Important Israel Travel Tips
Getting Ready
To enhance your Israel experience we recommend the following books:
The Source, by James Michener – a masterful journey through Israel’s history.
Exodus, by Leon Uris – the popular novel which vividly describes the founding of Israel in 1948.
The Case for Israel, by Alan Dershowitz
Passport
You must have a passport that will remain valid throughout the trip and for an additional six months post tour. Every traveler (including children) must have his or her own passport. A passport can be ordered at most Post Office branches. No visa or inoculations are required to visit Israel.
Luggage Tags & Name Tags
We provide you with 2 luggage tags and one name tag per person. These must be used on the tour for both security and identification reasons at many of the sites in Israel. We mail these tags to you in your final documents to be brought to Israel. Place your luggage tags on your bags, suitcase and carry-on, prior to departure. Name tags are to be worn on the tour.
Baggage Allowance
Due to motor coach space limitations, we allow one normal sized suitcase per individual (weight not exceeding 50 lbs) and one carry- on bag per individual. Remember, a wise traveler packs light! The normal sized suitcase should not exceed a total of 62 inches (height, width and depth) and the carry-on bag should not exceed 17” x 12” x 10”. For safety reasons, wheeled carry-on bags are not suitable as hand luggage on motor coaches. Please note that porterage for one suitcase at hotels is included in the tour price. We charge $50 for any additional baggage collected in Israel upon arrival. Airport porterage is not included.
Money & Credit Cards
The shekel is Israel’s currency. The rate of exchange is approximately 3.75 shekels = $1.00 This means each shekel is worth about 25 cents. For example, an item that costs 100 shekels is about $25.00 US dollars. For your two weeks in Israel, we recommend 800.00 USD cash per person, along with major credit cards (VISA, MasterCard, AmEx). We suggest that you use credit cards for major purchases and use shekels for smaller items and incidentals. Please inform your credit card company that you are going out of the country to avoid approval problems when making purchases. Traveler’s checks are not recommended and not widely accepted.
Atm Machines
The best way to change money in Israel is to withdraw cash as you need it from your American checking account using your bank’s debit card. Automatic teller machines (ATMs) are everywhere. Your debit card must be part of an international network; most are, but if you’re not sure, ask your bank. The ATM exchange rate is generally excellent but your American bank may add a service charge per transaction. ATM instructions begin in Hebrew, but they automatically switch to English once you enter your card and PIN number. If your PIN number is more than 4 digits, change it to 4 digits at your bank before you leave for Israel.
Safes
All of our hotels have safes in the rooms (except the Kibbutz)
Tipping
All tipping to housekeeping, porters, dining rooms, Maitre’ Ds, and restaurants are included on your tour.
Not included are gratuities to the guide and driver for their outstanding service.
$60.00 per person to guide / $30.00 per person to driver
Counselors on the Bar & Bat Mitzvah Family Tours- at your discretion
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Optional Tours
(only American $$ Cash accepted)
Registration and payment for these tours are done in Israel with your guide.
Haifa Saturday optional tour to Tel Megiddo & Druze Village- $50.00 per person (Kids $35.00)
Jerusalem Saturday optional tour Christian Sites in the Old City- $35.00 per person- ADULTS ONLY TOURS
Calling Home
You can purchase a “Telecard”, they’re readily available at most hotel shops. Approximately $20.00 will buy you enough time to make several calls to the U. S. and calls locally or you can rent a cell phone. To order a cell phone, please go promotional code mmtours or call 1.800.931.9773.
Clothing
Casual Clothing is suitable for daytime and most evenings.
Bring 1 pair very comfortable walking shoes, 1 pair rubber plastic sandals for beach or Dead Sea,
bathing suits, 1 lightweight shawl for women (to cover arms in religious sites), sunscreen, sunglasses, hats
Friday Night Shabbats - SMART CASUAL DRESSCODE
Gala Celebration Dinner – DRESS UP/COCKTAIL ATTIRE (sports coat-the norm but not required)
Religious Sights
Pants/capris (not shorts) are acceptable for women at all religious sights except The Great Synagogue in Jerusalem. If you are planning to attend services modest dress is required for women – below knee length & sleeves (skirt/dress).
Laundry
We provide a laundry pick-up and delivery in Jerusalem at the halfway point of the tour. The cost is 50 Shekels per load (up to 8 lbs). In addition, the hotels provide their own valet laundry services. Most hotels do not provide irons.
Bar/Bat Mitzvah Tours
White shirt and white/beige shorts for the ceremony on Massada (does NOT apply to December Tour)
Talith for the ceremony (Rabbi will provide for those without)
Bar/Bat Mitzvah Party/Gala: Everyone dresses up for the celebration party/ Cocktail Attire
Videos Bar Mitzvah Tours
VIDEOS (Bar/Bat Mitzvah Family Tours): There will be a photographer who will be offering professional videos of the Bar & Bat Mitzvah ceremony on Massada and Bar/Bat Mitzvah Gala Party that evening. The cost is determined by the photographers approximately $275 USD. They accept personal checks or cash only- No credit cards.
Electrical Transformers
Israel’s electricity is the European system 220V/60Hz. All of our hotels have “shaver” outlets in the bathrooms for American shavers and built-in hair dryers. If you need to charge cameras, phones, or any other electronic devices you will need to bring a transformer (available at Radio Shack, Wal-Mart, Best Buy) and an assortment of adapters (to fit Israeli plugs).
Internet Access
Options and costs vary starting from $15.00
Eating In Israel
All of our breakfasts & dinners are Kosher in all hotels and restaurants. Lunches on route with Kosher options available and mostly in multi- selection food courts. WATER: Tap water is officially drinkable throughout Israel, but bottled mineral water is widely available including for sale on the busses by the drivers. Remember to drink more liquid than usual to combat the effects of dehydration.
V.A.T
V.A.T: Value Added Tax refunds are collected at Ben Gurion airport on departure from Israel only. You must have the item purchased with the V.A.T. receipt to present at V.A.T. counters within Ben Gurion airport.
