Local directory assistance is tel. 144, int'l directory assistance is 188 (run by Bezek phone company).  For collect calls dial 142. There are area codes when dialing between regions: Tel Aviv is 03, Jerusalem 02, Haifa & Galilee is 04, Netanya & central coast is 09, Eilat & South is 08 If dialing from abroad one drops the 0 for the regional code. So when phoning from the USA to Jerusalem: 011 (int'l access) - 972 (Israel's code) - 2 (local regional code) + party's number. Public telephones: These use phone cards- local & int'l - which can be purchased at local post offices. Emergency numbers and collect calls from public phones are free of charge.

Public Telephones
Public phones are plentiful and usually do work. Most of them operate today with a plastic credit card size phone card, available at post offices and your hotel newsstand. Cards of 20, 500 and 100 units are available (time per unit depends on distance of call and time of day). You may access AT&T, MCI and Sprint for overseas calls from pay phones by dialing a 177 (toll-free) number. Check for your service's number before you leave. Overseas operator and overseas directory information is available by dialing 188. Domestic directory information is available by dialing 144 (free from public phone). For collect calls within Israel, dial 142.

3. ELECTRICITY & APPLIANCES

220V and outlets are 2-3 prong so bring a universal adapter or purchase locally (readily available). Hair dryer- one that switches to 220 V or buy one locally- not expensive.

4. ENTERTAINMENT

The weekend sections of the English language papers (come out on Friday) have magazine sections with bulletin board of cultural events. An excellent news magazine is Jerusalem Report.

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5. FOOD, WATER, & KASHRUT

With peoples from over 100 countries the variety of food is endless. Lots of delicious fresh fruits and vegetables - straight from local farms.  Plenty of kosher eateries- ask to see the Kashrut certificate (issued by the Israel Rabbinate). In addition, many establishments are kosher but without certificates because they open on the Sabbath. Supermarkets generally carry only kosher products- unless posted.  Most Israeli manufactured food products are kosher as well and carry the seal of the Israel Rabbinate.  Water: Tap water is drinkable though many prefer bottled spring water. 

6. GEOGRAPHY

Sandwiched between three continents- Europe, Asia, and Africa - Israel's geography is truly unique!

• Size: Israel is actually quite small- about the area of New Jersey - and 150 miles long by 70 miles at its widest from east to west. To the north, east, and south it is surrounded by the Arab nations of Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. On the west is the Mediterranean Sea.
• Terrain: Approximately 2/3 of Israel is desert, and is concentrated primarily in the south of the country (Negev Highlands). In the north are the mountains of Galilee (300-1100 meters). The highest mountain in Israel is snow-peaked Mt. Hermon (2800 meters) which straddles the Israel, Lebanon, Syrian borders. The center of the country is composed of 3 major geographic areas, running north to south: The coastal plain along the Mediterranean Sea, the central hill chain (mountains of Judea and Samaria or West Bank), and the Jordan Rift Valley- the Dead Sea being the lowest spot on Earth (-400 meters below sea level).
• Natural resouces: Copper, phosphates, bromide, potash, manganese
• Fresh water: Israel's main source of fresh water is the Jordan River which is formed by 3 perennial tributaries in the north of the country. The Jordan flows into the Sea of Galilee and then flows out of it, winding its way south along the Israel-Jordan border, till it empties into the Dead Sea.
• Bodies of water: Israel is blessed with four major bodies of water- each one unique: Mediterranean Sea, Sea of Galilee (freshwater), Dead Sea, and Red Sea in the south.

7. GETTING AROUND

There is almost no city, town, or village in Israel that cannot be reached by public transport, though the time involved frequently becomes an issue to more outlying areas. Public buses and trains do run on schedule, which is very helpful, but not on the Sabbath (with the exception of Haifa).

