FAQ
Do I need a Passport to travel to Israel?
Absolutely - and you need to have at LEAST 6 months validity left on your passport from your planned date of DEPARTURE from Israel. U.S. and Canadian citizens do not need a visa to visit Israel - just a valid passport. We recommend that you make copies of your passport. Keep one with you while traveling, in a secure place separate from your actual passport, and leave another copy at home or with a family member in case your passport is lost or stolen.
Is trip/travel insurance necessary? Where do I buy it?
Trip/travel insurance is critical to protect your investment. For information on trip insurance or a complete quotation on trip cancellation & medical insurance, please see trip insurance section below.
Do I need any vaccinations?
No vaccinations or shots are required for U.S. or Canadian visitors to Israel. (If you have visited a country prior to coming to Israel where cholera, typhoid, or yellow fever is endemic, you will need a vaccination certificate.)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend you get a Hepatitis A vaccine 4-6 weeks prior to travel. You can get Hepatitis A through contaminated food or water anywhere in the world, including Israel. This is only a recommendation, not a requirement.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend you get a Hepatitis A vaccine 4-6 weeks prior to travel. You can get Hepatitis A through contaminated food or water anywhere in the world, including Israel. This is only a recommendation, not a requirement.
What about my medications?
Visitors are urged to bring sufficient quantities of any medications that they take regularly, as not all medicines are available. Anyone requiring unexpected medical attention, however, can be assured that the level of medicine practiced in Israel, as well as the facilities available, rank with the very best in Europe or the United States.
Can I use my smart phone in Israel?
A quick call to your phone carrier will help you determine whether your phone is unlocked. If your smartphone is unlocked, then you should have no problem using your smartphone in Israel. Some carriers have provisions for overseas travel, and you should check with your carrier. If that is not a satisfactory option, you will need an Israeli SIM card. You can rent these prior to departure or upon arrival. We can help you rent a SIM card. Just ask Lynn for more details.
Can I rent a cellphone while in Israel?
Renting a cell phone is very useful and very affordable. Please contact Lynn for details on renting one.
Is there an inexpensive way while I am in Israel to keep in contact with people at home?
Yes. WhatsApp Messenger is freeware that can be placed on your mobile phone or desktop. It allows sending of text messages and voice messages, making voice and video calls as well as sharing images, documents, user location and other media. Download it to your mobile phone before you leave home and have those you want to stay in contact with download it to their mobile phone or desktop. Just open the app, choose your contact, and proceed with your text message or call through the app.
How do I access the internet during my trip?
Most hotels in Israel have free Wi-Fi available for hotel guests. Many cafes and restaurants offer a complimentary Wi-Fi service. Tel Aviv offers a citywide free Wi-Fi network that provides 80 Internet “hot spots” across the city.
What are the transportation options from the airport?
There will be one bus from the airport, time to be determined based on the arrival schedule of the majority of our participants. Those who wish, can meet the bus, or can arrange transportation on their own. Contact Lynn for further details.
How do I keep my valuables safe?
All hotel rooms have a safe to store your valuable items during your traveling hours. Passports should be kept with you always, so be sure to have a secure place for them in your travel bag. Also consider getting RFID sleeves for your passport, Global Entry card if you have one, and each of your credit cards.
How do I change dollars to New Israeli Shekels
Israel’s currency is the New Israeli Shekel (NIS). The exchange rate to the dollar varies and we recommend an exchange rate app on your iPhone/Android, called "Israel Money" which will give you the exact daily exchange rate. Israeli shops, restaurants, gas stations, and other providers of services accept major credit cards such as Visa/MasterCard/American Express. For cash, Israel regulates ‘change points’ and generally tourists get fair exchange rates at money changers through Jerusalem or Tel Aviv. ATMs are almost everywhere and local currency can be obtained from them. We also recommend using bank front ATMs to withdraw shekels without fees (on the Israel side). Your hotel will also exchange money but their rates can be uncompetitive. Israeli currency can be re-converted in airport or border banks at the end of your stay.
Can I use my credit cards while in Israel?
In Israel, you can use your MasterCard, Visa, or American Express cards just like in the U.S. Be sure to check with your credit card company to be aware of any international transaction fees in advance, which tend to be around 3%. Discover Card is not widely accepted in Israel. Most of your purchases, hotel, and restaurant costs can and should be made with any major credit card. Some credit card companies require that you notify them if you will be using your credit card while you are traveling, especially internationally. This can typically be done online at the company’s website.
How much cash should I take with me?
