| The New Terminal at Ben Gurion Airport In November 2004, the Israel Airports Authority opened Terminal No. 3, which makes Ben Gurion (in its own words) "one of the most advanced and impressive airports in the world." See its Guide for Arriving Passengers.
Today's forecast in the Holy Land There are two basic seasons in the Holy Land, the dry summer and the sometimes rainy winter. The dry season extends, in general, from April until October. The daylight lasts longer, giving us additional time to tour. Because of temperature inversion, the visibility is not as good as in the winter, and in April-May there are sometimes sultry days. Yet the consistently clear blue skies make the beginning or end of this season (April - June, September - October) an excellent choice. In July and August the temperatures can go over 30 degrees Centigrade (more than 90 degrees Fahrenheit). During these two months one should avoid long hikes in the desert. Buses and hotel rooms are air-conditioned, of course, and most of the sites offer plenty of shade. Because of the longer days, one can often include time for a swim in one of our four seas (or in the pool). A hat is a must in the summer... and plenty of sunscreen. The winter has its own advantages. The visibility is often sterling, the air invigorating. The flowers are marvelous (especially in February and March). Bring a coat and hat: we shall often want to stand for long stretches on hills to take in panoramas and read the relevant Bible passages. There is of course the risk of rain. (January has of late been our rainiest month.) An average storm, charging eastward across the Mediterranean, lasts about three days. There are often dry spells within the stormy days, however. The best course, if one comes in winter, is not to overcrowd the program. In case of rain, one can then shift plans in order not to miss anything essential. Number of rain-days per month and other information (This link takes you to the Statistical Abstract of Israel. Scroll down its page for information on the topic you desire.) More on climate...
The Israeli currency is the Shekel (NIS = New Israeli Shekel). In general, the exchange rate is better if one waits until arrival in Israel. One can make the exchange at booths designated for this purpose (for example, at the airport). There are also ATMs in the cities, although seldom conveniently close to the hotel. One can also change money at the hotel or bank, but the rate is usually not as good. Many enterprises accept the dollar or the Euro, but one usually receives change in Israeli shekels (sheqalim). Even if one does not exchange money, therefore, it is important to be aware of the rate. What the bills look like (Click on "Second series of the New Sheqel") What the coins look like (Click on "Agora and New Sheqel Series)
Six religions are represented in the Holy Land: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are the major ones, but the Druze are also here, as well as the Bahai and the Samaritans. Within Christianity, both the Eastern and Western Churches are present. All have their holy days. Apart from their inherent interest, these days affect the opening hours at many sites. The Jewish Sabbath begins at sundown on Friday and ends at sundown on Saturday ("It was evening and it was morning..." [Genesis 1:5.]) Most Jewish sites close early on Friday and some remain shut through Saturday. Muslims observe Friday as the holy day, when the mosques are closed to tourists. Some Christian churches are open only for worship on Sunday. Thus, scheduling visits is a craft... and then there are the holidays: The Interfaith Calendar of Religious Holidays Opening hours as posted by the Christian Information Centre Christian holiday services as posted by the Christian Information Centre (See under Religious Services and Information) Regular Christian Sunday services  There may be periods when access to certain sites is limited for security reasons. (In that case, there are plenty of important, interesting and beautiful places that we can substitute. These are sites that visitors often miss because of time limitations.) If you travel with a tourist agency and a licensed guide, they will be able to advise you. If you travel on your own, you should seek advice from the Tourist Information Office at (02) 625-8844 (Jerusalem) or (02) 274-1581 (Bethlehem). NET and the creators of this website are not responsible for any damages that might be incurred while using the website during travel in the land. Here are some tips on how to avoid getting robbed. Do not leave valuables in your hotel room when you aren't there, unless you have them in a safe. If there is no safe in the room, the reception desk should provide you with a safe-deposit box at no charge. Or keep the valuables with you and don't forget them. In Jericho, Jerusalem, Bethlehem and elsewhere, you will encounter peddlers selling souvenirs, postcards etc. Almost all of them are upright, honorable persons who are honestly trying to make a living. A few are less than honorable. Like every land, ours has its quota of skilled pickpockets. The best policy, therefore, is never to open one's wallet or purse in the presence of a peddler. Keep some dollar bills loose in your pocket, in case you want to buy something. Wallets and passports should not be in the back pocket. Also, before exchanging currency on the street, seek the advice of your guide. You should have a photocopy of your passport; this will make it easier to replace it if necessary.
