ISRAEL MISSION FAQS

No. Americans, Canadians and citizens of most western countries need just a valid passport to come to Israel: no visa is required. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date you leave Israel. Please take a moment to check the validity of your passport and order a new one if necessary.

All airlines flying to Israel allow passengers flying in economy class to check one suitcase under the plane and take one carry on and one personal bag on to the plane. The allowance for business class is generally two checked bags. Please check your flight documents to confirm prior to flying.

No. Israel is an entirely western country with an advanced level of hygiene, healthcare, diagnosis and medicine that is the envy of much of the world and on a par with the best of North America and Western Europe.

Absolutely. Tap water in Israel is safe and delicious. And you will also find bottled mineral water everywhere. It’s important to make sure you drink a lot, especially if you are walking, hiking or exercising during hot weather.

The electric current in Israel is 220 volts, C, single phase, 50 Hertz – the same as in Europe. Most Israeli sockets are three-pronged but most accept European two-pronged plug, for which you need a plug adapter. If your appliance does not work on 220 volts, you will need a voltage adaptor (transformer). Your hotels should have adapters and transformers available.
Most hotel bathrooms have hair-dryers as well as low-wattage, American-style sockets for electric shavers, in which you can usually charge your cell-phone or tablet.

Most hotels in Israel have Wi-Fi available for hotel guests at customary prices. Many cafes and restaurants offer a complimentary Wi-Fi service. Since September 2013, both Tel Aviv and Jerusalem offer citywide free Wi-Fi network which provides 80 free Internet “hot spots” across the central parts of the cities.

If you have an international plan, your cell phone may work in Israel. Please check with your local provider about calling and data packages.

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Israel’s currency is the Shekel; you’ll find it abbreviated as NIS (New Israeli Shekel).

You can use your ATM card to obtain shekels at ATM’s throughout Israel. You can also use American Express, MasterCard and Visa cards at most Israeli hotels, restaurants and stores. Before the trip, remember to notify your credit card companies and bank about your upcoming international trip!

You can purchase shekels either before the trip or once you arrive in Israel.

In restaurants, if the bill does not include service, a 12% tip can be added. In hotels, the bellhop and other service providers can be tipped. Taxi drivers are not usually tipped.
You can bargain in open-air markets but not in stores or restaurants.

Shabbat (the Sabbath) is the Jewish holy day of the week observed every Saturday. Shabbat starts at sunset on Friday and ends at sundown on Saturday evening. All public offices are closed on Shabbat, as are banks, most stores and businesses; throughout Israel there is a growing number of shops open on Shabbat. In most cities, public transportation (trains and buses) do not operate on Shabbat. Most non-kosher restaurants are open on Shabbat. Radio and TV broadcasts operate as usual.

Not all of the restaurants in Israel are kosher. Places offering kosher food usually display a kashrut certificate granted to them by the local rabbinate. Most hotels serve kosher food, as well as some restaurants, but there is no binding law.

Absolutely. Israelis wear what people in any Western country would wear, for the most part. The key to fashion in Israel is informal and casual. Some religious sites require long pants for men and clothing that covers the shoulders and knees for women. Please be sure you are prepared for these sites.

Yes. Makor urges you to purchase cancellation insurance and supplemental medical coverage (which covers preexisting conditions). While you are free to purchase insurance from any company of your choice, Makor has made arrangements with SMS-Travel Insurance Center of Omaha, Nebraska. SMS has over 25 years of experience as worldwide insurance brokers and can help you choose the policy that best meets your needs.
Contact person: Yonah Engel
E-mail:  info@travelinsuranceisrael.com
USA phone: 1-888-747-3773
Mention promo code: IGT-MAKOR
Please note: We cannot accept responsibility for any losses or expenses, which you or any member of your party may incur as a result of failure to secure adequate insurance coverage.