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The land of three religions, the biblical "Promised Land", the birthplace of many peoples and civilizations, the territory of Israel today attracts millions of tourists with its historical monuments and a mixture of cultures. The unique nature of the Dead Sea, dozens of the most modern seaside resorts of the Mediterranean and Red Seas, as well as the colorful landscapes of the Negev desert or the harsh Judean mountains also make for it. Land of myths and legends. Many cultural and historical monuments have been preserved here, dating back to the years BC, which make holidays in Israel especially attractive for history buffs. This state is full of secrets and a lot of the unknown. Tours to Israel for many become the goal of life, and if you have such an opportunity, be sure to come here to see this truly unique country.
VISA
Citizens of the European Union countries, the USA and Canada have a visa-free regime with Israel. It is advisable for citizens of other countries to check with us the requirements for visas.
At Ben Gurion Airport, as in all other border points of the country, all visitors go through strict customs control. Passengers' luggage and personal belongings are subject to inspection. When departing, passengers must be at the airport no later than 3 hours and check in at the airport no later than two hours before the departure of the aircraft.
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
Duty-free import for tourists:
cigarettes β 200 pcs.;
strong alcoholic beverages β 1 L;
wine β 2 L;
perfume β max. 250 ml per person;
gifts with a total value of up to $ 200.
Photo and video equipment, as well as personal computers and diving equipment are subject to mandatory declaration. Unlimited import and export of foreign currency is allowed. Israeli airports have a system of two channels: red and green.
Tourist tips
When visiting holy places, as well as residential areas of Orthodox Jews, tourists must cover their heads, bare legs and shoulders.
Swimming is allowed only in specially designated areas in the presence of lifeguards. Colored flags on the beaches indicate the degree of swimming safety: white β safe, red β dangerous, and black β swimming is prohibited.
In the Dead Sea, one bathing session should not exceed 20 minutes. With a total duration of no more than two sessions per day. If taking sulfur bath in addition to salt baths, it is recommended to make an hour interval between them. After the baths, be sure to take a shower of clean fresh water.
STATE OF ISRAEL
STATE OF ISRAEL
Israel is a parliamentary republic
Capital: Jerusalem.
Population: According to the Israel Central Bureau of Statistics, the total population of Israel, excluding foreign workers and illegal immigrants (200 thousand people), is 7.9 million people. Of these, 5.585 million (75.5%) are Jews, 1.495 million (20.2%) are Arabs (including Muslim Arabs β Palestinians, Bedouins, Christian Arabs) and 320 thousand (4.3%) β Druze, Circassians, Russians and representatives of other national minorities.
Among the Jews, 3.1 million (56%) were born in Israel (Tzabarim, Sabras) and 2.39 million (44%) were repatriates (Olim). About 1.7 million are from the former USSR, 500,000 are from Morocco, 240,000 β Iraq, 230,000 β Romania, 210,000 β Poland, and 105,000 β Ethiopia. Ashkenazim make up the majority of the country's population β 2.2 million, or 40%, Sephardim β 0.9 million people.
Geography: Israel is located at the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea in western Asia (coastline β 230 km). It borders Lebanon in the north, Syria in the northeast, Jordan in the east, and Egypt in the southwest. In the south is the Red Sea (coastline β 12 km). The length of the country from north to south is 470 km, from east to west at its widest point β 135 km. The total length of Israel's borders is 1125 km. The area of ββIsrael within the borders and ceasefire lines, including the territory of the Palestinian autonomy, is 27.8 thousand km, of which 6.22 thousand km are in Judea, Samaria and the Gaza Strip, which were occupied by Israel during the 1967 war.
The largest river in the country, the Jordan, flows from north to south through Lake Tiberias (Lake Kinneret) and flows into the Dead Sea. Other rivers are short and usually dry up in summer. The exceptions are the Kishon River, 13 km long, and the Yarkon River, 26 km long, flowing into the Mediterranean Sea near Haifa and Tel Aviv, as well as the Lachish River, 70 km long. The Dead Sea is a salt lake between Jordan and Israel. This is the saltiest lake in the world. In addition, it is the lowest point on the earth's surface β 417 meters below sea level. Several dry streams and the Jordan River flow into the Dead Sea. Kinneret (Sea of ββGalilee) is the largest reservoir of fresh water in Israel.
