Travel Essentials › Israel
Travel Essentials
Plugs: Types C, H and M, 230 V. Emergency: Police 100, Ambulance 101, Fire 102. Tipping: About 10-15% in restaurants is expected; taxis are not usually tipped. Tap water: Generally safe to drink tap water.
Types C, H and M, 230 V
| Police | 100 |
| Ambulance | 101 |
| Fire | 102 |
About 10-15% in restaurants is expected; taxis are not usually tipped.
Greetings and directness. Israelis are direct and informal, which isn't rudeness; a friendly 'Shalom' goes a long way. A handshake is normal and friends hug or kiss cheeks, but some religious Jews and Muslims avoid touching the opposite sex, so let them offer a hand.
Shabbat observance. From Friday sundown to Saturday sundown, many businesses, public transport, and some sites close, especially in Jerusalem; plan around this, particularly in religious areas.
Dress at religious sites. Cover shoulders and knees at the Western Wall, churches, and mosques; some areas separate men and women, so follow posted signage.
Security conditions can change quickly given the regional conflict; tourist-heavy cities (Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, Eilat) are generally calm with a visible but routine security presence, but travelers should check current government advisories before and during a trip, especially regarding areas near Gaza and the Lebanon border.
Taxi overcharging. Some taxis avoid using the meter with tourists; insist on the meter ('moneh') or agree a fare beforehand, or use a ride-hailing app.
Old City market overcharging. Vendors in Jerusalem's Old City markets may quote inflated prices to tourists; bargaining is expected and normal.
Women travelers. Generally safe in main cities with normal precautions; ultra-Orthodox neighborhoods (e.g., Mea Shearim) expect modest dress and behavior from all visitors.
Legal · Mostly Safe
Same-sex sexual activity is legal and Tel Aviv is widely considered the most LGBTQ+-friendly city in the Middle East, with a large Pride celebration; same-sex marriage isn't performed domestically (though foreign same-sex marriages are recognized), and Jerusalem and religious areas are more conservative than Tel Aviv.
| Coffee (café) | ₪14 | $3.80 |
| Local bus or metro ride | ₪5.50 | $1.50 |
| Mid-range restaurant meal | ₪90 | $24 |
| Hostel bed / budget room (night) | ₪120 | $32 |
| Mid-range hotel (night) | ₪600 | $160 |
| Daily budget, mid-range traveler | ₪700 | $190 |
2026-09
Spring (March-May) and autumn (October-November) offer the most comfortable weather across the country; summer is hot, especially in Jerusalem and the desert, though the coast is more moderate.