Walking around with a large amount of cash is not advisable anywhere. Fifty to a hundred dollars in local currency is more than enough to cover small purchases and meals. Change your currency in Israel. You can do it almost everywhere, but taking a little time at the airport upon arrival is always a good idea. Please note: It is not unusual for Israeli ATM’s to run out of cash on Friday and Saturday, the Israeli weekend, so be prepared.
What taxes can I expect to pay in Israel when I am on my own?
VAT (“Value Added Tax”) is added onto many of the items and merchandise tourists purchase while visiting Israel. Currently the VAT tax in Israel is 17% but tourists may be able to qualify for a VAT refund before leaving the country. To qualify, your purchase must have been made at a store that participates in this refund (it is easy to check this, there will be a “tax refund for tourists” sticker on the door or window of the shop). Your purchase must have cost more than 400 shekels (including the VAT tax). You must be taking the items out of the country and they must be for personal use. For more information: www.touristisrael.com/vat-refund-in-Israel.
How much do I tip my driver and tour guide?
Tipping is not included in the tour cost. We recommended tipping $8-$12 per person, per day for the tour guide, and $4-$6 per person, per day for your bus driver.
Will I need an adapter for my electronics in Israel?
You will need a plug converter for phones, laptops, and tablets, and a current adapter plus a plug converter for small appliances. A two-prong European plug converter is acceptable.
What is the weather like in Israel?
Summer begins in April and can last through October. During this time of year wear clothes that are airy, short and comfortable. A light jacket or long-sleeve shirt is recommended for evenings spent in the desert, Jerusalem or the Golan Heights.
What clothes should I bring?
Good walking shoes are a must. Of course, always bring a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Get used to having a water bottle with you always. Drink often and a lot! The most “formal” you will have to be is business casual. Israel is a very informal country but religious sites require long pants for men and clothing that covers the shoulders and knees for women. If you are visiting Jewish holy sites, it is recommended that men bring a hat or a “kipah” (yarmulke). Christian sites usually require men to remove their hats.
How many suitcases are allowed per traveler?
We recommend one suitcase & one personal bag per traveler. All hotels have laundry service and you will be too busy touring to carry all that luggage around!
Will our tour include free time?
Tour guides try to balance the tour schedule and free time for shopping in certain areas; however, there will be days when there is very little free time. Most evenings we will have dinner as a group at various restaurants. See the itinerary for more information about this.
I have never been to Israel. Do you recommend this tour for me?
This tour is geared to those who have been to Israel previously and are looking for a more intimate look at the country. That said, everyone is welcome to join us on this tour. If you have never been to Israel before or even if you would like to revisit sites you have seen previously, you may be interested in doing some pre- or post-tour sightseeing. Contact Lynn for more details.
Must I be Jewish to participate in this tour?
Absolutely not. The places we will be visiting on this tour have little to do with religion. An optional visit to the Kotel for Kabbalat Shabbat has value culturally, not just religiously. Other than that, this is a very secular tour and should be of interest to any foodie, not just those who are Jewish.
I keep kosher. Can I still come on this trip?
Of course, you can come on the trip! You just may be limited in what you are able to eat. Even in Israel, there are different standards of Kashrut. Those who keep stricter standards requiring restaurant owners to display a certificate (called a hechsher) from the local rabbinate, proving that their kitchen has been supervised and thoroughly checked may choose not to take this trip. Those following a more relaxed standard of kashrut will be comfortable eating in places that decide on their own to keep kosher, but do not have a hechsher. Some restaurants are vegetarian friendly and/or offer vegan options, and for some, this will be acceptable. We will be going to some restaurants that are not kosher where those who keep stricter standards will not be comfortable.
I am vegetarian or vegan. Can you accommodate my needs?
Absolutely! Israel is one of the best countries in the world for vegans. Most restaurants are vegetarian friendly and offer vegan options. Only a very few do not offer this flexibility. We simply ask that you advise Lynn by the time of final payment of this need so that restaurants requiring this information can be advised in a timely fashion.
I only eat gluten-free foods. Can my needs be accommodated?
Yes! Our tour operator works with this on every one of their tours and there is a high awareness in Israel about the need for many people to eat gluten-free foods. Several of the restaurants where we will be eating even offer gluten-free options. However, we cannot assure you that we will be eating in a gluten-free facility. Please advise Lynn by the time of final payment of the need for gluten-free meals. We simply ask that you advise Lynn by the time of final payment of this need so that restaurants requiring this information can be advised in a timely fashion.
I have certain food allergies. Can you meet my needs?
Absolutely! Our tour operator works with this on every one of their tours and there is a high awareness in Israel about food allergies. We simply ask that you advise Lynn by the time of final payment about your food allergy, including the allergen and nature of the allergy, so that restaurants requiring this information can be advised in a timely fashion.
I must be cautious about my intake of sodium. Can you help me out with this?
