Israel is a land that is at once both ancient and modern. Poised at the crossroads between Europe and Asia, Israel is steeped in antiquity and yet the state itself is only 50 years old this year. Sites revered by the world's three monotheistic religions can be found in Israel, alongside a vibrant, modern Mediterranean culture. From the religious and the historic to the modern and chic, Israel has it all.

Entry Requirements
U.S. citizens do not require a visa to enter Israel for visits of less than three months. Pets are allowed to enter the country as long as they have valid vaccination and health certificates. Pets must be over 4 months old.

Local Time
Israel is 7 hours ahead of Eastern Time in the US and Canada.

Languages
Hebrew and Arabic are the official languages of Israel, but English is widely spoken.

Electricity
Electricity in Israel runs on 220 volt, 50 Hz current. Most plugs are of the three-prong variety, and many hotels have special plugs to accommodate North American appliances.

Local Tourist Information
Israel Government Tourist Office
800 Second Avenue, 16th Floor
New York, NY 10117
Phone: (800) -596-1199
Phone: (212) 499-5600
Fax: (212) 499-5665
http://www.goisrael.com
Israel Government Tourist Office
180 Bloor Street West
Suite 700
Toronto ON M5S 2V6
Phone: (416) 964-3784
Fax: (416) 964-2420

Customs
Travelers are not required to pay duty on an appropriate amount of items for their personal use during their visit. In addition, the following duty-free allowances apply: no more than 1 liter of liquor and 2 liters of wine; and 250 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco.

Currency Exchange
Most banks in Israel are open from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and also from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. On Fridays and on the eve of major Jewish holidays, banks are open from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Credit cards are honored in most places and ATM machines with international funds access are also widely available. Higher end stores will generally honor US dollars and this may save you the 17% tax as well.

Tipping
It is customary to tip hotel personnel, guides, and drivers. In restaurants a 15% gratuity is standard. Locals do not usually tip taxi drivers.

General Business Hours
Most stores are open Sunday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Some shops close for a mid-day break from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. On Fridays and on the eves of major Jewish holidays, shops are open in the morning and close early in the afternoon. Stores owned by Muslims are closed on Fridays and shops owned by Christians are closed on Sundays.

Local Tax
0%

United States Embassy in Israel
71 Hayarkon Street
Tel Aviv, Israel 63903
Phone: (+972) 3-519-7575
Fax: (+972) 3-517-3227
* The US Embassy is in Tel Aviv. There is an unaccredited, independent US mission in Jerusalem.