Israel Tips For Travellers

March 14, 2019

Here at MyIsrael Travel we get asked questions about visiting the Holy Land all the time.

While we happily answer questions personally, it may be useful to answer some of the more occurring queries here.

Safety First

One question we get a lot is whether visiting Israel is safe.

Short answer is yes. Long answer is yes, very safe.

In fact, Israel is far safer than many places in the U.S and Europe. Crime is relatively low and people are generally warm and friendly. Keep in mind there is a reason that people born in Israel are called Sabras after a desert plant that is tough on the outside and sweet on the inside.

The politically charged unrest you hear about in the news is only in specific places that are not part of our tours and our guides are seasoned MyIsrael Travel professionals who know when to safely visit what and how.

It’s very common to see young soldiers with guns strapped to their backs strolling around in public or at cafes. For the most part these are off duty troops either on leave or going to and from base.

And just like everywhere else you travel, it’s advisable to maintain a degree of awareness about you and keep your valuables safe, especially in touristy areas.

Fashion Police

Only in Israel can you visit a biblical holy site one moment and soon after chilling at the beach or bounce at a club.

So it’s important to have the right attire. Dress codes in Israel are typically far more casual than in most Western countries. But make sure to pack some more stylish clothes if you intend to visit higher end restaurants or clubs.

Keep in mind that protocol at most religious sites dictates modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees as well as head coverings for men and sometimes women. For summer tours bring comfy shoes, t-shirts and sun hats. Layers are advisable in colder months as temperatures can vary throughout the day.

It can sometimes get a little chilly at night in mountainous areas like Jerusalem or in desert regions even after a sunny day, and a light shawl or jacket can come in handy. Don’t forget your bathing suit!

Sabbath Peace

Be aware that once a week Israel comes to a standstill in some places. Businesses mostly shut down from sundown Friday until Saturday evening when work is forbidden for observant Jews.

Some roads in religious Jewish areas are blocked off for traffic as driving is prohibited on this holy day. Public transport shuts but taxis etc. are available.

Bars, kiosks and non-kosher restaurants tend to remain open on the Sabbath in secular parts of town or in liberal cities like Tel Aviv.

Stores in Arab areas, like the Muslim and Christian quarters of Jerusalem’s Old City for example, stay open.

Some Jewish sites like the Western Wall remain open as they are used for religious services. Keep in mind that smoking, taking pictures and talking on phones are prohibited on the Sabbath and worshippers will get upset if you violate religious rules as they pray.

Check your calendar to see if your visit coincides with a religious festival. If it does then some places may also be closed those days.

It’s a surreal beauty that descends on these areas when they shut for the Sabbath as bustling commerce ends, few if any vehicles are on the roads, the volume of the city declines and the world seems at peace.

But it’s best to be prepared so feel free to contact us at MyIsrael Travel for more information on what is open where and when.

Health & Hygiene

Another question we hear a lot is about public health and inoculations.

There is no need to undergo any special vaccinations to visit.

Israel has a national health system that is the envy of much of the world and it is a leader in the medical science industry. It is safe to drink water from the faucet.

Hygiene levels at restaurants and cafes are on par with those in the West for the most part.

We advise travelers to bring a good mosquito repellent and to be “good boy scouts” and be prepared with a travel bag of any medications you take or may need. This is mainly to avoid extra expenses.

For example, common over the counter pain relievers like Advil are far more costly in Israel than in the U.S. The same goes for personal hygiene items like deodorant.

We also advise you bring sunscreen and a good mosquito repellent for touring some areas.

AC/DC

Be advised that the electricity grid in Israel supports the 220 voltage system which is similar to most countries in Europe.

If you are traveling from North America you might need to use a converter for some devices as well as a plug adaptor as the socket system is different too.

Check your device first before you rush out to buy anything as many devices now have the dual capability.

Just like the generic toiletries we mentioned above, batteries are also expensive in Israel so better to bring some spare ones if you have devices that require them.

You can leave your hairdryer at home though as most hotels supply standard appliances.

Culture Shock

And finally, a big part of travel is to experience different cultures and ways of perceiving the world.

Some visitors are sometimes taken back by the famous communication style in Israel of getting straight to the point. So don’t be shy if strangers ask you direct questions when you visit.

There are also some cultural norms when it comes to matters of faith to take into consideration.

Many orthodox Jews won’t shake hands with members of the opposite sex in accordance with strict modesty rules or sit next to them on public transport for the same reason.

These regulations also apply to holy sites of all faiths where the modest dress is required and the sexes are separated in some places.

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