Tel Aviv Travel Information

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The Basics

Time: Local time is GMT +2 (GMT +3 from April to September).

Electricity: 220 volts, 50Hz; European-style two-pin and round three-pin plugs are used.

Money: The Israeli Shekel (ILS) is divided into 100 agorot (singular is agora). Money can be changed in the small exchange bureaux found on most main streets, or at banks and hotels. ATMs are prevalent throughout the country and linked to American systems. Most banks are open Sunday through to Friday until noon, and are open again from 4pm till 6pm on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Major credit cards are widely accepted, as are travellers cheques, though commission on these is high.

Currency Exchange Rates

ILS 1.00 =

A$ 0.29

C$ 0.29

€ 0.18

NZ$ 0.36

£ 0.16

US$ 0.27

R 2.06

Note: These currency exchange rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only.

Language: Hebrew and Arabic are the official languages of Israel. Most of the population also speak English.

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements for Americans: United States citizens require a valid passport, but no visa is needed for stays of up to three months.

Entry requirements for UK nationals: British citizens require a valid passport, but no visa is needed for stays of up to three months.

Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadian citizens require a valid passport, but no visa is needed for stays of up to three months.

Entry requirements for Australians: Australian citizens require a valid passport, but no visa is needed for stays of up to three months.

Entry requirements for South Africans: South African citizens require a valid passport, but no visa is needed for stays of up to three months.

Entry requirements for New Zealand nationals: New Zealanders must have a valid passport, but no visa is required for stays of up to three months.

Passport/Visa Note: Passports must be valid for at least six months after period of intended stay and visitors must hold onward or return tickets and sufficient funds to cover their stay in Israel. Travellers intending to visit Arab countries (other than Egypt, Jordan or United Arab Emirates) after leaving Israel should ensure that their passport does not contain Israeli visas or stamps, otherwise entry into Arab countries with such passports will be denied; it is sometimes possible to have a separate sheet of paper stamped instead. However if travelling to the Occupied Territories proof of entry to Israel must be shown in passports.

Travel Health: There are no special precautions required for travel to Israel, but insect protection from August to November is recommended due to the prevalence of West Nile virus, which is transmitted by mosquitoes. A Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended as well as a tetanus vaccine. Bird flu has been discovered in Gaza as well as in a number of towns in Israel. The risk to travellers is very low, but close contact with live birds should be avoided, and all egg and poultry dishes should be well cooked as a precaution. Medical facilities are excellent but treatment can be very expensive so it is essential that travellers take out full insurance.

Tipping: Tipping in Israel, according to level of service, is expected unless a service charge is added to the bill.

Safety Information: Travellers in Israel should maintain a high level of vigilance and keep up to date with developments. The risk of terrorist attacks remains high and travellers to the region, including Jerusalem, need to exercise caution particularly around locations specifically targeted by attacks in the past such as bars, nightclubs, markets and buses. Suicide bombers have targeted crowded public areas resulting in hundreds of deaths and injuries over the years, and although foreigners have not been specific targets, many have been caught up in the attacks. Check with local embassies for the latest travel advisory notices. All travel to the Gaza Strip and the West Bank should be avoided. There is also a continuing threat of kidnap of foreign nationals in the Gaza Strip and West Bank. Tension between Palestine and Israel has resulted in rocket fire being exchanged over the Israel/Gaza border, and travel to within three miles (5km) of the border area should be avoided. Palestine has also threatened further attacks in Israel.

Local Customs: Israel is a largely religious society and religious customs should be respected. Indecent behaviour is not tolerated and offenders will be arrested and fined heavily or imprisoned. Care should be taken not to photograph any military or police personnel or installations, and visitors should be discreet about taking photographs in Jewish Orthodox areas and of Jewish Orthodox people. It is advisable to carry official identification at all times.

Business: The majority of business in Israel is centred in Tel Aviv. Dress tends to be less formal than in the USA and Europe, but business people tend to dress in suits for important meetings or presentations so formal attire is recommended. Women should dress more conservatively, especially in strictly religious areas. Business cards are usually exchanged, though with little formality involved. Meetings often do not begin promptly and much time can be given to socialising. Business hours are usually from 8.30am to 5pm, from Sunday to Thursday, and on Friday mornings. Sundays are regarded as a normal business day.

Communications: The international access code for Israel is +972. The outgoing code is 00 (not from public phones) followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). There are other outgoing codes depending on which network is used to dial out on. City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)2 for Jerusalem. Public phones are card operated and are readily available, and instruction cards state whether to dial 012, 013 or 014 for overseas. The local mobile phone operators use GSM networks and have roaming agreements with most international operators; otherwise mobile phones can easily be rented. Internet cafes are available in the main towns and tourist areas all over Israel.

Duty free: Travellers to Israel do not have to pay duty on 250 cigarettes or 250g of other tobacco products; 2 litres wine and 1 litre of other types of alcoholic beverages; 250ml of eau de cologne or perfume; and gifts to the value of US$150 for residents and US$125 for non-residents. Prohibited items include fresh meat and fresh fruit (especially from South Africa).