Planning a trip to Israel — the Holy Land — comes with plenty of questions.
Is it safe? What should I pack? How do I get around?
In this section, we’ve gathered answers to the questions we hear most often from our travelers. Whether you’re coming with a church group, a synagogue community, a university or interfaith program, an institution, or on your own, you’ll find practical tips — and insights that help you not only navigate the trip, but experience the land and its people on a deeper level.
And if there’s something we haven’t covered here, don’t hesitate to reach out — we’re happy to help.
Group Travel
Deciding whether to visit Israel on your own or as part of a group depends on your travel style and personal preferences. Even if you usually love planning trips independently, joining a group can add real value — especially in a country as layered and complex as Israel.
While everyday crime rates are very low, the political situation can be complex at times. Traveling with a group provides an extra layer of safety and peace of mind. Local operators stay updated on current conditions and can adjust routes if needed.
A group trip also takes the pressure off planning. Accommodations, transportation, and schedules are arranged ahead of time, allowing you to focus fully on the experience — and the meaning behind what you see. For solo travelers or anyone who enjoys sharing experiences, it’s also a great way to meet new people and form friendships that often last far beyond the journey itself.
Group travel can even be more cost‑effective, since expenses for guides and transportation are shared. And if you’re traveling with your own congregation, school, or community, a customized program can be created to fit your group’s interests and spiritual focus.
A licensed local guide can turn a good trip into a transformative one. They interpret history, culture, and faith with nuance, open doors to encounters you might otherwise miss, and help travelers engage respectfully with the communities they meet.
On all our group journeys, a certified local guide accompanies you throughout the trip; on hiking tours, our guides are also specially trained for outdoor routes and safety in the field.
Sustainability
Israel has made significant efforts in recent years to improve accessibility — in public transportation, cultural sites, and even many places of spiritual significance. That said, conditions can vary greatly: some areas are fully adapted, while others — especially older quarters and archaeological sites — remain challenging.
The positives:
Many intercity buses and trains are wheelchair‑accessible, and most major stations have elevators and lowered curbs at bus stops.
Numerous museums, modern tourist attractions, and beach promenades (for example, in Tel Aviv or Eilat) are designed with accessibility in mind, often including Braille signage in elevators.
Many hotels offer accessible rooms; advance notice helps ensure your specific needs are met.
Ben Gurion International Airport provides assistance services for travelers with disabilities, including escort through security and boarding support.
The challenges:
Historic areas, especially Jerusalem’s Old City, have steep steps, narrow alleys, and cobblestone surfaces that are difficult to navigate with a wheelchair or mobility aid.
In less developed regions — small villages, parts of East Jerusalem, and much of the West Bank — sidewalks may be uneven or absent, and public infrastructure limited.
If you require specific medical equipment or mobility aids, it’s best to check availability well in advance or arrange to bring what you need.
Nachhaltigkeit
The Middle East is one of the most water‑stressed regions in the world, yet Israel has become a global leader in water technology and conservation. While neighboring countries face severe shortages, Israel has pioneered solutions that now serve as models worldwide:
Desalination: Israel transforms seawater from the Mediterranean into drinking water, covering a major share of national demand. Recycling: Nearly 90% of Israel’s wastewater is treated and reused — primarily for agriculture — making it the highest rate globally (for comparison, Spain ranks second at about 20%).
Smart irrigation: Drip‑irrigation systems, invented in Israel, are used extensively to minimize water waste in farming.
Tap water across the country is safe to drink, and you’ll find public water fountains at many sites — including national parks, museums, and along hiking trails.
Bring a reusable water bottle and refill it at fountains or in your accommodations. It’s an easy way to stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste — especially important if you’re hiking in the desert or visiting biblical sites like the Jordan River or the Judean wilderness.
Safety
Contrary to what you might picture from the news, Israel is one of the safest countries in the world when it comes to everyday crime. Pickpocketing and personal harassment are rare, and violent crime is extremely uncommon.
That said, the political situation can sometimes be complex. This is where traveling with a local team makes a difference: our guides and staff in Jerusalem live here and stay updated on local conditions. They know when and where to adjust routes — so you can focus on the experience, not the headlines.
You’ll also notice something unique: young soldiers carrying rifles in public — even at bus stops or cafés. It can feel unusual at first, but it’s part of everyday life here. As a visitor, don’t hesitate to say hello — most soldiers are young, approachable, and open to conversation.
The same common‑sense rules that apply anywhere else work here too:
Carry only the cash you need for the day; keep the rest in your hotel safe.
Use a money belt or neck pouch for passports and valuables.
Never leave bags unattended in public spaces.
Respect local customs — especially in religious neighborhoods — and dress modestly when visiting holy sites.
