When planning a visit to Israel, there are some key considerations before arriving. This clearly goes for any destination. Currency, culture and climate should be planned for ahead to make sure you’re not caught out, that you get to see everything you want to, and that the location leaves you wanting to come back.
The Dead Sea is perhaps the most famous of Israel’s hotspots, along with Jerusalem, but if you’re going to enjoy these places to their fullest then ensure you have planned ahead sufficiently.
Coronavirus status
As with all current travel, assess the COVID-19 situation of where you are flying from and where you are flying to. Israel is currently experiencing some regulations for the Coronavirus but, along with the rest of the world, will be hoping to open up before too long.
Adapters
Israel has three plug types, C, H and M. These consist of plugs with two round pins, plugs with three triangular placed pins and plugs with three round pins. Make sure you have the necessary adapter before you travel so that you aren’t left in a sticky spot upon arriving. Adapters are available, of course, from airports and once you arrive, but you could end up paying over the odds.
Keep your entry slip
When you enter Israel you will receive an entry card or slip. This is handed to you in lieu of a stamp in your passport and contains information of when you arrived, the date when you should leave (after 90 days), and a picture of yourself. You will also be given your exit card. Hold on to both as they will be required if you are asked about when you arrived or when you are entitled to stay until. This goes for most items that you are given upon arriving in a country: make sure you keep hold of them.
Currency
The currency in Israel is the Israeli Shekel. One Israeli New Shekel currently equates to about 0.29 US Dollars. In general, Israel is reasonably expensive, with food and hotels particularly pricy though comparable to large European cities. Preparing for this ahead will make sure there are no surprises and will help you enjoy your fascinating travels.
Jerusalem
The Holy City cannot be missed. There are incredible places to pick up souvenirs from such as the Armenian Quarter, as well as plenty of incredible restaurants, and clearly many religious landmarks. Plan ahead to ensure you see everything you want to by contacting Israel tour operators before or on arrival.
Multiculturalism
At the latest review, Israel’s population was just over 8.6 million, 75% of which is Jewish. Due to Israel’s Law of Return — allowing all Jewish people and people of Jewish descent the right of citizenship — this population is a mosaic. Around 18% of it are immigrants from North America and Europe, and almost 9% are from Africa and Asia.
Climate
The northern and coastal parts of Israel have hot and dry summers, contrasted by cool and rainy winters. However, the southern and eastern areas of Israel are typically arid, with rainy season lasting from October to early May.