Unfortunately, this is a far more difficult need to meet. Israelis tend to use a lot of salt in their cooking, especially in restaurants. While we would love for you to join us, it may be difficult to accommodate anybody needing to limit their intake of sodium on this tour.
What is the number of guests who will be on the tour?
The minimum number of guests on the tour is 25 and the maximum is 30.
Is trip/travel insurance necessary? Where do I buy it?
Trip/travel insurance is critical to protect your investment. For information on trip insurance or a complete quotation on trip cancellation & medical insurance, please click here for Travel Protection Guide Do I need any vaccinations? No vaccinations or shots are required for U.S. or Canadian visitors to Israel. (If you have visited a country prior to coming to Israel where cholera, typhoid, or yellow fever is endemic, you will need a vaccination certificate.) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend you get a Hepatitis A vaccine 4-6 weeks prior to travel. You can get Hepatitis A through contaminated food or water anywhere in the world, including Israel. This is only a recommendation, not a requirement. What about my medications? Visitors are urged to bring sufficient quantities of any medications that they take regularly, as not all medicines are available. Anyone requiring unexpected medical attention, however, can be assured that the level of medicine practiced in Israel, as well as the facilities available, rank with the very best in Europe or the United States. Can I use my smart phone in Israel? A quick call to your phone carrier will help you determine whether your phone is unlocked. If your smartphone is unlocked, then you should have no problem using your smartphone in Israel. Some carriers have provisions for overseas travel, and you should check with your carrier. If that is not a satisfactory option, you will need an Israeli SIM card. You can rent these prior to departure or upon arrival. We can help you rent a SIM card. Just ask Lynn for more details. Can I rent a cellphone while in Israel? Renting a cell phone is very useful and very affordable. Please contact Lynn for details on renting one. Is there an inexpensive way while I am in Israel to keep in contact with people at home? Yes. WhatsApp Messenger is freeware that can be placed on your mobile phone or desktop. It allows sending of text messages and voice messages, making voice and video calls as well as sharing images, documents, user location and other media. Download it to your mobile phone before you leave home and have those you want to stay in contact with download it to their mobile phone or desktop. Just open the app, choose your contact, and proceed with your text message or call through the app. How do I access the internet during my trip? Most hotels in Israel have free Wi-Fi available for hotel guests. Many cafes and restaurants offer a complimentary Wi-Fi service. Tel Aviv offers a citywide free Wi-Fi network that provides 80 Internet “hot spots” across the city. What are the transportation options from the airport? There will be one bus from the airport, time to be determined based on the arrival schedule of the majority of our participants. Those who wish, can meet the bus, or can arrange transportation on their own. Contact Lynn for further details. How do I keep my valuables safe? All hotel rooms have a safe to store your valuable items during your traveling hours. Passports should be kept with you always, so be sure to have a secure place for them in your travel bag. Also consider getting RFID sleeves for your passport, Global Entry card if you have one, and each of your credit cards. How do I change dollars to New Israeli Shekels? Israel’s currency is the New Israeli Shekel (NIS). The exchange rate to the dollar varies and we recommend an exchange rate app on your iPhone/Android, called "Israel Money" which will give you the exact daily exchange rate. Israeli shops, restaurants, gas stations, and other providers of services accept major credit cards such as Visa/MasterCard/American Express. For cash, Israel regulates ‘change points’ and generally tourists get fair exchange rates at money changers through Jerusalem or Tel Aviv. ATMs are almost everywhere and local currency can be obtained from them. We also recommend using bank front ATMs to withdraw shekels without fees (on the Israel side). Your hotel will also exchange money but their rates can be uncompetitive. Israeli currency can be re-converted in airport or border banks at the end of your stay. Can I use my credit cards while in Israel? In Israel, you can use your MasterCard, Visa, or American Express cards just like in the U.S. Be sure to check with your credit card company to be aware of any international transaction fees in advance, which tend to be around 3%. Discover Card is not widely accepted in Israel. Most of your purchases, hotel, and restaurant costs can and should be made with any major credit card. Some credit card companies require that you notify them if you will be using your credit card while you are traveling, especially internationally. This can typically be done online at the company’s website. How much cash should I take with me? Walking around with a large amount of cash is not advisable anywhere. Fifty to a hundred dollars in local currency is more than enough to cover small purchases and meals. Change your currency in Israel. You can do it almost everywhere, but taking a little time at the airport upon arrival is always a good idea. Please note: It is not unusual for Israeli ATM’s to run out of cash on Friday and Saturday, the Israeli weekend, so be prepared. What taxes can I expect to pay in Israel when I am on my own? VAT (“Value Added Tax”) is added onto many of the items and merchandise tourists purchase while visiting Israel. Currently the VAT tax in Israel is 17% but tourists may be able to qualify for a VAT refund before leaving the country. To qualify, your purchase must have been made at a store that participates in this refund (it is easy to check this, there will be a “tax refund for tourists” sticker on the door or window of the shop). Your purchase must have cost more than 400 shekels (including the VAT tax). You must be taking the items out of the country and they must be for personal use. For more information: www.touristisrael.com/vat-refund-in-Israel. |
How much do I tip my driver and tour guide?
