Business Hours

Most businesses open by 8:30 a.m., but many neighborhood grocery stores open by 7 a.m. Most stores do not close before 7 p.m. Supermarkets often close later, with some open 24-hours (except on Shabbat). Most museums are open from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Banks, meanwhile, typically open by 8:30 a.m. daily, close from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., and reopen until 5:30 or later. While most businesses close for Shabbat (sundown Friday through sundown Saturday), as well as major religious holidays, many non-kosher restaurants remain open

Doctors

Israel is known for the high-level of its doctors and medical care. Pharmacies are easily found and sell items that might not be bought over-the-counter in the United States. Major cities have pharmacies with 24-hour emergency service. The American embassy or local consulate can provide a list of area doctors fluent in English.

Embassies

The U.S. embassy is based in Tel Aviv, with two American consulates-general in Jerusalem. Each country’s diplomatic mission, with contact information easily found on the Internet or in phonebooks, can provide its citizens with passport services, safety suggestions, and help in an emergency.

Safety

Though Israel is generally safe, common sense should be used when traveling in any any unfamiliar location: do not flaunt valuable items; lock car and room doors; use discretion when visiting unsafe or isolated areas, and report any unattended or suspicious items. Magen David Adom (Red Shield of David), Israel’s equivalent of the Red Cross, provides ambulance and first-aid service nationwide as do many emergency clinics. The army maintains a presence throughout the country, but each municipality in Israel also has its own police force.

Special Interests

Israel offers numerous tours with a special focus -religion or language, archaeology or adventure, politics or cuisine. Contact Israel Government Tourist Offices in your area for more information.

Special Needs

Tour groups and sites may be contacted for information on options specially geared to women, students, families, seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Transportation

The overwhelming majority of visitors to Israel arrive at Ben-Gurion International Airport, outside of Tel Aviv and about a 45 minutes’ drive from Jerusalem. El Al, the national carrier of Israel known for its incomparable security, offers the greatest number of non-stop flights from destinations around the world, though many other major carriers service Tel Aviv, including Continental, Air Canada, British Airways, Swissair, Alitalia, Lufthansa, Delta, KLM, Sabena and United.

The primary modes of transportation for many Israelis are private cars (which may be rented from a variety of Israeli or international agencies), buses, and taxis (private or group). Train service runs mostly along the western coastline. Haifa boasts a small subway, with other city transit systems now in the works for Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Yachts and boats sail along the coastline, on the Sea of Galilee, and on the Red Sea, which also touches Jordan and Egypt.