The geographical position of Israel at the nexus of three continents and multiple micro-climatic regions led to the emergence of a plant and animal world that is unique in its abundance and composition. The fauna of Israel has approximately 100 species of mammals, about 500 species of birds, of which more than half live permanently in the country, the rest are migratory. Almost 100 species of reptiles, including about 30 species of snakes, and 7 species of amphibians.
CLIMATE
Israel has three climatic zones. Much of Central and Northern Israel has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and rainy winters. The Coastal Plain is hot and humid in summer but comfortable in winter, while in the mountains it is dry in summer and quite cold in winter. In the southern and eastern regions of Israel, the climate is desert. Between the desert and the coastal region is a semi-dry zone with an intermediate climate.
The holiday season in Israel is 8 months a year. In Eilat and the Dead Sea β all year round.
TIME
TIME
*GMT+3
CURRENCY
The national currency is the new Israeli shekel. The plural in Hebrew is shkalim. One shekel is equal to 100 agorot. Valid banknote denominations are 20, 50, 100 and 200 shekels, as well as coins in 1, 2, 5, 10 shekels, 10 and 50 agorot.
Approximate exchange rate: $ 1 = 3.5 shekel
The import of local and foreign currency into the country is unlimited.
Banks and exchange offices, many hotels and post offices offer currency exchange services. Shekels can be exchanged for foreign currency at airport banks in an amount not exceeding $500 or their equivalent in another currency. Shekels in excess of the specified amount that the tourist has left after visiting Israel (no more than $ 5000) can be exchanged upon presentation of a bank receipt confirming that they were received by exchanging foreign currency.
Most banks are open on Sunday-Thursday from 8:30 am to 12:00 am; on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday β from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. On the eve of major Jewish holidays, banks are open from 8:30 am to 12:00 am.
Quite often, payment for goods and services can be accepted in a freely convertible currency. Change, however, is given in shekels. However, most stores located in the street, as well as transport and markets accept shekels only.
Tourists who purchase goods worth more than $50 in foreign currency from stores recommended by the Ministry of Tourism have the right to less than a 5% discount on the sale price and a 16.6% value added tax refund when leaving the country. These stores are marked with a red tax.V.A.T. refund on the background of a black bag. This does not apply to tobacco products, electrical appliances, cameras and other photographic accessories. To return the tax, you must have a store receipt confirming the payment of VAT. This receipt and the purchased goods should be placed in a transparent bag and sealed with the seal of the store. Upon arrival at the Ben Gurion airport or the port of Haifa, you should contact the representative office of Bank Leumi, which is located in the departure hall. The package will be opened and the tax will be returned in US dollars minus the commission.
The main types of payment systems (American Express, Diner's Club, Visa, Mastercard/Access/Eurocard) operate in Israel. Holders of Visa or Mastercard/Access/Eurocard credit cards can withdraw money from the foreign exchange departments of the respective banks or ATMs. ATMs are located almost everywhere and accept international cards. In the 70s, new banknotes were introduced, so only those ATMs that have the inscription NEW should be used.
*Gross domestic product: US $190 billion
*GDP per capita: US $35,000 (in terms of
purchasing power)
Standard of living according to international classification: 19th place in the world
Economy and real estate of Israel
The Israeli economy is a success story. Despite the almost complete lack of natural resources in the country, difficult relations with its Arab neighbors and the successive waves of immigration that are a heavy burden on the economy, Israel is one of the most prosperous countries in the world. The most significant reasons for Israel's economic prosperity are the rapid development of high technology and a skilled workforce.
Since the formation of the State, Israeli exports have grown from $30 million to $30 billion a year. During this time, the Israeli economy has undergone many changes. At first, Israel mainly imported citrus fruits, as well as processed diamonds and some industrial products. Today, the bulk of exports are high-tech products in a wide variety of areas, such as advanced military developments, electronics, software, computers, optics, communications and medical equipment.
LANGUAGE
Hebrew, Arabic.
English, French, Yiddish, Russian, German, and Spanish are also in use.