Tipping is not included in the tour cost. We recommended tipping $8-$12 per person, per day for the tour guide, and $4-$6 per person, per day for your bus driver. Will I need an adapter for my electronics in Israel? You will need a plug converter for phones, laptops, and tablets, and a current adapter plus a plug converter for small appliances. A two-prong European plug converter is acceptable. What is the weather like in Israel? Summer begins in April and can last through October. During this time of year wear clothes that are airy, short and comfortable. A light jacket or long-sleeve shirt is recommended for evenings spent in the desert, Jerusalem or the Golan Heights. What clothes should I bring? Good walking shoes are a must. Of course, always bring a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Get used to having a water bottle with you always. Drink often and a lot! The most “formal” you will have to be is business casual. Israel is a very informal country but religious sites require long pants for men and clothing that covers the shoulders and knees for women. If you are visiting Jewish holy sites, it is recommended that men bring a hat or a “kipah” (yarmulke). Christian sites usually require men to remove their hats. How many suitcases are allowed per traveler? We recommend one suitcase & one personal bag per traveler. All hotels have laundry service and you will be too busy touring to carry all that luggage around! Will our tour include free time? Tour guides try to balance the tour schedule and free time for shopping in certain areas; however, there will be days when there is very little free time. Most evenings we will have dinner as a group at various restaurants. See the itinerary for more information about this. I have never been to Israel. Do you recommend this tour for me? This tour is geared to those who have been to Israel previously and are looking for a more intimate look at the country. That said, everyone is welcome to join us on this tour. If you have never been to Israel before or even if you would like to revisit sites you have seen previously, you may be interested in doing some pre- or post-tour sightseeing. Contact Lynn for more details. Must I be Jewish to participate in this tour? Absolutely not. The places we will be visiting on this tour have little to do with religion. An optional visit to the Kotel for Kabbalat Shabbat has value culturally, not just religiously. Other than that, this is a very secular tour and should be of interest to any foodie, not just those who are Jewish. I keep kosher. Can I still come on this trip? Of course, you can come on the trip! You just may be limited in what you are able to eat. Even in Israel, there are different standards of Kashrut. Those who keep stricter standards requiring restaurant owners to display a certificate (called a hechsher) from the local rabbinate, proving that their kitchen has been supervised and thoroughly checked may choose not to take this trip. Those following a more relaxed standard of kashrut will be comfortable eating in places that decide on their own to keep kosher, but do not have a hechsher. Some restaurants are vegetarian friendly and/or offer vegan options, and for some, this will be acceptable. We will be going to some restaurants that are not kosher where those who keep stricter standards will not be comfortable. I am vegetarian or vegan. Can you accommodate my needs? Absolutely! Israel is one of the best countries in the world for vegans. Most restaurants are vegetarian friendly and offer vegan options. Only a very few do not offer this flexibility. We simply ask that you advise Lynn by the time of final payment of this need so that restaurants requiring this information can be advised in a timely fashion. I only eat gluten-free foods. Can my needs be accommodated? Yes! Our tour operator works with this on every one of their tours and there is a high awareness in Israel about the need for many people to eat gluten-free foods. Several of the restaurants where we will be eating even offer gluten-free options. However, we cannot assure you that we will be eating in a gluten-free facility. Please advise Lynn by the time of final payment of the need for gluten-free meals. We simply ask that you advise Lynn by the time of final payment of this need so that restaurants requiring this information can be advised in a timely fashion. I have certain food allergies. Can you meet my needs? Absolutely! Our tour operator works with this on every one of their tours and there is a high awareness in Israel about food allergies. We simply ask that you advise Lynn by the time of final payment about your food allergy, including the allergen and nature of the allergy, so that restaurants requiring this information can be advised in a timely fashion. I must be cautious about my intake of sodium. Can you help me out with this? Unfortunately, this is a far more difficult need to meet. Israelis tend to use a lot of salt in their cooking, especially in restaurants. While we would love for you to join us, it may be difficult to accommodate anybody needing to limit their intake of sodium on this tour. What is the number of guests who will be on the tour? The minimum number of guests on the tour is 25 and the maximum is 30. |