Getting to know Israel

In the past, questions regarding safety are usually some of the first we are asked by prospective travelers to Israel. However, in recent years that question is hardly ever asked. To our knowledge, even during the terror attacks in 2002 and 2003, NO tourists were ever killed or harmed. For over 10 years, Israel has been extremely busy with all types of tourism.  Christian tourism numbers, and all types of tourism records have been broken every year. Tour members tell us that they feel absolutely safe in Israel, and in fact, don’t even think about safety issues during the tour.

Israel is known for what most consider the finest security in the world, and ELAL Israel Airlines is known as the most secure airline in the world. When tourists and pilgrims visit Israel, most realize first-hand how inaccurately the media portrays what life there is really like. Tourism is one of Israel’s top 3 industries and Jews, Israeli Arabs, and Palestinians alike depend on and benefit from the millions of tourists visiting Israel every year. Over 4 million tourists visited Israel in 2019, (that is a large number for such a small country), and to the best of our knowledge, NONE were harmed in any way.

The Israel Government would never encourage tourists to come if it was felt they would be in danger. If any situation should develop, our guides and drivers would know about it almost immediately, and would take appropriate action to avoid it. After taking untold thousands of tour members to Israel over 60 years, EHT has never had even one person harmed by violence.

General Travel Advice

Travel insurance is highly recommended for medical coverage, baggage, and trip cancellation. EHT does not sell travel insurance, but we will make information available where excellent and cost effective coverage can be obtained.

Special meals, for health reasons or dietary considerations, may be available upon request.

Medications should be packed in your carry-on, not your checked luggage. Most basic over-the-counter medications can be purchased in Israel, but pack prescription medications where they may be accessed when needed. If lost, prescription medications are not easily replaced abroad.

Your physical condition…The itineraries of most tours do not require strenuous hiking or climbing, but most tours require quite a bit of walking. So we recommend that prospective tour members check with their doctor if they have any health issues. We also advise that tour members begin a regular program of walking well before their tour. Most of the sites along the tour will be handicap accessible, however some are not. We always attempt to accommodate anyone who is physically challenged. However we REQUIRE that anyone needing a wheelchair, or who is incapable of walking unassisted, MUST have a person traveling with them who is responsible to be with them and assist them at all times. These conditions MUST be stated on the tour application.

Water…Especially in hot weather and even in cooler weather, it is very important to drink a lot of water while touring. It is easy to become dehydrated and that can be a very serious matter. Tap water is safe to drink everywhere in Israel and bottled drinking water is available on the bus and elsewhere.

Casual clothing that travels well is the rule in Israel. There is almost never a need for a suit or even a sport jacket. It is fine of course, if some individuals wish to wear one in the evening, especially in cooler weather. But for touring, bring travel clothes that you do not mind getting dusty/dirty. Wash and wear items are excellent since laundry service at hotels is quite expensive and hotels do not have do-it-yourself laundry facilities.

Modest clothing for visits to certain religious sites. For men this means shorts that reach to or below the knee, and at some sites, men must wear pants. For women this means skirts or pants that reach below the knee (a skirt or a wrap that can be easily worn over clothes is a good solution), and shirts/blouses covering shoulders for both men and women (a light scarf is a great idea for women to throw over the shoulders). Your guide will always inform the group the day before regarding upcoming visits to holy sites and their dress requirements.

Sturdy, comfortable shoes for walking/hiking. You may want closed, water shoes if your tour visits Hezekiah’s (water) tunnels or the Dead Sea. Please do not bring a brand new pair of any type of shoes…break them in before your tour.

A light casual jacket as it can be cool in the mornings and evenings during the spring and fall. Even in the summer, Jerusalem can be moderately cool at night due to it’s 2500 feet elevation. Winters in Israel can range from mild with daytime highs in the 60’s or even 70’s to night-time lows in the 30’s or 40’s. So during winter months, be prepared with a heavier jacket/coat and other warm clothes, and for the possibility of rain with an all-weather jacket/raincoat, water-resistant shoes, and umbrella.

Cell Phone usage

There are places to buy pre-paid phone cards in Israel, or check with your cell phone provider for international plans before coming.

It is advised to set your phone to airplane mode when leaving your country until you arrive back in your country, so you will not receive any unexpected charges on your phone while abroad. You have the option to set your phone on “WiFi” while in Israel. Most of our motor coaches, and many hotels and restaurants offer free WiFi.

Electronic Appliances

Israel uses 220 volts AC, single phase, 50 Hertz. Most of the hotels have hair dryers and 110/220 electric shaver sockets which takes shavers from either voltage. Most cell phones, computers, iPads, and cameras only require a small adapter plug, while other small appliances such as flat irons, hair dryers, etc., will require a converter in addition to the adapter plug.

Currency Exchange

The currency in Israel is the New Israeli Shekel known as NIS. The rate v. the U.S. Dollar varies but currently has been approximately 3.4 NIS to 1 USD. Most shops and restaurants accept dollars, however once away from tourist areas, most businesses prefer shekels. So we recommend changing at least a small amount of dollars to shekels upon or shortly after arrival. It is also good to have a supply of U.S. dollars in singles for small items. There are ATMs in many areas, but most do not dispense dollars, and it may not be easy to find ANY ATM depending on where you are on the tour each day. We also recommend that you notify your bank or credit card company where you will be when abroad so your credit card will not be blocked when you attempt to use it in a foreign country.

Tipping for guide, driver and hotel staffs

For many years EHT has billed an itemized amount for gratuities as part of the overall tour cost. During the tour, our representative or the tour host distributes various amounts in envelopes to the dining/wait staff and bellmen at each hotel, and to the guide and driver at the end of the tour. This means passengers do not have to worry about constant tipping, and who, when, or how much to tip. (Of course it is always fine to tip anyone who has given excellent or special service.) We believe in taking good care of those who serve us…this results in better service from the hotels, and we are able to use the top guides and drivers in Israel. Most of their income is from the tips they receive, so we DO NOT just “pass the hat” at the end of the tour. Doing that leaves these professionals who have served us so well at the “mercy” of whatever some may have left to give or whatever some may wish to give. Note: Some tour companies still practice the “pass the hat” method, and that is why the best guides and drivers do not work with these companies.

Visas & Passports