GENERAL INFORMATION

Passport

Please make sure your passport is validfor at least six months after your planned return.

Visas

A visa is required to enter Israel and they are issued free of charge on arrival at your point of entry.

Electricity

Voltage in Israel is of European standard and you will not need a transformer. Plugs are round two-pin sockets like continental Europe.

Travel Insurance

Please ensure you have medical and repatriation cover and have given Lightline the name and telephone number of your insurance company together with the policy number. As this is part of the Terms and Conditions that you have accepted we have the right to refuse passage if this is not complied with.


If you are having problems finding the right insurance please contact us and we will be able to arrange this for you.

Medicines & other essentials

If you have any medical conditions, which require you to take medicines or if you have special essential dietary requirements, please don’t forget to take these with you as they may not be available at your destination.

Average monthly temperatures

Food & Water

The quality of water in Israel has improved in recent years but still not good enough to drink. Therefore we recommend you only drink bottled mineral water, which is on sale just about everywhere.  Drink as much water as possible throughout the tour! It is important to drink as much as you can – allowing of course for those days when you might be on the coach for a bit longer than usual!  Most of our touring days have stops at least every 1/1.5 hours.

Middle Eastern food is excellent, and is probably one of the healthiest in the world.  Not only is it different – it is tasty and fresh. Most hotels serve both breakfast and dinner in a buffet style.  You are free to serve yourself from a vast array of foods. Waiters will also serve you with wine or other drinks, which will be charged separately.  Please always check the price of wine before ordering as some can be quite expensive.

Language

English is the most commonly spoken language after Hebrew and Arabic.

Photography

Camera batteries and film for video or still-camera are readily available in Israel but expensive.  If you buy supplies in advance, choose film-speed for the dazzling desert light.  Most museums charge a fee for photography, more expensive for video, and it's often forbidden altogether inside ancient tombs.  Photography is also forbidden around airports, bridges, government offices and military installations.  Most Orthodox Jews and veiled Moslem women will be offended if you take their picture without their permission.

Currency

The unit of currency is the New Shekel (NIS), and is divided into 100 agora. Bills are available in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200, while coins are available in denominations of 1, 5, 10 shekels & 10 & 50 Agora.  You will be able to get the New Israeli shekel (NIS) from local ATMs.  The ATMs accept UK debit and credit cards.  Sterling is accepted in most tourist places and restaurants, however you may prefer to bring US dollars with you as they are widely accepted in many places as are euros.  Traveller’s cheques are not recommended as they are harder to cash.

Credit & debit cards: Amex, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted.  Credit cards are the best way of settling your room bill.  Larger items are priced in dollars.  Most hotels charge your room bill in dollars.

Gratuities & Donations

A gratuity (baksheesh) is a way of life in the Middle East - guides, drivers and hotel staff all expect a tip.