Visiting a new place is definitely exciting especially when there is a lot of planning involved. Israel is an amazing place to visit. There are many religious sites and historical sites to visit. Apart from all the historical and religious connections, there are many natural wonders as well. However, when visiting a new place, there are several things to keep in mind. Visiting a new country will definitely be exciting but some places have certain rules to follow or are lacking in certain things. A new place can also be intimidating because people will be speaking in the local language and apart from this, the fact that it is a new place can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. It is always good to be prepared in advance. If you are looking for the best Travel advice to Israel Then look no further. We have compiled a list of some of the best things that you should keep in mind before visiting Israel.
10 things you need to know before visiting Israel
Are you planning a trip to Israel anytime soon? Check out our list of Israel travel tips to stay safe and have an unforgettable experience:
1. Always carry electrical adapters with you
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The most common thing that happens to tourists is that they end up without their electrical appliances. Electrical outlets around Islam require a 3 round hole prong. Most people don’t even check any Israel travel tips before they head out and end up stranded because of the wrong plug. Make sure to buy 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 of getting help.
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2. Most restaurants serve kosher food.
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There are rules that are followed in Israel and one of the most important is their food rules. Most restaurants in Israel will serve kosher food and you may just be wondering what this means. This means that they follow their religious rules and that it is in some way halal for Muslims. Kosher food means that the animal has been killed in the most painless way according to Jewish law. They also condemn eating dairy products with meat. Although most of the new generation do not follow this law, it is one of the most important tips for traveling to Israel in 2021.
3. Pack and dress modestly
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If you plan to visit religious places such as Jerusalem or Orthodox neighborhoods, you will need to dress appropriately. Although it can be warm during the summer, if you plan to visit places like the Western Wall or the place where Jesus was crucified, shirts with sleeves that fall below the elbow and long skirts or pants are recommended. People are pretty orthodox and you don’t want them to make a scene. This will definitely be one of the important travel tips for Israel. If you forgot to put on the proper clothes don’t worry, religious women deliver them near the Western Wall.
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4. Be prepared for a rigorous interview at the airport
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It is important to understand that since Israel has faced so many issues in the past, the security is very tight. If you are a tourist, you will surely be met before they let you in. Some of the questions you might be asked include the purpose of your trip, if it’s your first time, what you do for a living, who you came with and how are you related, who packed your bags and much more. It is easy to pass the security check but the interview is longer and takes more time. Some people are naturally anxious and this may give them a bad idea if you are hesitant to answer. Just make sure you put all of your answers in perspective and you’re good to go. This is, in fact, one of the best Israel travel tips.
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5. Keep the paper visa/voucher you receive at the airport securely
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There is always confusion about whether you will be denied entry to other countries once you visit Israel. Because of the whole threat issue, Israel does not stamp your passport when you visit. Instead, they give you a paper visa to carry around with you to avoid all that hassle. Be sure to keep the voucher securely, as it is proof of your entry into the country after you have been checked. You will also be asked to show this voucher at any transit points. Keep it safe with your passport. You definitely don’t want to end up stuck in a new country.
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6. Visit Tel Aviv at night
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Tel Aviv is famous for its nightlife. Although there are plenty of attractions to see during the day, the city has countless bars and restaurants. If the nightlife scene suits you, make sure you visit Tel Aviv at night. Tel Aviv really comes alive at night with all the lit up bars and restaurants. If you don’t want to be disappointed then definitely visit during the night if you want to find good places to chill with a good drink. You can find great bars and even patio spots.
7. Be prepared for Saturday hours
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Israeli weekends start on Friday and Saturday. Working days are from Sunday to Thursday. Shabbat for Jews begins at sunset on Fridays. Business and public transportation will not operate during the weekend. This is one of the best tips for traveling to Israel as there are some places that will stay open in the secular areas but if you are visiting a religious area you need to be prepared for everything to close by 4-5pm and it won’t happen. Open before Saturday evening. Make sure to plan your trip accordingly.
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8. Use a lot of available Monit Sheruts
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Monit Sherut are shared taxis which are a small yellow or white car that can accommodate about 10 passengers at a time. Traveling between cities and dropping people off at main axes or central stations. You will need to find a monit sherut that works in the city you are in or the city you want to visit. If you need to get off anywhere along the way, you can do that too. These shared taxis are a great way to save money because taking a regular taxi will end up being very expensive.
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9. Don’t be afraid if you see soldiers roaming the streets
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Indeed, it is quite normal for soldiers to walk the streets with their weapons in hand. Military service is actually important for both sexes, so you are more likely to come across soldiers in uniform with a gun in their hands. Israel takes its security very seriously, so you’ll have to get used to it, even if it feels apprehensive at first.
10. You will need to find ways to cut expenses
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Israel is actually very expensive compared to what people might think. Accommodation, food, drinks and shopping are definitely not cheap. There are many ways you can cut expenses such as – buying food from local markets, staying in a hotel that includes breakfast, finding a centrally located hotel and going for shared taxis or shuttle buses. If you can, carry extra cash just to be sure.
read more: Honeymoon in Israel: The Beginning of a Lifetime Romance
We hope these Israel travel tips were able to prepare you well for your trip. Do you know more things one should know before visiting this beautiful country? Post it in the comments section below to help other travelers. Don’t forget to book your trip with TravelTriangle for the best vacation experience of your life!
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please note: Any information posted by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended as a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one should not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of his or her choice.
Frequently asked questions about travel advice in Israel
Still confused? These may be able to help eliminate some of them:
Is it safe to travel to Israel?
Traveling to Israel is safe because there is no doubt about security. Security is tight in most places, even at 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 international fees because Israeli ports are made up of three branches.
Carry appropriate and decent clothing that does not show too much skin out of modesty, especially when visiting religious places.
Sunscreens are very expensive in Israel so it’s a good idea to carry one with you from home as it can get very hot in Israel during the day.
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