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Customs Information
What You Can Bring Into Israel
You can bring $200 (£100) worth of tax-free gifts into the country. You can also bring in 250 grams of tobacco, and one bottle (4/5 quart) of liquor. When you leave you can convert up to $3,000 (£1,500) back into foreign currency at the airport, so keep your bank receipts.
What You Can Take Home From Israel
Note that you cannot take antiquities or archaeological artifacts out of Israel unless you have a certificate identifying the object, which will be provided to you by any licensed antiquities dealer.
Canadian Citizens:
For a clear summary of Canadian rules, write for the booklet I Declare, issued by the Canada Border Services Agency (tel. 800/461-9999 in Canada, or 204/983-3500; www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca).
U.K. Citizens:
For information, contact HM Customs & Excise at tel. 0845/010-9000 (from outside the U.K., tel. 020/8929-0152), or consult their website at www.hmce.gov.uk.
Australian Citizens:
A helpful brochure available from Australian consulates or Customs offices is Know Before You Go. For more information, call the Australian Customs Service at tel. 1300/363-263, or log on to www.customs.gov.au.
New Zealand Citizens:
Most questions are answered in a free pamphlet available at New Zealand consulates and Customs offices: New Zealand Customs Guide for Travelers, Notice no. 4. For more information, contact New Zealand Customs, the Customhouse, 17-21 Whitmore St., Box 2218, Wellington (tel. 04/473-6099 or 0800/428-786; www.customs.govt.nz).
Irish Citizens:
Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay in Israel. No visa is required, for stays of up to three months.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
Israel Dress Code:
Dress code more often than not impacts women more than men.
For men, head coverings (Yarmulke, cap) in synagogues and at the Western Wall.
Although visitors can dress casually, in Jewish, Christian and Muslim holy places, modest attire should be worn to show respect.
For women it is perfectly acceptable to wear shorts and spaghetti-strap tops, with the exception of the holy places mentioned above.
Women may wear trousers at the Western Wall.
If you are going to Mea She'arim in Jerusalem, women should not wear anything low-cut or very tight. A skirt should cover your knees. Note that a skirt is better than trousers.
Also your arms should be covered to just above the elbows.
You don't need stockings and you don't need to cover your hair.
Climate:
Typically January is the coldest month with average temperatures ranging from 6° C (43° F) to 15° C (59°F).
July and August are the hottest months at 22° C (72° F) to 33° C (91° F) on average across the country.
Summers are very humid along the Mediterranean coast but dry in the central highlands, the Rift Valley, and the Negev Desert.
In Eilat, the desert city, summer daytime-temperatures are often the highest in the state reaching 44° C (111° F) to 46° C (115° F).
More than 70% of the average rainfall in Israel falls between November and March
June through September are usually dry months.
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Israel Information
Capital: Jerusalem
Type Government: Parliamentary Democracy
Official Language:
Hebrew, Arabic (English spoken across the country)
Population: 7.5 Million
Shabbat:
All public offices in Israel are closed on Shabbat (Friday afternoon to Saturday sunset), as are most private businesses. In most cities, public transportation (trains and buses) does not operate. Many restaurants are closed.
Currency:
New Israeli Shekel (NIS)
1 Shekel = 100 Agorot
Bank notes: NIS 200, 100, 50 and 20 shekels
Coins: 10 shekels, 5 shekels, 2 shekels, 1 shekel, 50 agorot and 10 agorot.
Convert US Dollar to
New Israeli Shekel (NIS)
Calling Code: ++972
Before leaving home ...
contact your cell phone provider.
An International Calling Feature may be
added to your cell phone account which will
allow for using your cell phone in Israel.
Electricity:
220 volt AC, single phase, 50 Hertz
ATM:
Most ATMs accept all major credit cards such as Master Card, Visa, Diners, and American Express.
International Airport: TLV (Ben Gurion International Airport)
VDA (Ovda International Airport)
Driving:
Speed limits
50 kph in the city, 80 on inter-city roads and 90 on highways, unless otherwise specified.
Seat belts must be worn in front and in back at all times. Children under the age of 12 are not allowed in the front seat unless they are infants in a safety seat. Driving is on the right; passing is on the left.
Drinking:
Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Consuming alcohol is not recommended in high temperature.
Minimum alcohol drinking age is 18.
Tipping:
It is customary to tip waiters adding 10%-15% to the bill, and taxi drivers with 5%.
NOTE ... In a restaurant your tip is not written on the credit card receipt. Leave your tip in cash.
Security:
Security guards at public buildings such as shopping malls may often check your bags.
Never leave your bag unattended.
Emergency Numbers:
Police 100
Ambulance 101
Fire Department 102
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