For groups visiting Bible sites: Be mindful that many locations are sacred to more than one faith tradition (Judaism, Christianity, Islam). A quiet presence and respectful attire — for example, head coverings at the Western Wall or removing shoes in a mosque — help ensure these visits are meaningful for everyone.
Check with your guide before exploring on your own; they can advise on current conditions.
Police: 100
Medical emergencies / Ambulance (Magen David Adom): 101
Fire department: 102
(For U.S. citizens, the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem or the Branch Office in Tel Aviv can assist in emergencies: +972‑3‑519‑7575)
Health & Medical Care
Israel has a modern medical system and highly trained professionals — including specialized rescue teams for hiking and desert areas. Most doctors speak English, and hospitals in larger cities meet Western standards.
Travel health insurance is essential and should cover:
doctor visits and hospitalization
prescription medications
emergency evacuation or repatriation, if needed
Even if you’re healthy, unexpected situations — from a sprained ankle on a hike to a sudden illness — are much easier to handle with proper coverage.
Currently, no specific vaccinations are required for entry. However, recommendations can change, so it’s wise to check updated guidelines before you travel:
Israel Ministry of Health website
U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) travel health advisories
Your personal physician can also advise on routine boosters (such as tetanus) and any additional shots you might want for regional travel beyond Israel.
Visa & Border Crossings
For tourism, no traditional visa is required. U.S. citizens (as well as most Europeans) can stay in Israel for up to 90 days without a visa.
Since 2024, however, travelers must obtain an electronic travel authorization (ETA-IL) before arrival — similar to the U.S. ESTA system.
How it works:
Apply online through the official government portal: https://israel-entry.piba.gov.il
Cost: 25 NIS (around $7 USD), payable by credit card
Valid for two years (or until your passport expires)
Allows multiple entries during its validity
We recommend applying about a week before your trip. Print out the approval and keep it with your passport.
Note: Entry to Israel is always at the discretion of border authorities. Occasionally, you may be asked about your travel purpose or itinerary, and electronic devices (phones, laptops) can be inspected.
Most travelers enter and exit Israel via Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv. But you can also cross overland from/to Jordan or Egypt. Conditions and fees vary by crossing:
Jordan:
Sheikh Hussein Bridge (Jordan River Crossing) near Beit She’an
Allenby Bridge (King Hussein Bridge) near Jericho
Yitzhak Rabin / Arava Crossing near Eilat
Egypt:
Taba Crossing near Eilat (for Sinai)
Important: Rental cars from Israel generally cannot cross these borders. And even for land entries, the ETA-IL authorization is still required.
Transportation & Infrastructure
Israel’s road network is well‑developed, and most major highways are in good condition. Renting a car offers flexibility — especially for exploring the Galilee, the Golan Heights, or the Negev Desert — but driving in dense urban areas like Jerusalem or Tel Aviv can be stressful due to traffic and parking challenges.
Good to know:
A valid U.S. driver’s license is sufficient; no international permit is required.
Rental cars cannot be taken into the West Bank (except for certain main highways) or across borders to Jordan or Egypt.
Parking in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem is limited and expensive — a car is more useful for regional trips rather than city stays
Taxis are widely available and generally safe. By law, all taxis must have a meter, though some drivers may offer a fixed price instead. Always ask for the meter to be used, or agree on a price in advance — especially for longer trips (e.g., airport transfers).
Tip: Ordering a taxi through your hotel or using a taxi app (like Gett) usually ensures fair pricing and easier communication.
Israel’s bus network is extensive, efficient, and affordable. Buses connect major cities, smaller towns, and even remote rural areas. Intercity buses are modern and air‑conditioned; schedules are posted online at bus.co.il
(check out „What is the Rav‑Kav card?“ section)
The national railway connects key destinations:
Jerusalem ↔ Ben Gurion Airport ↔ Tel Aviv ↔ Haifa
Tel Aviv ↔ Be’er Sheva
Traveling by train is fast and comfortable, especially to and from the airport. Timetables are available at israelrailways.co.il
(check out „What is the Rav‑Kav card?“ section)
Light rail systems currently operate in Jerusalem and parts of Tel Aviv with more lines under construction. They’re convenient for city travel and link many major neighborhoods and sites.
Jerusalem Light Rail & Tel Aviv Light Rail
(check out „What is the Rav‑Kav card?“ section))
Parking in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv can be extremely challenging — and costly. For trips focused on these cities, public transportation or walking is often easier. For exploring the Galilee, Golan, or Negev, a rental car can make sense, especially on weekends when public transport shuts down for Shabbat (Friday evening to Saturday evening).
