5 Israel Travel Tips for First-Timers

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Traveling to Israel for the first time can be a daunting experience. However it doesn't have to be so. I have been to Israel and hope some of these tips will help ease your nerves if you're planning to visit one day.

Money
US dollars are pretty much accepted everywhere you go. I would recommend bringing small notes such as 1's, 2's, 5's, 10's and 20's. Do be aware though that change can be given back in Shekels. Hence you might want a calculator to assist with the conversion. Regardless it is always good to have some Shekels with you anyway as local coins are often needed for public toilets. Credit cards can also be used to withdraw money. Most of the big hotels would have ATMs available for use.



Attire
Israel in general has a more conservative dress code hence modesty is key. Having covered head, shoulders, elbows and knees might be required when entering some religious sites. A long-sleeved jacket or scarf could come in handy. Do pay attention to the signboards at the entrance. Comfortable shoes are also recommended if you'll be doing a lot of walking.



Eating and drinking
I am usually very careful with my food and drinks while overseas. So it's a high protein diet and bottled water for me. I tend to avoid salads, uncooked food, ice cubes and drinking fountains. Do be aware that tap water is not drinkable in certain regions such as the Dead Sea. Hand sanitisers and wipes will come in handy when needing to wash hands before eating.



Safety
Before leaving for your trip, it is recommended that you purchase comprehensive travel insurance for peace of mind. Also, valuables that you won't be needing on the trip can stay at home. Get a cheap watch from one of the convenience stores if you want to bring a watch with you.

Whilst travelling, do not leave your bags unattended and do not walk alone in the dark. It is also a good idea to always have another person with you at ATMs and always carry your passport everywhere you go.



Internet
Local sim cards can be hard to obtain. Free wifi is mostly available in lobbies of big hotels. However, the speed could be slower than expected when lots of people are online at the same time. To avoid unforeseen charges, I would recommend turning off data capabilities on your smart devices until you reach home.



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