Major credit cards (American Express, Diner’s Club, Visa and Mastercard/Access/Eurocard) are widely accepted throughout Israel. Holders of Visa or Mastercard/Access/Eurocard credit cards may withdraw funds at the foreign currency counters of affiliated banks or at certain automated teller machines(ATMs). You can withdraw up to 1,000 shekel a day from the ATM's with a credit card or ATM card.

Money Exchange - Do not exchange your money in a bank! The commission charged is astronomical!  The solution is to go to "Change" shops scattered around most city centers. They take no commission and equal the bank rates.

Value Added Tax (V.A.T) - Value Added Tax (17%) is levied on all goods and services and is included in the quoted price. Tourists are exempt from V.A.T on the following services: accommodation (hotels, youth hostels, field schools and camping); organized tours; tourist car hire with driver-guide; car rental; flights and tours operated by domestic aviation companies; meals provided by tour operators during organized tours; meals eaten in hotel restaurants by guests (and included in the hotel bill, paid for in any currency, including NIS.) 

V.A.T Refunds - Goods may be purchased in all currencies including the New Israeli Sheqel.  Tourists who purchase goods exceeding $100 (including V.A.T) in value at shops listed by the Ministry of Tourism and shops participating in the V.A.T refund program are entitled to a V.A.T refund at the port of departure. Shops offering this service display this sign:

This provision does not apply to tobacco products, electrical appliances, cameras, film or other photographic supplies.  Please be sure to obtain a special invoice for the purpose of V.A.T refund at the time of purchase. This invoice and the goods purchased should be placed in a bag which is then sealed. The bag may not be opened until after departure.  On arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport and all other departure points, please go to the Change Place office in the departure lounge. The official will open the sealed bag, verify the contents, stamp the invoice and refund the V.A.T in any currency less commission. The refund can be sent to your address abroad as indicated on the invoice for payment of a special fee.

Electrical Appliances

The electric current in this region of the world is 220 volts AC, single phase, 50 Hertz.  Most local sockets are of the three-pronged variety but many can accept some European two-pronged plugs as well. Electric shavers, traveling irons and other small appliances may require adapters and/or transformers which can be easily purchased.

Telephones

 Public Telephones are operated with a plastic credit card size phone card, available at post offices and your hotel newsstand. Cards of 20, 50 and100 units are available . A reasonable way to communicate. 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 dialing188. Domestic directory information is available by dialing144 (free from public phone). For collect calls within Israel, dial 142.  You can also use your hotel phone for all your local, long distance and overseas calls.

The international dialing prefix for Israel is 972. (which can be used for Palestine too)  When direct dialing from overseas, omit the # 0 in the local are code. For example, to call (02) 1111111 from abroad, dial the relevant international access code, followed by 972-2-1111111.

Cellular Telephones: Very popular and reasonable. You can rent them at Ben Gurion International Airport or contact your hotel concierge. If you bring your own cellular phone that accepts SIM cards, you can buy a local SIM card and get a local number.  This is worth the money if you are staying in the country for a long time and will be needing a phone regularly.

It is illegal to drive while holding a cell phone.

Weights and Measures

The metric system is used exclusively.  A kilometer is a bit over 1/2 mile (.62 miles).  A kilogram equals 2.2 pounds.

Passports and Visas

Every visitor to Israel must hold a valid passport; stateless persons require a valid travel document with a return visa to the country of issue. Visitors may remain in Israel for up to three months from the date of arrival, subject to the terms of the visa issued. Visitors who intend to work in Israel must apply to the Ministry of the Interior for a special visa (B/1).

Visitors' Visas: Citizens of the following countries will be issued visitors’ visas (or transit visas - see below) free of charge at port of entry in Israel:

Europe: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, Germany (Persons born after 1.1.28), Gibraltar,Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.

Asia & Oceania: Australia, Fiji Islands, Japan, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Philippines, South Korea

Africa: Central African Republic, Losoto, Malawi, Mauritius, South Africa, Swaziland

The Americas: Argentina, Barbados, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Ecuador, Guatemala, Haiti, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, St. Kitts, & Nevis, Surinam, Trinidad, & Tobago, The Bahamas, The Dominican Republic, Uruguay, U.S.A.

Transit Visas: Visitors interested in stopping over in Israel en route to other destinations may request five-day transit visas that may be extended for a further ten days on arrival in Israel.

Cruise ship passengers visiting Israel will be issued Landing Cards allowing them to remain in the country as long as their ship is in port. No visa applications are required.

Entering Israel: You'll receive an AL-17 form upon entry. Save it until departure.

Health Regulations

There are no vaccination requirements for visitors entering Israel.
Pets: Dogs or cats accompanying visitors must be over four months old, inoculated against rabies and bear a valid official veterinary health certificate from the

country of origin. 

Vaccinations: Not required for tourists entering the country.