How will I know how much to pay a taxi for a ride?
While all taxi drivers must use their taxi meter on demand by law, you can choose to pay a fixed price for any out-of-town rides. Some taxi drivers may try to convince you to negotiate a non-metered rate; unless you know the "going" rate, use the meter.
My Hebrew is limited. Will that restrict my ability to enjoy some of the sites in the book? Most Israelis understand and speak English, and many facilities have special English tours. Please make sure to ask in advance. As an alternative, you can hire English-speaking tour guides to accompany you, such as Menashe Sopher's Touring Service.
How much should I tip in Israel?
Tipping taxi drivers and gas station attendants is not done in Israel. Tipping hotel or restaurant staff is based on the same standards that you use at home.
What is the general weather like in Israel?
Generally speaking, the weather in most of Israel is not extreme at any standard, so that the Israeli winter is at best what New Yorkers would call "Autumn". As for the Israeli summer... summer in Israel is HOT and in most of the country it is humid as well. January – February: Winter March - April – May: Spring June - July – August (and sometimes September): Summer September - October – November: Autumn
How does the currency in Israel work?
The shekel is often noted as "NIS", which stands for New Israeli Shekel, the currency of Israel. Each shekel is divided into 100 agorot (singular: agora). Bank notes are in denominations of NIS 200, 100, 50 and 20 shekels, and coins are in denominations of 5 shekels, 10 shekels, 1 shekels, 1/2 shekel (50 agorot) and 10 agorot.
The rate of the NIS against the dollar is often changing, and you can check the Bank of Israel website daily for the going rate. Often private money changers will offer a better exchange rate than the bank.
Can I drink the water in Israel?
Although water in Israel is of good quality and suitable for drinking, you may not be used to the high mineral content. Bottled natural spring water is available everywhere.
Touring Israel
Is it safe to travel around Israel? Most areas in Israel are completely safe, although roads passing through the West Bank are sometimes best avoided by those unfamiliar with the routes. Take advice from Israelis during your visit, and make sure you know the emergency numbers to call if you have problems (Police 100, Fire 102, Ambulance 101)
Are there days when attractions are closed? Yes. All Jewish festivals (Yom Tov days) are legal holidays in Israel, together with Tisha B’Av and Yom HaShoah, which both start the evening before. Some attractions may also be closed on Yom Haatzmaut – it is worthwhile to check in advance.
