Travel for Food Hub The Food Blog for Travel Lovers
Last Updated on March 24, 2023
Israel has been a travel destination literally since ancient times. With monikers ranging from “the Holy Land,” “the Land of Milk and Honey,” and “the Cradle of Religion,” the country has profound meaning for millions of people worldwide. Visiting Israel today still provides travelers with immense satisfaction and an authentic cultural experience. However, as with any trip, travelers should be aware of certain things. So here we offer some of the best travel tips for visiting Israel to help your vacation to this country run smoothly.
Food and Drink Safety
Water in Israel is safe to drink by Western standards, though some visitors say that they detect a taste. Bottled and mineral water, however, are widely available, if you’re concerned about the tap water.
Food hygiene and safety is on par with the U.S. and should present no health issues. Kosher food abounds. If you are not familiar with Jewish dietary laws, meats and dairy cannot be cooked or eaten at the same meal, and pork and shellfish are forbidden.
Dining Options
You can find cuisine from all over the world in Israel’s major cities. For those interested in local favorites, here are some ideas:
- Falafel: These deep-fried chickpea balls are seasoned with a variety of spices like garlic, onion, cumin, and parsley. They often serve them in a pita.
- Hummus: The classic chickpea spread is made with tahini, onions, lemon juice, and olive oil. You’ll find hummus everywhere, from restaurants to convenience stores, and all of excellent quality.
- Fatoush salad: Fried pita chips with mixed greens, radishes, tomatoes, and cucumbers. It is served with a simple lemon juice and olive oil vinaigrette.
- Shawarma: Thick slices of turkey or lamb in pita bread. Be sure to get it with all the fixings.
- Me’orav Yerushalmi: A mixed grill of meats that can include chicken or lamb hearts, spleens, and liver. You can season it with onion, garlic, black pepper, cumin, turmeric, olive oil, and coriander. Vegetarian versions are often available.
Nonetheless, there are western food chains like McDonald’s, Burger King, and Pizza Hut in most places.
Regarding beverages, any restaurants and cafes, including hotels, serve alcohol, often with a Kosher option as well. Beer, including the local Maccabee and Gold Star lagers, is easy to find, and the country also enjoys a vibrant wine culture.
Tipping is expected in restaurants. Consider leaving between 10-15% of the check, with 12% being the norm. Other service industries do not expect tips, but they are often appreciated.
Weekly Religious Observance
The Jewish Sabbath, begins at sundown on Friday and ends at sundown on Saturday. During this time, shops and restaurants may close. This is especially true in Old Jerusalem. Some hotel restaurants do stay open, though, and offer room service.
TAKEAWAY: Did you know that Jerusalem is considered a sacred city not only by Jews but by Christians and Muslims too? For Judaism, this is the place where King David established the capital of Jerusalem and where the Ark of the Covenant lies. For Christianity, Jerusalem is where Jesus was crucified and resurrected. And finally, for Islam, this is the third sacred city from where Mahoma ascended to the skies. That’s why the Old City of Jerusalem was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 1981.
Culture Etiquette
While Israel has a Western point of view, it remains a deeply religious country. Modesty in dress is expected, particularly when visiting synagogues, mosques, and churches.
Both men and women have to cover their legs at religious sites – that means no shorts. Women should also cover their upper arms. Furthermore, for synagogues, men must cover their heads with a small skullcap known as the kippah or yarmulke. Some synagogues provide a paper version, but a hat is also acceptable.
Israelis are friendly, yet direct. What some might construe as a personal question is not unusual, and is instead considered normal curiosity. Travelers are highly welcomed and will find that the locals are very hospitable.
Shopping
As a country with great historical and religious significance, souvenir shopping is widespread and fun. Some things you can look out for to bring back home are:
- Religious items such as prayer shawls, mezuzahs, and Torahs
- Decorative carved olive wood items
- Armenian pottery
- Roman artifacts and replicas
- Jewelry – look for Eilat Stone AKA King Solomon Stone, the blue-green national stone of Israel
- Body lotions, particularly those containing minerals from the Dead Sea
- Olives and olive oil
- Local portable foods like tahini, bitter almonds, and chickpea products
Haggling and bargaining in street markets and some stores in the cities is an acceptable practice. You might work your way down 50% in price in tourist areas. Although in major stores, malls, and restaurants the price is as posted. If you’d like to learn more about how to best bargain, take a look at 5 Tips To Survive A Visit To A Souk In Marrakesh.
Travel Basics
Money
General costs of living in Israel are similar to the US and UK. Hotel accommodations, particularly in Tel Aviv, are the exception to this in that they are some of the most expensive in the world. A good meal, however, can cost less than USD 10, and regular taxi fares will not cost more than USD 8.
The national currency is the Israeli Shekel, which is about USD 0.30 to ILS 1. Exchange rates change daily, so don’t expect the same bang for your buck each time you exchange. Check the XE Currency Converter to see the real-time exchange rate to ILS.
Travelers can exchange all major world currencies. Request small denominations when possible since large notes are often difficult to change.
ATMs and banks are also widely available. Traveler’s checks usually require high fees so they do not recommend them.
Wired and wireless connections
Free WiFi is common throughout the country and you will be able to access it in restaurants and clubs. Some hotels might charge a fee.
Electrical plugs are Continental or European: two round pin with standard 220 volts, 50Hz AC. US travelers will likely require an adapter.
Other important facts
Tetanus and Hepatitis A vaccines are strongly recommended. Check with your country’s official vaccine websites for more information or consult your healthcare practitioner.
The time zone is Israel Time Zone (IZT), 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Meantime (GMT+2). Daylight Saving Time goes from the Friday before April 2 through the Saturday that falls between Rosh Hashana (New Year) and Yom Kippur, in the fall.
Knowing what to expect ahead of time can make a trip to Israel all the more easy and enjoyable. From its delicious (and cheap) food options to religious sites that have attracted travelers for millennia, there’s something for everyone here. That’s why we hope that these travel tips for visiting Israel turn out to be helpful for you.
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About the Author: Oasis is a group of travel enthusiasts dedicated to changing the way people experience cities and cultures. By creating a new brand of hospitality, they are combining comfort, convenience, and adventure into a single travel encounter. Oasis strives to give people authentic and meaningful ways to explore the world around them.
