How do I call home?
To place a collect or credit card overseas call from a public telephone, dial 1822, 1838, or 1848 and you will be connected to an operator from one of the three long distance companies. Recently, the international telecommunications market was opened to competition, resulting in significantly lower rates on international calls dialed from Israel. To make an overseas call, use one of the three companies offering international service. Information on rates to all countries, operator assistance and the like is available through the following toll-free numbers:
Bezeq International 1-800-014-014
Barak 1-800-013-013
Golden Lines (Kavei Zahav) 1-800-012-012
How do I use public telephones in Israel?
Public phones are operated by a telecard, a computerized card that initially bears from 10 to 150 message units, depending on the quantity purchased. Cards with a greater number of message units cost less per unit. Telecards are available from post offices, some stores and from machines in various public buildings. Make sure your telecard has enough message units, or you'll be cut off in the middle of a conversation. There are public telephones in the lobbies of most hotels.
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What is the weather in Israel?
(April-October) Israel enjoys long, warm, dry summers -70-90F during the day, 50-70F in the evening with minimal precipitation. DEHYDRATION IS COMMON; MAKE SURE TO DRINK WATER ALL THE TIME! --- "Have no fear if your clear!"
(November through March) winter is usually rainy with lower temperatures. It even snows in Jerusalem and on Mt. Hermon in the north. Although there is more precipitation in the winter, still be sure to drink water all the time to avoid dehydration.
What kind of electrical appliances can I use in Israel?
The electrical current in Israel is 220 volts AC, single phase, 50 cycles. If you are taking electric shavers, hair blowers, irons or electrical appliances, we advise that you bring a small converter kit (most local hardware stores carry them).
How can I hear English news in Israel?
Israel Radio: 576 and 1458 kHz (AM) @ 7am, 1pm, 5pm
Voice of America: 1260 kHz (AM)
BBC World Service: 1323 kHz (AM)
Israel TV: Channel 1, or 11 @ Sun-Thurs. 6:15pm, Fri 4:30pm, Sat 5:00pm
If you have access to cable, CNN International, BBC, Sky News, ABC and CBS News broadcast in Israel.
Is there sales tax in Israel?
Yes. There is a 17% tax on most goods and services in Israel. At retail stores, this tax is already included in the price.
What are normal business hours?
General business hours extend from 8 or 9am to 5 or 7pm, Sunday through Thursday. Malls are usually open until 10 or 11pm.
What kind of tips are expected in restaurants?
Tip 10-15% in restaurants if the gratuity has not been included in the bill.
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What is the difference in Time Zones?
Israel is usually* 7 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.
*(Although NOT during our trips, for just a few weeks around April and September U.S. Eastern Standard Time and Israel Standard Time are either 6 or 8 hours apart.)
What kind of money should I bring?
For security reasons we highly recommend people bring traveler's checks. Please be aware that you will be responsible for a couple of meals on the town and tips for drivers and guides, totaling $100. The shekel (NIS - New Israeli Shekel) is Israel's legal tender. Many stores will gladly accept your dollars and may even give you a discount when you pay in dollars. You do not need to change a lot of money into shekels. American money is accepted almost everywhere. Please do not plan to redeem Israel Bonds - unfortunately, this will not be possible during our trip.
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What should I know about shopping in Israel?
Be aware that the prices in Israel are much higher for those things you can easily get in the US (especially electronic goods or clothing). However if you forget something, don't worry, you can find just about everything you need in most major cities in Israel.
What are the differences in measurements in Israel?
Israel uses the metric system. Clothing and shoe sizes are also different. Here are some tables to help you make conversions.
Length:
1 kilometer [km] = 0.621 miles (10 km = approx. 6.2 mi.)
1 meter [m] = 1.094 yards = 39.37 inches
1 centimeter [cm] = 0.393 inches
Weight:
1 kilogram = 2.207 pounds
Food is sold by the kilo (fruits, vegetables) or by 100's of grams (cheese, olives, nuts)
Liquid Measure:
1 liter = 1.057 quarts
Milk is sold in liter bags or cartons; Coke in 1.5 liter plastic bottles.
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Approximate Size Conversions:
| Shoes |
Men Israeli |
39 |
40 |
41 |
42 |
43 |
44 |
45 |
46 |
| |
Men USA |
6.5 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
10.5 |
11 |
12 |
| |
Women Israeli |
37 |
38 |
39 |
40 |
41 |
42 |
|
|
| |
Women USA |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
|
|
| Temperature: |
Fahrenheit |
32F |
50F |
68F |
86F |
104F |
|
|
|
| |
Celsius |
0C |
10C |
20C |
30C |
40C |
|
|
|
Temperature conversion equation:
Fahrenheit = 9/5 C + 32 Celsius = 5/9 (F - 32)