Israel Travel Guide - Travel Insights and Tips

Jerusalem is the capital of Israel. The ancient city was founded in 1010 BCE, and its walls are about 2.5 miles long. The city laws stipulate that all structures should be covered in Jerusalem stone to preserve the city’s historical look. So, do not be surprised to see numerous buildings with similar finishes.

22,145 km2. Many of the country’s tourist sites are not far apart, and tourists can quickly get around via private vehicles or buses.

+972 is the country code of Israel. You can make international calls to Israel using the country code 972. After the IDD, dial the Israel country code 972. An area code comes after the prefix 972 when calling Israel internationally.

Israel uses the new Israeli shekel. The currency code is ₪. ATMs and currency exchange booths are available all over the country. Most Israeli service providers also accept US dollars.

The Ben Gurion International Airport is the main airport in Israel, serving both local and international travelers. The airport sits about 20 km from the Tel Aviv city center and 45 km from Jerusalem. Code: TLV. Closest City: Tel Aviv.

Most tourists will require a visa to travel to Israel. Depending on your country, you may be eligible for a visa on arrival, or you may have to apply at an Israeli embassy before traveling. We recommend checking your country’s travel advisories before booking a trip.

The official language of Israel is Hebrew. However, the small country has 36 spoken languages. English is widely spoken in major cities across the country. Learning a few native words and phrases, however, goes a long way. Start with “Shalom,” a customary local greeting.

The numbers to call in the event of an emergency are 100 for the police, 101 for an ambulance, and 102 for the fire service.

Many businesses typically close early on Fridays ahead of the Jewish Sabbath. The Sabbath begins on Friday evening and continues till Saturday evening. So, make sure to get the necessary supplies before that time.