• Inter-city buses: There is public bus transport to all parts of the country (Egged and Dan are the biggest companies) and a central bus station ("ta-cha-na merkazit") in every city. Egged intercity bus info: 03-6948888. Dan (Tel Aviv city buses): 03-6394444.
• City buses: Widespread in all of Israel's cites. On the Sabbath (Saturday) and holidays public bus service does not operate. These usually stop running on Friday (or eve of holiday) about 1 hour before sunset and resume service on Sat. night, 1 hour after sunset.
• Taxis:  Plentiful and the official ones are specially painted + have an official illuminated taxi sign with a number on the roof. Price is officially by the meter, both in and outside the city. Still, it is often a good idea to clarify the price before getting in the taxi. Tariff #1 is 5:30 a.m.-8:59 p.m. and Tariff #2 is from 9:00 p.m.-5:29 a.m. Tipping is discretionary- usually 10-15%. Besides flagging down a taxi in the street, one can also call a local cab company and they'll pick you up at the requested time and place (extra fee).
• Trains: Israel is currently expanding the commuter train network. The most popular commuter lines are Tel Aviv-Haifa, and Tel Aviv-Ben Gurion airport. The Jerusalem line is picturesque but slower than by bus. The main Tel Aviv train station is on Arlosorov St. Info. 03-6937515.

8. HEALTH, MEDICAL, EMERGENCY

The standard of medicine is comparable to the U.S.A. Hotels keep lists of doctors and dentists if you should need medical attention.

• Hospitals are spread throughout Israel with out-patient clinics open 24 hours to serve Israelis and tourists. For outpatient services you'll need to pay (cash or credit card) and then seek reimbursement from your insurance company.
• Pharmacies are widespread and newspapers post which ones are open on the Sabbath. Note that antibiotics can only be prescribed by a physician.
• Disabled: Wheelchair ramps are still rather new to Israel. If one needs special equipment, Yad Sarah in Jerusalem rents everything from wheelchairs and crutches to more sophisticated medical support equipment.
• Police: Tel. 100
• First Aid (Magen David Adom): Tel.101
• Fire Department: Tel. 102

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9. HISTORY

See Zack Shavin's Israel: Historical Overview

10. HOLIDAYS & BUSINESS HOURS

Israel is for the most part still on a six day work week (Sun.-Fri.), though government offices and many private commercial businesses have gone over to five days (Sun.-Thurs.) Work hours are generally 8 or 9 a.m. - 4 or 5 p.m. Most stores are open till 7 p.m. Fridays and the eve of Jewish holidays are half-days:

• Since the Sabbath and Jewish holidays begin at sunset, business establishments are only open in the morning hours.  For example, on Fridays most regular businesses close about 1:00 p.m.  There are however cafes, restaurants, and places of entertainment that are open on Friday nights and on Saturdays. Museums as well are often open on Saturdays, though not necessarily on festivals. 
• Banks: Irregular hours, though always open in the mornings.
• Most Israelis take off the week of Passover and Sukkot (Tabernacles) so peak hotel season.
• On Yom Kippur everything is closed. 

11. LANGUAGE

There are two official languages in Israel - Hebrew and Arabic. Hebrew is the common language spoken by Jews who comprise about 80% of the general population and have come to Israel from over 100 countries. Arabic is spoken by the Israeli Arab population. English is the #1 foreign language and is widely spoken as are most European languages.

The state school system is divided into Hebrew speaking schools and Arabic speaking schools.

12. LAUNDRY

Laundromats are widespread and most of them wash, dry, and fold the clothes for you. Rates are very reasonable. Self-service laundromats are less common.

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13. MONEY

The name of the currency is the shekel, often abbreviated N.I.S. (New Israeli Shekel). The name is taken from the Bible where it originally represented a unit of weight of pure silver. Bring U.S. cash dollars- easiest to change and can even pay directly. In general less hassle, time, and better rates with official moneychangers than banks (found in city centers or shopping malls). Traveler's checks are expensive to cash and only at banks- few businesses accept them. Credit cards are widely accepted. ATM machines are convenient (when they work) but don't forget to bring your PIN number! Can wire money to Israel via Western Union and pick up at any Israel post office, but need passport ID.

14. NATURE

As a land bridge between continents covering a wide variety of climate zones (alpine to desert), Israel's plants and animals of Israel are tremendously varied. Today one can frequently sight foxes, wolves, hyenas, jackals, caracals, gazelles, deer, ibex, rock hyrax, tortoises, weasels, ostriches, as well as smaller reptiles and mammals. Leopards exist but are extremely rare. There is even an animal reserve which is slowly repopulating Israel with the animals of biblical times. While extinct today, there were even lions and bears roaming Israel in Bible times.

