Safety tends to be one of the first questions/concerns for travelers to Israel. At the end of a tour, ironically, many of our tourists have commented how they felt much safer while on the tour, being in Israel, than they did in their own home country.

Israel and the Middle East tend to draw the media in for many different reasons. Many while here realize first hand how the media poorly portrays what life really looks like here. Tourism is one of Israel’s top industries, both for Arabs and Jews. Millions are still coming every year to visit the Holy Land.

Israel Bible Tours would never encourage tourists to come if we felt they would be in the slightest bit of danger.

Police: Dial 100
Ambulance: Dial 101
Fire department: Dial 102

Travel insurance is highly recommended for medical coverage, baggage, and trip cancellation. IBT has recommendations available upon request.

Special meals, for health reasons, may be available upon request.

Medications should be packed in carry-ons. Most basic over the counter medications can be purchased in country, but we recommend you bring your own, if you anticipate needing them.

The tours require quite a bit of walking, so we recommend you check with your doctor for good physical health and try to exercise regularly before coming. Most of the sites along the tour will be handicap accessible, however some are not. We will always do our best to accommodate for those in need.

Water- the tap water is safe to drink in Israel.

Bring clothes you do not mind getting dusty/dirty.

For visits to religious sites and areas, we recommend that you bring a little more modest clothing. This means skirts or pants that reach below the knee for women (a skirt that can be easily worn over clothes is a great solution), and shirts covering shoulders for both men and women (a light scarf is another great idea for women to throw over their shoulders). For men there are some sites where you must wear pants for modesty.

Comfortable and good shoes for walking/hiking. You may want closed water shoes for Hezekiah’s Water Tunnels and possibly the Dead Sea.

Light jacket as it can be cool in the mornings and evenings during the spring, summer, and fall. In the winter time you will need a heavy jacket/coat and warm clothes and possibly appropriate rain gear/clothing.

Swimsuit
Bible
Notebook/pen
Camera
Sunscreen
Hat
Sunglasses
Toiletries
Adapter/converter
Travel alarm clock

Cell Phone usage

There are places to buy pre-paid phone cards in Israel, or you may check with your cell phone provider before coming for international plans.

It is advised to set your phone to “airplane mode,” when leaving your country until the time you arrive back in your country so you will not receive any unexpected charges on your phone while abroad. You have the option to set your phone on “wifi” while still on airplane mode in Israel, and can use the wifi on most buses, in most restaurants, and in the hotels.

Electronic Appliances

Israel uses 220 volts AC, single phase, 50 Hertz. Most of the hotels have hair dryers and 110/220 electric shaver sockets (will take shavers from either voltage). More of the expensive appliances such as cell phones, computers, IPads, and cameras only require a small adapter, while other small appliances such as flat irons, hair dryers, etc… will require a converter.

For more information please see http://www.megavolt.co.il/Tips_and_info/visitor.html

Currency Exchange

Please check the link http://www.xe.com for the updated conversion rate to Israel’s NIS (New Israeli Shekel) currency. If bringing cash to exchange into NIS it is best to bring large bills. Most shops and restaurants accept USD, and you may want to bring small bills for this. There are ATMs, but it’s not always convenient to find one depending where you are on the tour each day. You should notify your bank before traveling that you will be abroad so your card will not be blocked.