MEJDI TOURS COUNTRY GUIDE This document will provide you with practical as well as cultural information about Israel, Palestine, and Jordan, in order to help you prepare for your trip and to provide you with the essentials for a smooth travel experience. Entry Requirements Israel requires United States citizens to have a passport valid for at least six months past the duration of their stay. Please also be sure to have at least three blank pages in your passport. United States citizens are issued tourist visas upon arrival at the airport, valid for 90 days. Health Information In addition to the information provided below, please consult with your physician to discuss your specific health needs. Vaccination or Preventative Medicine Recommendations The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not require any non-routine vaccinations for travel to Israel and Palestine. Before any trip abroad, it is advised that you ensure that routine vaccines be up to date. Please consult with your doctor to determine your own particular needs and safety. For questions about vaccination and preventative medicine recommendations, you may consult the CDC website (www.cdc.gov/travel) or call the CDC at 1-800-311-3435. Medical Care Medical facilities are plentiful and first-rate in Israel and Palestine. Medical care can be expensive, therefore health insurance is recommended. If you require medical assistance, or in the event of a medical emergency, the trip guides will assist you with locating the nearest Medical Center. Dial 101 for emergency medical care. Medicines It is our recommendation you carry a small supply of any necessary medications and personal items with you. These may include over-the-counter medications for normal aches and pains and traveler’s diarrhea, feminine supplies, an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses, and any other items of a personal nature that may prove difficult to find. You should bring an adequate supply of any prescription drugs you use, as well as copies of those prescriptions. It is also a good idea to carry an up-to-date record of known allergies or MEJDI Tours Explore – Encounter - Engage http://mejdi.net chronic medical problems so that emergency treatment, if necessary, can be carried out as effectively as possible. Water and Food Safety The tap water in Israel is safe to drink. The water in Palestine is unfortunately not quite as reliable, bottled water is widely available, and advised, while in Palestine. We will provide the group with bottled water throughout the expedition. Cultural Essentials Travel in Israel and Palestine Travel in Israel and Palestine is truly a unique travel experience, and approximately 3.5 million tourists visit the area each year. While many seek to visit the Holy Land, other highlights are the cultural and historical sites, the beautiful beaches, and ecotourism. Photography We will be visiting many incredible sites worth photographing—religious and holy sites, places of historical interest, and of course beautiful landscapes. However, please be sensitive to taking photographs of individuals in Orthodox or Muslim neighborhoods, or in general when taking photographs of individuals without their consent. It is also not advised to photograph military or police personnel without their consent. As a matter of common courtesy, please ask permission from anyone you wish to photograph. Practical Details Safety Precautions While crime rates are low in most areas, it is best to take precautions. Please keep money, passports, and other valuables safely secured and out of sight. Electricity The electrical current in Israel and Palestine is 220/230 volts AC, 50 Hz. Three-pin plugs are standard in Israel and Palestine. For electronics that are compatible with both 110 and 220/230 volt outlets, you will only need a plug adapter. For electronic devices that do not support 220/230 volts, a converter will be needed, along with an adapter. Measurements The standard units of measurement for distance, weights, and temperature, and sizes are not the same as those used in the United States. The following chart provides you with several methods for conversion: Measurement Unit US Equivalent Conversion Length Centimeter Inch 2.54 centimeters = 1 inch .39 inch = 1 centimeter ■ 2 ■ Measurement Unit US Equivalent Conversion Length Meter Foot .3 meter = 1 foot 3.28 feet = 1 meter Length Meter Yard .91 meter = 1 yard 1.09 yards = 1 meter Distance Kilometer Mile 1.61 kilometers = 1 mile .62 mile = 1 kilometer Weight Gram Ounce .035 gram = 1 ounce 28.35 ounces = 1 gram Weight Kilogram Pound 2.21 kilograms = 1 pound .45 pound = 1 kilogram Volume Liter Gallon 3.79 liters = 1 gallon .26 gallon = 1 liter Temperature Celsius Fahrenheit (1.8 x C° temp) + 32 = F° (F° temp – 32) x 5/9 = C° Here is a quick guideline for converting between