Smart Card:
The Rav‑Kav is a rechargeable smart card used for almost all public transportation — buses, trains, and light rail.
Where to get it: At Ben Gurion Airport (Terminal 3), major bus stations, or certain shops.
Cost: 5 ILS for the card (one‑time fee).
Loading credit: Add funds at stations, kiosks, or via the “Rav‑Pass” mobile app.
Using it: Tap the card when boarding (and exiting trains) to deduct the fare automatically.
APP
App alternative: Several Apps allow you to pay via QR code on your phone — useful if you prefer not to carry a physical card (requires a credit card and local mobile data).
Moovit - install the app, link a credit card, and create your passenger profile
Rav-Pass by HopOn - install the app, link a credit card, and create your passenger profile
Several apps make getting around Israel much easier — from planning routes to ordering taxis or paying for parking:
Gett – Widely used taxi app for fair, metered rides in most cities
Moovit – Real‑time public transit planner covering buses, trains, and light rail nationwide
Waze – Israeli‑developed GPS app, excellent for driving directions and real‑time traffic updates
Bird, Dott, LIME – E‑scooter rentals, especially in Tel Aviv and other urban areas
Cellopark / Pango – Essential for paying parking fees; paper parking meters are no longer used in most places
Food & Drink
Alcohol is legal and available throughout Israel, and the legal drinking age is 18. Compared to the U.S., alcohol — especially wine and beer in restaurants — tends to be more expensive.
In predominantly Arab and Muslim areas, drinking alcohol in public may be frowned upon or culturally inappropriate. Out of respect, it’s best to follow your guide’s advice and your common sense in these communities.
Drinking and driving is strictly prohibited (zero-tolerance policy).
Israel is a paradise for plant-based eaters. In fact, it has one of the highest percentages of vegetarians and vegans per capita in the world — and Tel Aviv is often called the vegan capital of the world.
Many traditional dishes are naturally vegan or vegetarian:
Falafel, hummus, baba ghanoush
Tabbouleh, roasted eggplant, stuffed grape leaves
A wide variety of fresh salads, grains, and legumes
Supermarkets and street markets also offer a broad selection of plant-based products and dairy alternatives. Whether you're vegan for health, ethical, or religious reasons — you'll be in good hands.
Yes — and awareness is high. Most larger supermarkets, restaurants, and even hotels offer gluten-free and lactose-free alternatives. If you have dietary restrictions or intolerances, just let us know in advance so we can help plan accordingly.
If you’re traveling with us as part of a group, just let us know your dietary needs ahead of time — and we’ll make sure meals are planned accordingly. That way, you can relax and enjoy local flavors without worrying about what's on your plate.
If your group requires kosher food, we’re happy to arrange meals in line with your specific level of observance.
Travel Tip:
Bring your reusable water bottle and refill it throughout the day. Especially if you’re hiking or visiting biblical sites like the Judean Desert, the Sea of Galilee, or Mount Carmel, staying hydrated is key — and helps avoid single-use plastic.
Yes! Tap water in Israel is safe to drink everywhere, and water fountains with cold drinking water can be found in most public areas — parks, museums, national parks, and many urban walkways.
Bring a reusable water bottle and refill it at fountains or in your accommodations. It’s an easy way to stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste — especially important if you’re hiking in the desert or visiting biblical sites like the Jordan River or the Judean wilderness.
Money & Payments
The official currency is the Israeli New Shekel (ILS). One shekel = 100 agorot. Most prices are listed and paid in shekels, even in tourist areas.
Some shops — especially in the Old City of Jerusalem or Bethlehem — may accept U.S. dollars or euros in cash, but you’ll generally get better rates using shekels or a card that charges in local currency.
For current exchange rates, check the Bank of Israel website.
You can withdraw shekels from ATMs (cashpoints) at the airport, in cities, and even in smaller towns. Most ATMs accept international credit and debit cards.
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. EC-only or ATM-only bank cards (common in Europe) may not work everywhere. A credit card is typically the safest bet.
Yes. Contactless and mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.) are common across Israel — even for small purchases at cafés or convenience stores. You’ll rarely need to carry large amounts of cash.
Travel Tip:
Ask your card provider in advance about foreign transaction or currency conversion fees.
Restaurants and cafes:
Tipping is customary and expected — usually around 15% of the bill. Tips can be left in cash or added to your card payment. Simply rounding up the bill (as is common in Europe) is not considered appropriate.
Group travel: how do we handle tipping for guides, drivers, hotels?
In Israel, Jordan, and the Palestinian Territories, tipping is an important part of the income for service providers — including drivers, guides, and hotel staff. Tips are not included in your tour price.
If you’re traveling with SK Tours, we’ll guide you through the process:
We recommend a transparent tipping system, where a set amount is collected at the start of the trip.