While touring, one's body loses a lot of water, and it is vital to avoid dehydration. Officially, all the water is good for drinking, but unofficially, opinions (and stomachs) vary. The writer of this website recommends drinking mainly bottled water, which is available all over. Prices vary, starting at $1.00 for a large bottle (1.5 liters). You need not worry about using tap water for brushing your teeth, and it is perfectly all right to drink the coffee, tea, welcome-drinks at the hotels, and soup. As for food, there are no limitations. The Holy Land's fruits and vegetables are among the best in the world.
Bring all the medicines you will need. Pharmacies will not honor prescriptions from abroad. In general, no special immunizations are needed for travel to the Holy Land. In case you have a problem, ask your guide help you to make contact with a clinic. Emergency help and ambulance: Dial 101 for Magen David Adom (the Red Star of David, equivalent to the Red Cross). For hospital and pharmacy telephone numbers, see Useful Numbers in Israel. It is wise to take travel insurance that includes emergency evacuation with accompaniment. Suppose, for example, that a tourist gets carried away with photography, walks while shooting, trips on something and breaks a leg. Without insurance, the arrangements for getting home can be complicated and expensive. One may have to leave before the group, and one may have to be accompanied. Not all travel insurance policies cover such eventualities. Be sure to take one that does. Know in advance how the company's procedure works: Will it pay your bills directly, or are you to pay and seek reimbursement? (Americans, please note: Medicare does not cover hospital or medical costs outside the U.S.) If you have preexisting medical problems, it is wise to bring a letter from your doctor, describing the condition and any prescription medications, including their generic names. Bring all the medicines you will know you will need.
NET gets special group rates in the land's hotels and kibbutz guest houses. We shall offer you the best possibilities in accordance with your needs and budget. We also own two hotels in Jerusalem: the Ambassador & Ritz Hotels. Virtually all our tour programs include pre-paid breakfasts (usually a big buffet) and dinners. (Drinks cost extra.) A group may elect to go full-board, including pre-paid lunches as well. There is an advantage in half-board: one is not committed to a specific restaurant for lunch at a specific place and time. The group has greater flexibility, therefore, in adjusting its itinerary to weather conditions. Half-board groups generally use self-service restaurants; here the main course with trimmings may cost $6.00 - $8.00. An exception is lunch on the Sea of Galilee, where some group members may wish to eat "St. Peter's Fish" (tilapia). The restaurant, in this case, will have waiter service, and the full meal will have a fixed price: $15 - $16. This usually includes soup, ten or fifteen local salads (as much as you can eat), the fish itself with French fries, fruit for dessert and tea or coffee. One may substitute beef or chicken for fish. Lighter eaters may opt to leave out the main course, and the price will then be $7- $8. (These prices do not include soft drinks or service.) For a picture of the fish meal, see Tabgha. Please note: The hotels usually post signs, asking that one not take food from the breakfast room. In addition, one should not bring food from outside into an Israeli restaurant: this may endanger the establishment's certification as kosher.
One can float all year in the Dead Sea. It is a unique experience. (For an appetizer, try filling your bathtub with 30% salt.) Mere wading will not give you the idea. One can swim, snorkel and scuba dive all year in the Red Sea too. So bring a bathing suit, whatever the season. We have two other seas as well: the Mediterranean and the Lake of Galilee. Swim only when a lifeguard is present. The Mediterranean can be treacherous, and places on the Lake of Galilee are subject to a very strong wind each summer afternoon.
Dress in Israel and Palestine is casual. In order to visit the holy sites, however, even in the hottest months, one must wear modest attire: the upper body must be covered, including the shoulders, and legs must be covered to below the knees. Always have such "modest dress" on the bus, so that you can quickly don and doff it as needed. Other things to have on the bus: a sun hat, shoes with good profile for moderate hikes, and in the winter months, a warm coat.
Anyone visiting Israel needs a passport that is valid for at least 6 months, plus a return ticket. As for visas, visitors from the U.S, Canada, and many other countries are exempt. More information. Calling
to the Holy Land from abroad: The country code is 972. From North America,
for example, dial 011-972 and then the number in Israel (omitting the initial
zero). Internet Many of the hotels provide internet stations for a fee. Before you leave home, ask your internet provider how to access your e-mail from another computer.
You can buy stamps at your hotel. Be aware that your mail may get home after you. Air-mail rates: A regular-sized postcard to all locations costs 1.40 NIS (New Israeli Shekels). Treat a large postcard like a normal-sized letter: To North America, Africa or Asia, a normal-sized letter costs 2.30 NIS. (For other rates, see this table.) To Europe, Egypt and Jordan, a normal-sized letter costs 1.90 NIS. (Other rates)
The voltage in the Holy Land is 220, as in Europe. Many luxury hotels provide hair dryers, and most rooms have 110/220 shaver sockets (to be used for shavers only). If you need an adaptor, try first at the hotel desk.
What to bring: a partial checklist
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