| Country Name |
Israel |
| Geographical Area |
7,992 square miles |
| Population |
7,026,000 (estimated May 2006) |
| Capital City |
Jerusalem |
| People |
|
| Language |
Hebrew and Arabic are the official languages. English is the most common second language and appears on road signs. |
| Religion |
76.2% Jews by religion, 16.1% were Muslims, 2.1% Christians, 1.6% Druze |
| Government |
Founded in 1948, Israel is a parliamentary democracy, with an elected prime minister and a cabinet made up of various government portfolios.
|
| Head of Gov. |
Prime minister: Ehud Olmert; president: Shimon Peres (head of the state) |
| Visas |
Americans and Canadian citizens only need a valid passport to visit Israel. They don't need visas. Other nationals should contact the Israeli consulate in their area for more information. A tourist entering Israel is allowed to stay up to three months. To extend your stay after three months, contact the Ministry of Interior Affairs. |
| Health Risks |
There are no vaccinations or immunizations requirements for Israel. |
| Clothing Suggestions |
Dress is casual by day, but dressier wear may be necessary at some restaurants and night spots in the evening. Conservative dress is needed for religious sites. |
| Time Zone |
Seven hours later than Eastern Standard Time. |
| Banking / Exchange |
Most banks are open from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays; also from 4 to 6 p.m. Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays; and from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Fridays and the eves of major Jewish holidays. Bank branches in major hotels usually offer convenient additional banking hours. Foreign currency may be exchanged at the airport or at any bank and in many hotels throughout Israel. |
| Currency |
New Israeli Shekel (NIS) |
| Electric Current |
The electric current in Israel is 220 Volts AC, single phase, 50 Hertz. Most Israeli sockets are three-pronged, but many of them can accommodate other varieties. Most luxury hotels provide hair-dryers and all hotels have sockets for U.S. shavers. Most other appliances require a converter or transformer that can be purchased at any hardware store in Israel. |
| Credit Cards / Traveler Checks |
Major credit cards-American Express, Diners' 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 ATMs. |
| Shopping |
Stores are open Sunday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., although some close for a midday break between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. On Fridays and the eves of major Jewish holidays, shops are open in the morning and close early in the afternoon. Muslim-owned stores are closed Fridays and those run by Christians are closed on Sundays.
Flea markets and bazaars: The market in Jaffa remains a venerable institution. All the old towns of Israel such as Akko and Nazareth, have bazaars, but the ultimate is to be found in the Old City of Jerusalem. |
| Weights & measures |
Metric |
| How to shop Tax Fee |
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| National Airport |
Ben Gurion Airport Tel Aviv (TLV), Jerusalem (JRS) |
| Major Tourist Attractions |
Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Tel Aviv, Red Sea, Dead Sea |
| Tipping Suggestion |
It is customary to tip hotel personnel, guides and drivers. Service charges are often included in tour packages. A 15 percent tip is the average in restaurants. While tipping is not mandatory in taxis, locals usually don't, visitors are free to do so. |
Destinations
Italy
