Water

Israel’s tap water is safe to drink almost everywhere. The same as in developed countries, it undergoes treatment and monitoring.

Weather

Spring (March-May): Smooth and bright with options for light jackets.

Summer (June-October): Jerusalem hot and dry with cool evenings compared to Galilee and Tel Aviv, which are hot plus humid.

Winter (November-February): Cold and damp in Jerusalem which demands winter wear while being mild elsewhere, except for Negev desert and Eilat that receive little rain in addition to having cold nighttime temperatures.

Check the current weather here.

Electricity

In Israel 220V AC at 50Hz is the standard power supply. Either Type H or Type C fittings can be found on sockets. Most appliances would require a voltage converter when traveling from countries whose standard mains supply is 110V as is the case in America. Therefore, one should consider carrying universal adapter plugs while visiting Israel.

Credit Cards

Major credit cards such as Visa Card, MasterCard, and American Express are widely accepted throughout Israel, but people should also try to have cash at hand, especially when making small purchases or purchasing anything from far-out places. Inform your bank before traveling abroad to avoid card problems.

Transport

Public transport: This country has a large bus network with a developing railway system. Light rail systems also exist in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa.

Taxis: Accessible within almost every town. Be sure to turn on the meter or settle on a price before the drive begins.

Car Rental: Available in airports and in major cities. Keep traffic that goes on the right side of the road.

Ride-sharing: Apps like Gett are popular in big cities.

Costs for transportation (as of 2024, may change):

Bus/Light Rail: Single ride tickets start from about 6-8 NIS (approx. $1.70-$2.30 USD).

Train: Varies by distance, commonly 20-60 NIS ($5.70-$17 USD) for most distances.

Taxi: Starting fare about 12 NIS ($3.40 USD), then around 3.50 NIS ($1 USD) each kilometer.

Opening-times and Shabbat:

Most businesses operate from Sunday to Thursday, with shorter hours on Friday.

Many places close from Friday afternoons until Saturday evenings for Shabbat (the Jewish Sabbath).

In Tel Aviv and other secular areas, there are some restaurants and entertainment venues that stay open during Shabbat.

Most places are limited or do not have public transportation available during Shabbat.

Culture & Etiquette:

Instructions for dressing codes are generally relaxed but require modesty at religious sites.

Tipping is common in restaurants (usually 10-15%) as well as for other services.

Israelis are known for their direct communication style, meaning this isn’t rude—it’s just part of the culture.

Many public places, including restaurants and bars, prohibit smoking.

Languages spoken in Israel are Hebrew and Arabic as they are official languages. In tourist areas, however, English is prevalent among many people.

Safety:

Although it is generally safe for visitors at all times, it is better to know about the current security situation always. Follow local guidelines and remain cautious about your surroundings, especially when it gets crowded.

Food:

Israel’s culinary traditions are diverse because of its multicultural background. Some of Israel's favorite dishes that constitute a part of their culture include:

Falafel: Lip-smacking deep-fried chickpeas balls.

Hummus: Spread made out of tahini and mashed chickpeas together.

Shawarma: Sliced meat wrapped in pita bread.

Israeli Salad: Minced vegetables finely chopped.

Shakshuka: Eggs poached inside tomato sauce.

Prices for food (figures may vary):

Street food such as falafel or shawarma will cost between NIS 25 to NIS 75 ($7 to $20 USD).

A person can pay between NIS 50 to NIS 100 ($14-$28 USD per individual) in a casual restaurant.

A person would spend not less than NIS 150 ($43 USD) on a fine dining restaurant or even more than that per individual.

If you want to visit Israel:

Besides flying into the TLV, one may arrive using sea cruises at Haifa or Ashdod ports. Alternatively, one can use road transport where border crossings exist between Jordan and Egypt (as per the government-provided latest updates).

Visas:

Citizens from different nations can go to Israel without any visa for up to ninety days. However, it is advisable to confirm the latest visa requirements before heading out.

Tipping:

For restaurants, tipping is expected when service charge is not included, and it’s advisable to give between 10-15% of the total bill.

For bus tours, tour guides are usually tipped $7-$10 per person per day.

For bus tours, the amount to tip a driver ranges from $4-$6 per person each day.

The taxi driver fare can be rounded up, or an additional 10% can be added.

Holidays:

Israel observes Jewish holidays nationally. During these times, many businesses and tourist sites may close or have limited operating hours.

During what are typically labeled ‘National Holidays’, most stores and attractions do not operate.

Check out upcoming holidays here.

Special Note:

If you travel with Sar-El Tours as part of a group, all these arrangements will be made for you on your behalf. We’ll provide transportation, lodging, guided excursions, plus meals. This way, you won’t worry about anything else, letting yourself completely notice how rich in culture and history Israel is. Enjoy your vacation without worrying about anything; we take care of that!

In light of this guide’s generality in information gathering, it is advisable to confirm up-to-date details prior to embarking on any journey due to possible change in the information.

Enjoy your time in Israel!