Is it safe, what do I wear, cell phones, wi-fi, health, water, language…

Cell Phones - Most international cell phones will work in Israel, although it is often worth renting a cell phone as this reduces the cost significantly.

What to wear in Israel - Israel is very relaxed and even those working in big corporations are rarely seen wearing suits. Common sense, casual clothing is what you need. Even swimwear is find in most places. The exception comes when you visit religious sites. Modesty is the answer here!

Currency - New Israeli Shequel (NIS). 100 Agarot make up 1 Shequel. See here for exchange rates.

Dialing code - +00 972.

Emergency Numbers -

Police (mish-ta-ra) 100;
Medical emergency (Magen David Adom (MDA/MADA) 101;
Fire (me-kha-BEY ESH) 102

Electricity - 220 volts AC, 50 cycles. An adaptor is necessary (usually 3 pronged)

Health - No immunizations are required for travel to Israel. Health facilities are widely available across the country, with many hospitals being global leaders! Doctors are also widely available and a high proportion speak English. The biggest health risk in visiting Israel, like any other country with a hot climate, is the sun, so make sure you take precautions to protect yourself.

Internet Access/Wi-Fi in Israel - Israel is very technologically advanced. Wireless networks can be found up and down the country, everywhere from restaurants and cafes, to hotels, and even Ben Gurion Airport. The standard rate for wi-fi in Israel is between 10 and 15 NIS per hour. It is, however, free in many places, including Arcaffe, Aroma, and Yellow cafes, brances of McDonald’s and Ben Gurion Airport. Often staff need to give you a password.

In Jerusalem, some sections, mostly of the city center are covered by the Jerusalem WiFi project, whilst a similar project is underway in Tel Aviv.

If you dont have a laptop of your own, internet cafes can also be found accross the country, whilst most hotels, from city hotels to kibbutz hotels have computers available to guests, often for free. Getting online is not a problem in Israel

Language - Hebrew and Arabic are official; English is widely spoken, as, to lesser degrees are Russian and French

Maps - emap is an English language online street map of Israel. Road maps are widely available, many in English.

Time Zone - GMT +2 Hours

Safety in Israel - Is Israel safe? YES is the simple answer, as much as we can say anywhere is safe. There are two aspects to safety. Firstly, the risk from Israel is really very small, especially if you stay away from the border with Gaza which you are unlikely to go near anyway. In the cities or across the rest of the country, terrorist attacks have reduced dramatically.

In terms of personal safety, the crime rate, especially violent and extreme crime, is much lower in Israeli cities than the US or even European cities, and it is safe for women to walk in most places alone at night.

Water - Tap water is safe to drink across Israel, although bottled water is widely available as an alternative. The tap water in Jerusalem and the south contains particulate meaning that it is possible that it might lead to mild stomach problems.