Visiting a new place is definitely an exciting thing especially when there is a lot of planning involved. Israel is a great place to visit. There are so many religious spots and historical spots to visit. Apart from all the historical and religious linkage, there are many natural wonders as well. However, when you are visiting a new place there are many things that need to be kept in mind. Visiting a new country will certainly be exciting but some places have certain rules that need to be followed or lack certain things. A new place can also be scary because people will be talking in the local language and apart from this, the very fact that it is a new place can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. It is always good to be prepared beforehand. If you are looking for the best Israel travel tips then look no further. We have composed a list of some of the best things that you need to keep in mind before visiting Israel.
10 Things You Need To Know Before Visiting Israel
Planning a trip to Israel anytime soon? Go through this list of Israel travel tips to stay safe and have a memorable experience:
1. Always carry electrical adapters with you
The most common thing to happen to tourists is that they end up without their electrical devices. The electrical outlets around Islam require a 3 round-pegged prong. Most people don’t even check out any Israel travel tips before they head out and so they end up trapped because of the wrong plug. Make sure that you purchase one and carry it with you before your trip. You don’t want to spend time looking for one in town and the last thing you want is to be stranded in a new area with no way to get help.
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2. Most restaurants offer ‘Kosher’ food
There are rules that are followed in Israel and one of the most important happen to be their food rule. Most restaurants in Israel will offer Kosher food and you might just wonder what this means. It means that they are following their religious rules and it is in a way what Halal is to Muslims. Food that is Kosher would mean that the animal was killed in the most painless way possible according to Jewish law. They also condemn eating dairy with meat. Although most of the newer generation doesn’t follow this law, it is one of the most important Israel travel tips in 2023.
3. Pack and wear modest clothing
If you are planning to visit religious spots such as Jerusalem or orthodox neighborhoods, you will need to be dressed appropriately. Although it may be warm during summer, if you plan to visit places like the Western Wall or the spot where Jesus was crucified, it is recommended to wear t-shirts with sleeves that fall below the elbow and long skirts or pants. The people are rather orthodox and you don’t want them making a scene. This would definitely be one of those crucial traveling tips for Israel. If you forget to carry proper clothing then worry not, religious women hand it out near the Western Wall.
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4. Be prepared to be strictly interviewed at the airport
It is important to understand that since Israel has had a lot of issues in the past, security is very tight. If you are a tourist then you will definitely be interviewed before they let you enter. Some of the questions you might be asked include the purpose of your trip, if it is your first time, what you do for a living, who you have come with and how you are related, who packed your bags and much more. A security check is easy to pass through but the interview is longer and takes more time. Some people are naturally anxious and this might give them a bad idea if you are hesitant to answer. Just be sure to have all your answers set straight and you are good to go. This is, in fact, one of the best Israel travel tips.
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5. Keep the paper visa/slip you receive at the airport safely
There is always confusion about whether you will be banned from other countries once you visit Israel. Because of the entire issue of being a threat, Israel does not stamp your passport when you visit. Instead, they give you a paper visa to carry along with you to avoid all that hassle. Make sure to keep the slip safely, as it is proof that you have entered into the country after being checked. You will also be required to show this slip at any crossing points. Keep it safely along with your passport. You definitely don’t want to end up stuck in a new country.
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6. Visit Tel Aviv during the night
The city of Tel Aviv is famous for its nightlife. Although there are plenty of attractions to see during the day, the city just has countless bars and restaurants. If the nightlife scene is for you then make sure to visit Tel Aviv during the night time. Tel Aviv really does come alive at night with all the lit up bars and restaurants. If you don’t want to be disappointed, you should definitely visit during the night if you want to find good places to kick back with a good drink. You can find great bars and even patio spots.
7. Be prepared for the Shabbat hours
The Israeli weekends start on Fridays and Saturdays. The working days are from Sundays to Thursdays. The Sabbath for Jews sets in at sunset on Fridays. Businesses and public transportation will not be running during the weekend. This is one of the best Israel travel tips as there are some places that will stay open in secular areas but if you are visiting a religious area then you need to be prepared for everything to close down by 4-5 PM and it won’t open before Saturday evening. Make sure to plan your trip accordingly.
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8. Use the plenty of Monit Sheruts available
Monit Sherut are shared taxis that are basically yellow small or white van that can take about 10 passengers at a time. The travel between cities and drop people off at major hubs or central stations. You will need to find a monit sherut that operates in the city you are in or the city you want to visit. If you need to be dropped off at any location along the way, then you can do that as well. These share cabs are a great way of saving money since taking a regular taxi would end up being way too expensive.
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9. Don’t be scared if you see soldiers roaming the streets
It is actually quite normal for soldiers to stroll the streets with their guns in hand. Military service is actually important for both genders so you will more than likely come across soldiers in their uniforms with a weapon in hand. Israel takes its security very seriously so you will have to get used to this, even if you find it worrying at first.
10. You will need to find ways to cut expenses
Israel is actually pretty expensive as compared to what people may think. The staying, food, drinks and shopping is certainly not cheap. There are many ways that you can cut down on expenses such as – purchasing food from local markets, staying at a hotel where breakfast is included, finding a hotel that is centrally located and going for shared taxis or shuttles. If you can, carry extra money just to be sure.
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We hope these traveling tips for Israel have been able to prepare you well for your trip. Know any more things one should know before visiting this beautiful country? Pop them in the comments section below to help other travelers. Don’t forget to book your trip with TravelTriangle to have the best holiday experience on your life!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Israel Travel Tips
Still confused? These might be able to help clear some of them:
Is it safe to travel to Israel?
It is safe to travel to Israel as there is no question about security. Security is tight in most places and even in the airport. This is only because they want to make Israel a safer place.
What should one carry while traveling to Israel?
Make sure to carry universal charges as the Israel ports are 3 pronged.
Carry appropriate and decent clothing that doesn’t show much skin out of modesty, especially when visiting religious places.
Sunscreen is very expensive in Israel, so it is a good idea to carry your own from home as it can get really hot in Israel during the day.
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