This is pooled and distributed fairly to all service providers.
One group member can serve as “tip coordinator” — or we’ll assist if needed.
And remember: a warm thank-you and a smile go a long way
In supermarkets and most shops, prices are fixed. But in markets and certain tourist areas — like Jerusalem’s Old City, Jaffa’s flea market, or Bethlehem’s souvenir stalls — bargaining is expected.
Tip:
Be friendly, humorous, and respectful when negotiating. It’s part of the culture — and a bit of practice makes you better at it.
Communication
Israel has excellent mobile coverage. However, in remote desert areas or deep valleys, reception may be limited.
Wi‑Fi is widely available and usually free in hotels, cafés, buses, and public areas. Many cities offer public Wi‑Fi networks in parks and central districts.
Important: Israel is not part of European or U.S. roaming agreements. Using your home provider can lead to high fees.
Voltage: 220 volts, 50 Hz (same as Europe)
Plug type: Mostly Type H (three flat pins), but Type C (Europlug) works in most outlets
U.S. travelers will need a plug adapter and possibly a voltage converter for certain devices
Many hotels offer universal outlets or adapters at the front desk — but it’s safest to bring your own.
Photography is generally allowed and welcomed — even at most religious sites, like the Western Wall or churches. But it’s always best to ask before photographing people, especially in traditional or religious communities.
Drones: Flying a drone in Israel requires official permission, and regulations are strict. For tourists, drone use is typically not allowed unless specifically authorized in advance.
Calendar & Holidays
Unlike the Gregorian calendar (used internationally), the Jewish calendar is based on lunar months. As a result, Jewish holidays shift each year in the Western calendar — though leap months are added occasionally to keep the holidays in their seasonal place.
Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot usually fall in September or October.
Hanukkah often overlaps with Christmas.
Passover (Pesach) typically falls in March or April.
Jewish holidays begin at sunset the evening before and end at nightfall of the last day.
The Islamic calendar is purely lunar, without seasonal correction — so holidays like Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha shift through the seasons over time.
The main day of rest in Israel is Shabbat (Saturday), not Sunday. Shabbat begins at sunset on Friday and ends at sunset on Saturday.
Most public services, shops, and restaurants are closed during Shabbat, especially in Jewish areas.
Public transportation (buses, trains) usually does not operate from Friday afternoon through Saturday night.
Museums and national parks often remain open
In Arab towns and neighborhoods (e.g., East Jerusalem, Nazareth), many businesses stay open during Shabbat, but close on Friday or Sunday.
Sunday is a regular workday in Israel — the week runs from Sunday to Thursday (or Friday noon).
Experiencing a major holiday in Israel — such as Yom Kippur, Passover, or Easter — can be deeply meaningful. But it also comes with practical challenges:
Hotels and flights may be fully booked or more expensive
Sites and services may be closed or overcrowded
Transportation may be limited or unavailable
Israel is typically 1 hour ahead of Central Europe and 7 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Time.
Like many countries, Israel observes Daylight Saving Time, changing clocks in spring and fall.
To call Israel from abroad, dial +972.
To call from Israel, dial +1 for the U.S.
Climate & Clothing
Despite its small size, Israel has a surprising range of climates — from Mediterranean coastlines to desert plateaus and snow-capped mountains.
Spring (March–May) and fall (October–November) are the most popular travel seasons, with mild weather and blooming landscapes.
Summer (June–September) is hot and dry, especially in the south and desert regions. Travelling is possible with shade breaks and plenty of water — and there’s always a place to swim!
Winter (December–February) is mild along the coast and in the desert, but the north and Jerusalem can be chilly — even snowy in the mountains. It’s the best-kept season for travel!
Keep in mind: national parks and holy sites can be especially crowded around Jewish and Christian holidays. Planning early makes a big difference.
Layering is key. Israel’s indoor spaces often use strong air conditioning, even when it’s hot outside. For outdoor activities, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen) is essential.
For religious sites, dress modestly:
No shorts or sleeveless tops in synagogues, churches, or mosques
Men should cover their heads at the Western Wall (kippot are available on site)
In mosques, shoes must be removed
Avoid wearing visible crosses or religious items when visiting the Temple Mount
If in doubt, your guide will let you know what’s appropriate at each site.
Language
Israel is a multilingual country. The official languages are Hebrew and Arabic, but English is widely spoken, especially in cities, tourist areas, and by younger generations.
Because Israel is also a country of immigrants, you’ll often hear Russian, French, Amharic and Spanish — sometimes all on the same bus. Many signs (especially roads, public transport, and museums) are trilingual: Hebrew, Arabic, and English.