Celsius and Fahrenheit: Celsius 35° 30° 25° 20° 15° 10° 5° 0° Fahrenheit 95° 86° 75° 68° 59° 50° 41° 32° Time There is one time zone throughout Israel and Palestine. While you are traveling, the time will be seven hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time. Money Matters The New Israeli Shekel is the currency for both Israel and Palestine. The current exchange rate is 3.82 New Israeli Shekel (ILS) to 1 USD. It is a good idea to check the exchange rate close to your trip date, but historically the exchange rate is 3.5—4 ILS to 1 USD. Bank notes are in denominations of 200, 100, 50, and 20. Coins are in denominations of 10, 5, 2, and 1; and 50 and 10 agorot. (1 shekel = 100 agorot). Note: Prices for tourists are sometimes quoted in US Dollars. ATMs in Israel and Palestine are readily available, and major credit cards are widely accepted. Traveler’s checks are also widely accepted. Please talk to your bank prior to your departure to notify them of your upcoming trip so they will not put a red flag on your account and hinder your purchases. Bank Hours Banks in Israel and are usually open from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Sunday through Friday and from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Banks in Palestine are usually open from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Saturday through Thursday and from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday through Wednesday. ■ 3 ■ Shopping and DininG Travelers frequently inquire how much additional money they will need. We suggest that you take the following into consideration when determining the amount that is most suitable for your spending habits: • Can you use credit cards readily or will you need to rely on cash or travelers checks? • Do you plan to purchase many souvenirs or gifts? • How many independent meals are in the itinerary? • How much will you spend on alcoholic beverages? (Usually not included with meals.) • How much will you need for gratuities? Bargaining is very common in Israel and Palestine. In general, if there are sales agents, very high prices, or no displayed prices—it is best to bargain. In corporate stores and most stores in malls, bargaining or haggling is not appropriate. Sometimes it is hard to tell when bargaining is standard practice—don’t hesitate to ask your tour guides for advice. Gratuity and TippinG Guidelines Gratuities are not included on this expedition. Please estimate about $110 USD which will be collected in country by your trip leader and dispersed to the different local vendors. Restaurants: In Israel and Palestine, a ten to fifteen percent gratuity is normal and appreciated. Taxis: If using a taxi in Israel or Palestine, make sure that the driver uses the meter, or a fare is agreed upon prior to departure. Tipping taxi drivers is not standard practice in Israel and Palestine. Communications And Media Being Reached Abroad A hotel contact list is included with the final mailing with information about how you may be reached while traveling. Additionally, should anyone wish to reach you, 1-800-490-4796 will connect you with the tour operator directly. During non-business hours, please follow the instructions on the voicemail to reach someone during an emergency. Telephones The country code is +972 for Israel and +970 for Palestine. Mobile phone coverage is plentiful. Should you wish to have a local number upon arrival, the easiest way is to bring along a SIM-ready cell phone, and purchase a SIM card upon arrival. E-Mail And Conventional Mail Email: Internet access is readily available at the hotels and in and around Israel and Palestine. Internet cafes are also plentiful in most areas. ■ 4 ■ Mail: In Israel, Post Offices are usually open Sun—Tues and Thurs 8am—12pm and 3:30— 6:30pm, Wed 8am—1:30pm and Fri 8am—12pm. Our recommendation is to consult with the concierge of your hotel to assist with mailing letters or packages, or locating the nearest postal office. English Language Media In addition to accessing the Internet, there are several options for keeping abreast of current events while you are traveling: • English language newspapers or magazines: Haaretz and The Jerusalem Post. • Television channels: Most hotels have a variety of International news channels. BackGround Information Natural Environment Although only slightly larger than New Jersey, Israel and the Palestinian Areas enjoys significant geographic variation, and contains four climate zones. The land is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea on the East coast, Lebanon to the North, Syria to the East, and Egypt to the South. The climate and landscape differ widely from the fertile region surrounding the Galilee to the vast desert in the south; to the Dead Sea, with an elevation 1388 feet below sea level (the lowest spot on Earth) to Mt.