EDI FAQ

	Health
	Do I need to receive any special vaccination before my trip to Israel? Israel is a modern, developed country with levels of health and hygiene equal to those of Western countries. Visitors entering Israel are not required to undergo vaccinations prior to their arrival. Can you drink tap water in Israel? You can drink tap water. But, you will also find mineral water everywhere. It is important to make sure you drink a lot, especially when out walking and on hot days.
	Electricity
	The electric current in Israel is 220 volts AC, single phase, 50 Hertz. Most Israeli sockets are of the three-pronged variety but many can accept some European two-pronged plugs as well. Electric shavers, traveling irons and other small appliances may require adapters and/or transformers, which can be purchased in Israel. Make sure to bring adaptors or ask the hotel reception if they have available. Some hotels might ask for a deposit when handing out the adaptors/transformers. This is an example of a plug adapter:
	Weather
	Israel enjoys long, warm, dry summers (April-October) and generally mild winters (November-March) with somewhat drier, cooler weather in hilly regions, such as Jerusalem and Safed. Rainfall is relatively heavy in the north and center of the country, with much less in the northern Negev and almost negligible amounts in the southern areas. Regional conditions vary considerably, with humid summers and mild winters on the coast; dry summers and moderately cold winters in the hill regions; hot dry summers and pleasant winters in the Jordan Valley; and year-round semi-desert conditions in the Negev. Weather extremes range from occasional winter snowfall in the mountain regions to periodic oppressively hot dry winds that send temperatures soaring, particularly in spring and autumn. To find out the weather in Israel now, visit this link.
	Is everything closed on Shabbat in Israel?
	Shabbat, or Saturday, is the Jewish holy day of the week. Shabbat starts on Friday afternoon/evening and ends on Saturday evening. All public offices in Israel are closed on Shabbat, as are most private businesses such as stores. In most cities, public transportation (trains and buses) does not operate. In mainly secular cities, like Tel Aviv, a lot of the restaurants and cafes are open but throughout the country many restaurants are closed. It is recommended to check in advance if you are planning on visiting a specific location. Radio and TV broadcasts operate as usual.
	What to Bring
	Israel is a modern, developed country, and you can purchase virtually anything you need during your stay, including clothing, cosmetics, and hygiene products.
	Dress
	Casual clothes and good walking shoes are recommended for touring. Religious sites require modest dress, i.e. shoulders need to be covered; some churches require the men to wear long pants. If you are visiting Israel during the summer you will need lightweight clothing - short-sleeved and sleeveless shirts, shorts, sandals, beach shoes and a bathing suit. It's also a good idea to pack a sweater or jacket, since nights in the mountains and the desert can be cool. If you are visiting Israel in the winter, you will need warm clothing, a coat (preferably a raincoat as well), good shoes, an umbrella, gloves, a scarf and other warm clothing. Weather in Israel is not cold as it is in Europe, but days can be rainy and cold. It's a good idea to bring a small bag for day trips. If you are traveling to Eilat or the Dead Sea, it's a good idea to bring a bathing suit, since it is warm enough to swim there even in the winter. Sunscreen, a sun hat, and sunglasses are essential items throughout the year. If you are planning on hiking, you will need good shoes and a lot of water, either in a canteen or in several bottles. You will need a sleeping bag, tent, and camping equipment only if you are planning on sleeping outdoors. Most youth hostels supply sheets and blankets.
	WiFi
	Hotspots are local WiFi wireless Internet network connections that allow subscribers to surf the Internet via personal computers equipped with a wireless Internet card. Israel has about 800 sites that provide wireless Internet services to mobile computer owners. Every year the number of hotspots in Israel doubles, with new spots added every day, offering visitors Internet surfing services either for a fee or free of charge. Fast food restaurants and coffee bar chains offer free WiFi services at their branches throughout the country. Hotels have made WiFi connections a standard feature for the benefit of their guests, and over 100 hotels and guest houses already provide this service. Another 100 or so hotspots are located in convenient stores beside gas stations, and even more WiFi areas can be found at universities, colleges, museums, visitors' centers, convention halls, marinas, tourism sites and shopping malls. Visitors to Jerusalem can enjoy free Internet service in the German Colony neighborhood, the downtown pedestrian shopping center and at Safra Square,beside Jerusalem City Hall.
	Changing Money
	Unlimited sums of local and foreign money may be brought into Israel as cash, travelers' checks, credit cards or State of Israel bonds. Foreign currency of all kinds may be exchanged at the airport, banks, post offices, most hotels or licensed exchange agencies in large cities. A passport is required when exchanging travelers' checks. The rates vary from place to place, and banks charge a commission. It is recommended, though not obligatory, to carry a small amount of US dollars, since certain tourist sites, especially in the Old City ofJerusalem, take payment in dollars.
	Cash Withdrawal
	TIP: The most convenient way to obtain currency is through Bank ATM machines, which can be found throughout Israel. Enter your numeric pin number and receive shekels debited in U.S. dollars to your account. The exchange rates are up to standard at the local banks. Holders of international credit cards can withdraw local or foreign currency at banks which accept their credit cards. There are Automated Teller Machines outside most banks.
	Purchases and Payments
	All goods and services may be purchased with the following currencies, which can be freely exchanged: Euro; US Dollar. Nevertheless, storeowners and service providers are not required to accept foreign currency and are permitted to give change in shekels even if payment was made in foreign currency. Tourists who pay for goods and services in foreign currency are exempt, in certain cases, from VAT (Value Added Tax). In addition, some businesses in Israel are registered with the Ministry of Tourism program for refunding tourist VAT payments. Additional information about VAT refunds is available on the "Change place Financial Servises" website: http://www.cpl.co.il/English/index.asp or at 03-975-4020. Major credit cards - American Express, Diners, Visa, Mastercard/Access/Eurocard - are widely accepted in Israeli restaurants, stores, hotels, museums, etc.
	Exchanging Shekalim for Foreign Currency
	Shekels can be converted back to foreign currency at Ben Gurion Airport banks, up to US $500 or its equivalent in other currencies. Any remaining shekels over this amount that were acquired during a single visit to Israel (up to a maximum of US $5,000) can be reconverted with bank receipts proving the original conversion of the foreign currency.
	Tips and Bargaining
	In Israel it is customary to tip primarily in restaurants. When the bill does not include service, a 12% tip should be added to the payment. In hotels, one tips the bellhop or any other service provider. Taxi drivers are generally not tipped. Bargaining is acceptable in Israel, but not everywhere. In the open-air markets, do not hesitate to bargain as it is part of the experience and doing so can lower the price. Storekeepers are legally required to display prices and for the most part are not open to bargaining. This is also true of restaurants and public transportation. Passengers are advised to ask cab drivers to turn on the meter, thus avoiding unnecessary haggling.