Projects In Israel

GENERAL TRAVEL INFORMATION AND TIPS

WHAT TO PACK

Israelis are usually casual because of the climate. You should bring comfortable clothing, which can be layered for chilly days and evenings. A pair of sturdy, comfortable shoes for walking and a pair of sandals are also recommended.

Temperatures during the summertime hit the high 90’s (38-40c) on a regular basis, so dress sensibly: natural fibers are recommended and a hat, sunglasses and sun block are essential. In the evenings, a light jacket or cardigan is a good idea if you're visiting in higher elevations such as Jerusalem.

Late autumn through early spring, plan to "dress like an onion". Layers that can be peeled off (or added back on) as the day or evening progresses are always a good bet.

At all times of the year, bring head coverings for protection against the sun (and the requisite sunglasses and sun block--don't say we didn't warn you), comfortable walking shoes, and a bathing suit.

For Shabbat a skirt and nice blouse for women and for men a pair of chinos and a nice sport shirt is appropriate.

PLEASE NOTE: It's imperative to dress moderately when visiting observant areas or religious sites. For women, this usually means a head covering, long sleeves, and a skirt at least mid-calf in length. For men, trousers and a short-sleeved shirt are customary.

Other items you may consider bringing:

A travel alarm, a back up for your wake-up calls that you may order in the hotels.
A camera, extra film and batteries.
A good book.
Detergent/Woolite for hand washing (hotels provide laundry service but it can be very expensive).
Sunscreen is a must all year round.
Any toiletries you will need, aspirin and it is suggested that you bring along a second pair of prescription eyeglasses/ contact lenses.

PASSPORT AND VISA

You will need a signed US Passport for travel to Israel. Please carry it with you. Do not pack it in your luggage. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your scheduled departure from Israel. Otherwise, it is considered invalid and must be renewed immediately. Consult your local US Passport office if you have any questions about the validity of your passport or if you must renew your current one. If you are not a US citizen, please contact the Israeli Consulate for the most up to date entry requirements.

US citizens need not apply for a visa before leaving for Israel: they will be given this visa upon their arrival in Israel free of charge. Anyone traveling to other countries requiring visas should check with the appropriate Consulates directly for applications forms and information on how to process the application.

MONEY

The shekel (NIS - New Israeli Shekel) is Israel's legal tender; you can change money at the airport. Many stores and hotels will gladly accept your dollars, and may give you a discount when you pay in dollars. Bring a lot of small bills. In Israel, singles and fives are easy to change. Credit cards are widely accepted. Your bank ATM card is also accepted at many Israeli bank ATMs. You do not need to change a lot of money into shekels. American money is accepted almost everywhere.

WEATHER

Table of average temperatures in major cities in Israel

C - Centigrade | F - Fahrenheit

Cities:		Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Jerusalem	C F	6-11C 43-53	7-14 44-57	8-16 44-61	12-21 53-69	15-25 60-77	17-27 63-81	19-29 66-84	19-29 66-86	18-28 65-82	16-26 60-78	12-19 54-67	8-14 47-56
Tel Aviv Netanya Herzliya	C F	9-18 49-65	9-19 48-66	10-20 51-69	12-22 54-72	17-25 63-77	19-28 67-83	21-30 70-86	22-30 72-86	20-31 69-89	15-28 59-83	12-25 54-76	9-19 47-66
Haifa	C F	8-17 46-63	9-18 47-64	8-21 47-70	13-26 55-78	15-25 58-76	18-28 64-82	20-30 68-86	21-30 70-86	20-30 68-85	16-27 60-81	13-23 56-74	9-18 48-65
Tiberias	C F	9-18 48-65	9-20 49-67	11-22 51-72	13-27 56-80	17-32 62-89	20-35 68-95	23-37 73-98	24-37 75-99	22-35 71-95	19-32 65-89	15-26 59-78	11-20 53-68
Eilat	C F	10-21 49-70	11-23 51-73	13-26 56-79	17-31 63-87	21-35 69-95	24-37 75-99	25-40 77-103	26-40 79-104	24-36 75-98	20-33 69-92	16-28 61-83	11-23 51-74
Dead Sea	C F	11-20 53-68	13-22 56-72	16-25 61-78	20-29 68-85	24-34 75-93	27-37 80-99	28-38 83-102	29-38 83-101	27-36 81-96	24-32 75-90	18-26 65-80	13-21 56-71

Source: Inisrael.com

ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES

The electrical current in Israel is 220 volts AC, single phase, 50 cycles. If you are taking electric shavers, hair blowers, irons or other electrical appliances, we advise that you bring a small converter kit (most local hardware stores carry them). In some instances, the hotels have a limited number of adapters available; however, availability of these adapters cannot be guaranteed.

HEALTH REGULATIONS

No special health regulations are required for U.S. citizens traveling to Israel. Of course, we recommend that you take every precaution to safeguard your health while you are abroad and that you see your physician prior to your departure if you have any medical problems. Please be sure to inform JNF of any serious medical condition, which may require treatment during the mission.

Medicines and other medical supplies should be carefully labeled and stored with your carry-on luggage. It is suggested that you bring a second pair of prescription eye glasses/contact lenses. Also, as mentioned above, bring all prescriptions with you in case you need a refill for any reason.

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