter can be quite cool in the north, snow is a rare occurrence but sometimes a welcome sight to pilgrims in Bethlehem for Christmas. Rain is common during winter especially in the interior near Jerusalem. Coastal areas on the Red Sea enjoy a milder climate and it is possible to have a beach holiday there at any time of the year.

Visa, Immigration, Customs

Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your scheduled length of stay. If you are proceeding to an Arab country other than Egypt or Jordan after visiting Israel, you may ask that your passport not be stamped. If it has an Israeli stamp, you will be denied entry to many Arab countries. If you stay in Israel for 3 months or longer, you will be required to have an extension stamped in your passport. If you are a former national of Israel holding a foreign passport, you must have written proof of having given up your Israeli identity, otherwise, you may be required to obtain a new Israeli passport or renew your original one. Israeli authorities have instituted a new procedure for all foreign passport holders who wish to enter Area A of the West Bank (including the Palestinian-controlled population centres of Bethlehem, Hebron, Jenin, Jericho, Kalkilya, Nablus, Ramallah, and Tulkarm) as well as Gaza. Until further notice, all foreign passport holders must apply in writing and in person at crossing points for permission to enter Area A of the West Bank as well as Gaza.

Visa/Permit/Tourist Card: A visa is not required for a stay of up to 90 days
Single parents or other adults vacationing alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country

Transportation

Tel Aviv is the main hub of Israel and is serviced by many international carriers. Israel has a very good system of regional air travel with flights between Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, Rosh Pina and Eilat.

Airports in Israel, The West Bank and Gaza:There are 51 airports in Israel, The West Bank and Gaza.

Travel by Rail: Israel Railways provides scheduled service between Tel Aviv and other cities. A daily route runs between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem and is exceptionally scenic.

Travel by Water: Coastal ferry services run to all port cities. There is also a ferry service that crosses Lake Tiberias (also known as the Sea of Galilee) between Tiberias and Ein Gev.

Travel by Road: Roads and highways are excellent and well-maintained. Care rental is readily available.
The state bus company, Egged, is the second largest bus company in the world and is inexpensive. Arab buses have offer service to East Jerusalem, Nazareth and the West Bank, but are not as new.

What Side of the Road?: Driving is on the right side of the road.

Speed Limits:Urban areas - 50 kph; highways - 90 kph

Culture & Food

Languages Spoken:Hebrew (official), Arabic used officially for Arab minority, English most commonly used foreign language.

Religions:Jewish 80.1%, Muslim 14.6% (mostly Sunni Muslim), Christian 2.1%, other 3.2%

People and Culture:Israeli culture is inseparable from Judaism which preceded it (i.e. dated earlier than the Israeli Declaration of Independence, in May 14, 1948). With a population drawn from more than 100 countries on 5 continents, Israeli society is rich in cultural diversity and artistic creativity. The arts are actively encouraged and supported by the government. The Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra performs throughout the country and frequently tours abroad. The Jerusalem Symphony, the orchestra of the Israeli Broadcasting Authority, also tours frequently as do other musical ensembles. Almost every municipality has a chamber orchestra or ensemble, many boasting the talents of gifted performers recently arrived from the countries of the former Soviet Union.
A resident or national of Israel, The West Bank and Gaza is called Israeli. The Term used to describe things from here is Israeli. For example, Israeli food.

Tipping and Bargaining: Tipping is practiced. A service fee of 10% - 15% is sometimes added to the restaurant bill. All prices for merchandise are negotiable.

Restaurants:	12 - 15% if no service charge
*Porters:	4 Shekels per bag
Taxi:	12 - 15%

* Try to use local currency. Foreign coins cannot be exchanged and will be useless to the person receiving them. Foreign paper money requires a trip to the bank for exchange. However paper US dollars are accepted almost universally.

Food:The food of Israel follows the rules of the various religions. Jews do not eat dairy and meat products together, nor can they eat 'unclean' birds or fish, and neither Muslims nor Jews eat pork. The various waves of immigrant culture have brought their traditional dishes as well. You will find a vast array of Yemeni Jewish foods such as grilled meats and stuffed vegetables. Western and Eastern European schnitzels, goulashes and blintzes can be found along with Arab style cuisine, which consists of favourites like falafel (fried "chickpea ball"), hummus (chickpea, garlic and sesame dip) and flat pita bread. Muslim religious laws prohibit alcohol, so coffee and mint teas are served as social drinks.

Money Conversion

Israel's currency is called the Shekel

Currency Converter :use the following currency converter tool to help you with your vacation. Currency Convertor Tool

Currency Cheat Sheet: use the following currency cheat sheet as a quick conversion reference on your vacation.Currency Cheat Sheet

Attractions

Destination Cities:Jews, Christians and Muslims all hold the city of Jerusalem as a sacred site. You can immerse yourself in religious history and enjoy the many modern-day delights of this complex city. Tel Aviv is a thoroughly modern city with a sophisticated, cosmopolitan culture. You will find all the amenities of a Mediterranean metropolis. Some of the beast beachfront in the Middle East can be found here. Just take a stroll through the Museum of Art and the vibrant markets of the Yemenite Quarter. Bethlehem> is built around Manger Square. The Church of the Holy Nativity is the main attraction for Christian Pilgrims. Rachel's Tomb, is one of Judaism's most sacred shrines and is also important to Muslims.

Points of Interest:The fertile farmlands in the kubbutzes to the north have guest houses. Galilee is on the shore of a large freshwater lake with opportunities for boating and soaking in the natural hot springs. You can float in the Dead Sea. It was at one time inlet of the ocean but is now land-locked and evaporated, with such salt-saturated water that it makes anyone super-buoyant. The ancient stone fortress of Akko (a.k.a. Acre) has a history that goes all the way back to Alexander The Great and continues through the Egyptians, Romans and Crusaders.