Israel Travel Guide
Things you should know before your pilgrimage to Israel
General Information
Capital city: Jerusalem
Largest city: Jerusalem
Official language: Hebrew
Do people speak English? In the areas where you will be travelling, you are likely to encounter mostly people who speak English. If by chance you have a hard time communicating with someone, a smile and body language can be helpful.
Largest city: Jerusalem
Official language: Hebrew
Do people speak English? In the areas where you will be travelling, you are likely to encounter mostly people who speak English. If by chance you have a hard time communicating with someone, a smile and body language can be helpful.
Israel
Money
Currency used:
The official currency of Israel is the Israeli New Shekel. However, the US dollar is accepted everywhere, so you will not need to exchange money prior to departure. Prices will often be listed everywhere in Dollar, Euro, and Shekel.
Current exchange rate: Current Exchange Rate
Can I use US dollars: yes – in fact, this is the preferred currency! Be sure to bring smaller bills for the street vendors and smaller shops.
Can I use credit cards: yes
The official currency of Israel is the Israeli New Shekel. However, the US dollar is accepted everywhere, so you will not need to exchange money prior to departure. Prices will often be listed everywhere in Dollar, Euro, and Shekel.
Current exchange rate: Current Exchange Rate
Can I use US dollars: yes – in fact, this is the preferred currency! Be sure to bring smaller bills for the street vendors and smaller shops.
Can I use credit cards: yes
- We recommend Visa and Mastercard. Discover is not as common overseas in general. American Express is becoming more popular, but still not widely accepted.
- Notify your credit card company prior to departure that you will be using your card overseas, so your purchases aren’t flagged.
- Check your card’s foreign transaction fees so you aren’t surprised by extra costs with your foreign purchases.
- Using a credit card for larger purchases can often provide some type of insurance if goods are damaged during transit.
- Smaller shops may not take credit cards, so be sure to bring some smaller bills with you.
Electricity
Plug and Socket types used: C and H
Voltage: 220-240
Will I need an adapter: yes
For more detailed information, please click here
Voltage: 220-240
Will I need an adapter: yes
- An adapter enables our American plugs to be plugged into Israeli sockets.
- You can find a global travel adapter online or at local shops such as Target and Walmart.
- If your electronic device is dual voltage, you will not need a converter, just an adapter. This includes most smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other electronics with a boxy charger. Most CPAPs are also dual voltage, but please check with your manufacturer/ doctor to make sure yours is compatible.
- One way to know if you need a converter is to check the label on your devices. If the label states “INPUT: 100-240V, 50/60 Hz,” then the device can be used in any country, including Israel.
- If your device is single voltage, you will need a converter, as the higher voltage coming from Israeli sockets will burn out your device. This includes hair dryers, straighteners and curling irons as well as many electric toothbrushes and shavers.
- Most hotels do have hair dryers. You will be able to double-check your specific hotels after receiving your pilgrim packet prior to departure.
- Nearly all converters are also adapters, but not all adapters are converters. If you need a converter, please read the product description carefully to make sure you purchase what you need.
For more detailed information, please click here
Clothing
Unless your pilgrimage has a very specific fancy activity, you will be able to dress as you would normally at home.
Our recommended packing list can be found here: Recommended Packing List
You may be turned away or asked to cover up before entering churches and other holy sites if your knees and shoulders are not covered. This applies to both men and women. Bare midriffs are also frowned upon. Modesty and respectfulness are key.
You will not need a head covering and women do not need to wear skirts/dresses, unless that is your preferred style. Jeans are acceptable, unless your priest has told you differently.
Our recommended packing list can be found here: Recommended Packing List
You may be turned away or asked to cover up before entering churches and other holy sites if your knees and shoulders are not covered. This applies to both men and women. Bare midriffs are also frowned upon. Modesty and respectfulness are key.
You will not need a head covering and women do not need to wear skirts/dresses, unless that is your preferred style. Jeans are acceptable, unless your priest has told you differently.
Luggage and Packing
We recommend packing lightly and leaving room for gifts/souvenirs. Remember you are responsible for carrying your own luggage in the airports.
Group airline tickets will include one checked bag, one carry-on (that fits in the overhead compartment of the airplane), and one personal item. For more information please click here. Luggage Information
Group airline tickets will include one checked bag, one carry-on (that fits in the overhead compartment of the airplane), and one personal item. For more information please click here. Luggage Information
Weather
You can find historical records of typical weather for your location by doing a quick internet search along the lines of “What’s the weather like in (destination) in (month of pilgrimage)?” This will give the historical temperature averages and the likelihood of precipitation.
Sample Search
In addition, you may want to look at the weather for your destination right before leaving to determine any last-minute packing needs. If, for example, your pilgrimage destination is experiencing unseasonably low temperatures, you’d want to be prepared with warmer layers.
Sample Search
In addition, you may want to look at the weather for your destination right before leaving to determine any last-minute packing needs. If, for example, your pilgrimage destination is experiencing unseasonably low temperatures, you’d want to be prepared with warmer layers.