If you’re considering a trip to Israel, there are some essential things to know before going. These include the standard time in Israel, the kinds of clothes you’ll want to pack, safety precautions, and more.
Modest clothing is necessary.
If you’re planning a trip to Israel, there are several things you’ll need to know about the country’s dress code. You won’t need to pack fancy clothes; however, you should dress in a way that won’t attract unwanted attention.
While the rules are pretty simple, they can vary from one place to another. A sleeveless shirt is acceptable in some places, while it’s a no-no in others. For religious sites, dressing appropriately is essential.
Jerusalem’s dress code is unique from other parts of the country. Most tourists should wear a long skirt or pants. However, a more formal outfit, like a maxi dress or cardigan, is also appropriate.
Tel Aviv, on the other hand, is a more casual city. It can be a bit humid in the coastal regions, so sandals or beach shoes will be a good idea.
The weather in Israel can be hot in summer and snowy in winter. Make sure to pack extra warm clothing. Warm socks, a light sweater, and a rainproof jacket will all help.
In addition, many places in Israel require more modest attire. For example, a trip to Mea Shearim, a religious site in Jerusalem, needs a little more than a long skirt.
Lastly, a trip to the Red Sea can require snorkeling gear. You’ll need to bring your own or rent some. Several beaches allow women to swim.
Kosher food is a dietary law.
Kosher food refers to foods that have been carefully inspected and prepared according to Jewish dietary laws. These laws are also known as kashrut and are rooted in religion, history, and culture. They govern the preparation, eating, and storage of foods.
Some foods and animals are considered to be prohibited. Examples include birds of prey, shellfish, and certain species of mammals. There are strict rules concerning animal slaughter.
A shochet is a person trained to butcher animals according to the laws of kashrut. He must be present at the time of milking and the end of the process.
If a non-kosher animal is used in manufacturing a product, the food is not allowed to be eaten. The animals must be slaughtered humanely and the blood drained.
For a product to be kosher, it must be produced by a manufacturer certified by a rabbinical organization. A Hechsher logo guarantees that a kosher agency has supervised a development.
The prohibitions in kashrut apply to both Jews and non-Jews. For example, there is a strict rule against pairing meat and dairy in the same meal. Also, certain foods have health risks.
Foods that are not kosher include eggs, pork products, and other shellfish. Moreover, insects, injured animals, and other animals not permitted by kashrut are omitted.
Electric bikes and scooters are everywhere.
Electric bikes and scooters are now commonplace in Israel. They are becoming a popular alternative to cars and buses in cities like Tel Aviv. Some of the fastest electric bikes on the market can travel up to 27 miles per hour.
One company, Bird, has changed the game regarding personal mobility in Tel Aviv. The US-based firm started providing its electric scooters to the city in August 2018. Now, Bird is bringing its scooters to other Israeli cities as well.
While scooters are fun to ride, you should consider a few things before jumping on one. For starters, they can only hold one person and generally cannot ride on sidewalks.
Electric bicycles and scooters are also hazardous for pedestrians. There is a risk of e-bikes catching on fire. It’s also not advisable to ride them on boardwalks.
Some countries have even enacted laws to prevent the use of e-bikes. If riding an e-bike, ensure you have the correct safety gear, including a helmet.
Aside from their environmental impact, e-bikes can be used for short trips. They are perfect for groceries. Moreover, they can make you feel good about yourself.
According to the NFPA, a nifty way to protect yourself is to keep your hands on the handlebars and your head out of the air. However, beware of e-bikes that are too fast for the sidewalk.
Standard time is 7 hours ahead of USA Eastern Standard Time
The average time in Israel is 7 hours ahead of the United States Eastern Standard Time. However, there are several differences between the two countries time zones. If you are traveling between the two countries, be sure to reconfirm your schedules.
The most apparent difference between the two countries’ time zones is that Israel uses a single timezone at UTC+2. In contrast, the United States uses a combination of Washington, D.C., and New Zealand’s time zones.
There are also several other time zones in the United States. These include Eastern Standard Time, Central Standard Time, and West Coast Standard Time. During the summer months, Eastern Daylight Time is used.
One of the easiest ways to remember the time zone differences between the two nations is by using a location-based watch on your cell phone. This is particularly useful if you are visiting one of the many U.S. bases in the region. Using a time zone converter, you can instantly compare the two nations’ time zones and pick the best one for your trip.
While at it, check out the corresponding chart below to find out which time zones you’re crossing and which ones you are in. When crossing the border, remember that time zones are not synchronized, and scratching them can be dangerous.
Aside from the differences in time zones, the Israeli government isn’t the only country in the region to implement the “Summer Time” or “daylight saving time” trick. Although the aforementioned gimmick has been adopted in other parts of the world, the actual change in daylight isn’t always made on time.
Safety precautions
Whether you’re planning to visit Israel for the first time or you’re already an Israeli expert, there are certain precautions you should take to ensure your safety. A few simple steps can help you avoid problems and make your visit more enjoyable.
The first thing you should do is research the security situation before you travel. You can find this information on the Israeli government’s website. There is also a National Emergency Portal. It offers updates on upcoming and current security issues.
Besides security measures, travelers should consider their own health and well-being. For instance, infectious diseases are a common problem in Israel. If you are prone to getting ill, you may need medical attention before leaving the country. Depending on where you’re going, you should also have travel insurance.
While Israel’s government takes security very seriously, risks are still involved. In addition to regular security checks, Israeli citizens should be alert to unplanned demonstrations, violent incidents, and potential attacks.
When traveling to the West Bank, remember the increased risk of gunfire and violence. Ensure you stay away from the areas around the border with the Gaza Strip. Additionally, be aware of armed military personnel.
Also, do not stay overnight on the West Bank. Travel during the day.
If you need to change money, use a certified money changer. Never carry large amounts of cash, and be wary of pickpockets.
Re-exchanging money into Israeli currency
If you are planning to travel to Israel, it is an excellent idea to re-exchange money into Israeli currency. Money exchange in Israel is competitive, and there are many options. However, you will want to ensure you get the best possible rate.
The New Israel Shekel (NS) is the official currency of Israel. It is available in denominations of NIS10, 50, 100, and 200. Banks and post offices accept both major currencies and coins.
Before you arrive in Israel, you should set up a foreign bank account and keep it open. This will enable you to deposit and withdraw cash and conduct online banking. Some foreign banks also offer credit cards, so you can use them to pay for purchases.
Credit card companies will often charge a substantial foreign exchange fee on transactions. Therefore, bringing multiple credit cards with you is a good idea. You should also inform your credit card company of your trip so that they can prevent fraud alerts.
Most Israeli cities have a large number of ATMs. Many banks are open on Sundays. There are also plenty of money changers in the main tourist areas.
You can exchange your foreign money at most hotels and airports. However, you may find that it is more difficult to exchange traveler’s cheques in Israel. Traveller’s checks are also expensive.
You can exchange your currency for shekels at the airport when you arrive in Israel. This is an excellent way to avoid costly exchange rates.