RELIGION
76.5% Jewish, 16% Muslim, 2% Christian, 1.5% Druze, 4% have no religious identity.
PHOTOGRAPHY
There are no restrictions for filming, except for military bases and strategic sites, and it is better not to photograph religious Jews on Shabbat. Saturday (Shabbat) according to Jewish traditions begins at sunset on Friday and ends at sunset on Saturday.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Rail communication consists of four main routes: coastal, southern, southeastern, and northeastern. The ticket is bought not for the service, but from point to point. At the same time, you can transfer from train to train traveling the paid direction.
The only metro line is located in the city of
Haifa and consists of only 6 stations.
Buses are the most popular type of public transport in Israel. Prices of all bus lines are affordable, buses run frequently and regularly. Tickets are purchased directly from the driver. Buses do not run on Saturdays and on Jewish holidays.
A fixed-route taxi ("sherut") operates only especially busy lines and may not follow the entire route of the corresponding bus service. Fixed-route taxis run daily, from 7-8 am until late at night. Fixed-route taxis run on Saturday, but much less frequently. The fare in a fixed-route taxi is lower than on a bus, and the speed of movement around the city is higher. However, the prices are set so that bus tickets are more money-saving. Therefore, if you need to make up to 10 trips, it makes sense to use minibuses, otherwise it is more feasible to buy a bus pass for 11 trips.
There are local and long-distance taxis in Israel. A distinctive feature of the taxi is that it operates on Saturdays. The cost of a trip within the city depends on the meter. Taxi tariff is relatively high.
There are three different tariffs available:
(0) β extra rate charged when ordering by phone;
(1) β standard tariff;
(2) β standard tariff plus 25% service surcharge at night (21.00 to 5.30), Saturdays and holidays.
STORES
Most shops are open on Sunday-Thursday from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. Large shopping malls are open on weekdays from 8.00 am to 10.00 pm. Shopping centers that are not exclusively for the religious population are open on Saturdays, while the rest open only at the end of the Sabbath or a holiday. Restaurants and cafes that do not serve kosher food are open mainly on Fridays and Saturdays. Muslim-owned shops are usually closed on Fridays, the Muslim day off, and Christian shops are closed on Sundays.
CLOTHES
In a hot and dry season from April to October, light summer clothes is enough, for evenings and mountains you will need a warm sweater. Better wear comfortable shoes for excursions.
From November to March, when the weather is rainy and cool, take a coat, raincoat or jacket with you.
Late fall and early spring, the weather changes quickly, so you need to dress so that to quickly adapt to the weather conditions.
To visit government or religious structures, you must wear modest and closed clothes. Women must wear a headscarf and cover their shoulders and arms. This is especially true for women and means that you need to cover your hair, wear long dresses with closed sleeves.
Take your swimwear even in winter for swimming in Eilat and the Dead Sea.
TIPS
The standard tip amount is about 10% of the order value. Mandatory tips for a porter β $ 3-4, guide β $ 4-7, tour bus driver β $ 3-4.
ELECTRICITY
Mains voltage 220V, frequency 50Hz. Most sockets have three contact inputs, but are also suitable for European electrical appliances.
International country code + 972
Area codes in Israel:
*Jerusalem β 02
*Tel Aviv (and center of the country) β 03
*South of the country (Beer Sheva, Eilat, Ashkelon, Ashdod, etc.) β 08
*North of the country (Haifa, Acre, etc.) β 04
REFERENCE PHONES:
City information service β 106.
Jerusalem tourist information office β 625-88-44, 629-60-41, 628-03-82.
City information service β 106 or 531-46-004.
Information Service β 146.
Inquiries about telephone numbers β 144 (free of charge from a pay phone). And the Customs Information Service β 971-55-11.
Meteorological service β 966-88-55 (Jerusalem).
Ben-Gurion airport information desk β (03) 972-33-44
Intercity bus information desk β 694-88-88 (Jerusalem).
City bus information desk β 530-47-04 (Jerusalem).
United Tours information desk β 691-62-56.
Nesher taxi company β 623-12-31, 625-32-33. 625-72-27, 625-53-32.
Emergency services:
Police β 100.
Ambulance β 101.
Fire β 102.
Jerusalem tourist police β 539-12-54.
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