15. NEWSPAPERS & MAGAZINES

Two big English language newspapers: Jerusalem Post and Haaretz (translated from Hebrew). The weekend edition comes out on Friday morning.

16. PACKING & LUGGAGE

Pack light- medium-size suitcases are best, the large rigid ones are difficult to pack and transport.  Keep in mind that just about everything can be found in Israel if you are missing anything.  A daypack is very useful and convenient.

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17. POPULATION & RELIGION

The population of Israel is about 6 million people of which 82% are Jewish, 12% are Moslem, 6% are Christian denominations, and 2% are others (Druse, etc.) In Israel religion and state are not totally separated: Marriage and divorce are only through the religious courts of one's religious community, the state supports religious schools, etc.

18. POSTAL SERVICE

There are post offices all over Israel where once can buy stamps, mail packages, purchase telephone cards, and receive Western Union wire transfers. See www.postil.com for more information. Always open in the morning though afternoon hours can change - depending on the branch.

19. SAFETY & SECURITY

Tourists are always surprised by how safe Israel's streets are- there is actually very little violent crime.  The reporting of isolated terror incidents rarely show the six million local people going about their daily routine and enjoying life. One can walk around just about anywhere and find local people very helpful.

20. TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICES

• Acre: Eljazzar St. 04-9911764
• Ben Gurion Airport- tel. 03-9720400
• Eilat: The Bridge House, 08-6309111
• Jerusalem: Jaffa Gate, 02-6271422
• Jerusalem Christian Info. Ctr. (Jaffa Gate): Mon.-Sat. 8:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
• Tel Aviv: 46 Herbert Samuel St., 03-5166188, Sun-Thurs. 9:30am-5:30 pm, Fri. till 1 p.m.

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21. WEATHER

Israel has a mild dry climate with a weather pattern little changed little since Bible times: Dry season from Passover (April) to Sukkot (October) and rainy season from Fall through Spring, though may not rain for days and weeks, and when it does, rarely lasts. Summer months of July and August are the hottest with frequent heat waves. The rest of the year is warm to cool sunny days.  Some winter snow, though rare, in the mountains around Jerusalem and in Galilee, but rarely sticks. Winter nights in the mountains can be a dry cold. Dressing with layers during the colder months is recommended.

• Winter(Dec.-March): Winter weather can fluctuate. Generally cool sunny weather during the day (need a good sweater/fleece). Sporadic cold waves and heavy rains calling for proper clothing, but which rarely last more than a couple of days.
• Spring(late Mar- May): Daytime temperatures very pleasant. Much warmer at the Red Sea and Dead Sea. Possibility of rain- primarily scattered showers.
• Summer (June-Sept.): Temperatures in the high 80s, 90s. Coastal areas (Tel Aviv) and at the Sea of Galilee (Tiberias) are humid whereas in the mountains (Jerusalem) it is dry, cooling in the evenings.  The Dead Sea (Masada) and Red Sea (Eilat) get very hot, but dry. There is no rain.
• Fall(Oct.-Nov.) Fall weather, like Spring, is very mild. Slight chances of scattered showers. Sweatshirt usually sufficient.

22. V.A.T (Value Added Tax)

There is 15.5% value added tax on most goods and services in Israel. At retail stores, this tax is always already included in the price. Some shops have a government arrangement for V.A.T refund for tourists. The V.A.T is refunded at the airport upon departure and presentation of your purchase. Tourist services, such as hotel accommodations and meals taken in hotels, are exempt from V.A.T. tax when paid in U.S. dollars or Euros.

23. VISAS

Visitors on a tourist visa are allowed to remain in Israel for up to three months from the date of arrival. Visitors who intend to work in Israel must apply to the Ministry of the Interior for a special visa (B/1).

24. WEIGHTS & MEASURES

Israel uses the metric system: 1 kilometer = 0.62 miles and 1 kilogram = 2.2 pounds

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