Vivid Contrasts

The Holy Land today is a multi-ethnic, multi-lingual society of vivid contrasts that is finding its way in the modern world. Jerusalem, home to shrines of three of the world's great religions, epitomises the ancient and modern story of Israel's peoples. Archaeological sites contrast with modern culture everywhere in Israel. Highlights include Bethlehem, Nazareth, Jericho, the Dead Sea, Sea of Galilee, Acre, Caesarea, the River Jordan and Masada, the hilltop fortress where Jews held out against the might of Rome.

Enjoy water sports on the Red and Mediterranean Seas or stay on a kibbutz to experience the communal lifestyle so important in the early years of the Israeli State.

 


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Useful Information about Israel

The State of Israel is located at the South East corner of the Mediterranean Sea and is bounded by Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Egypt. Area 21, 000 sq kms. The capital is Jerusalem.

The Palestinian Authority has autonomous control over certain territories within Israel's borders mainly in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

Population Israel - 7 million (78% Jewish, 19% Muslim, 2% Christian).

Population Palestinian Authority - 3.3 million (97% Muslim, 3% Christian).

Languages - Hebrew and Arabic are the official languages. English is widely spoken.

Passport and Entry Requirements - Aust/NZ passport holders are granted a three month tourist visa on arrival. Passports require six month validity. We recommend that you request a loose leaf visa on arrival as many Arab and Muslim countries deny entry of passports containing an Israeli visa.

The Australian Embassy in Tel Aviv
37 Shaul Hamelech Blvd Tel Aviv
Tel: 03 695 0451

Health - No vaccinations are required unless you are arriving from infected areas.

Duty Free - 1 litre spirits + 2 litres wine. Tobacco 250gms or 250 cigarettes. Perfume quarter litre and gifts valued up to US$200. No foreign currency restrictions.

Banking Hours - Sun-Thu 0830-1200 + Sun, Tue, Thu 1600-1800. Fri 0830-1200. Most businesses are open 0830-1800, Sun-Thu and 0800-1200 Fri. Many take a siesta break. Jewish and govt. businesses close for the Jewish Sabbath Fri p.m.- Sat p.m.

Currency - New Israeli Shekel. 100 agorot = 1 Shekel. Preferred currency for travel US$. Preferred C/cards Visa, Mastercard. ATMs available. Best exchange rates in banks.

Phone and Post - Israel has phone cards for public phones. Telstra and Vodafone mobile systems work in Israel. Mobile phones are easily hired in Israel.

Medical Services - There is a high standard of services. Best services from private doctors. Travel insurance is essential.

Tipping - Charges are included at restaurants. Tipping is optional. Taxis, porters and guides expect tips.

Climate - Long, warm-hot, dry summer May-October. Cool, wet winter December-February. Regional and elevation variations.

Dress - Dress standards are casual. Jewish and Muslim sites and neighbourhoods require modest body covering and dress.

Voltage and Plugs - 220 volts AC, 50 hertz. Plugs are two or three pronged cylindrical. European style.

Flights - Most direct flights are from Australia via Bangkok or Hong Kong. El Al flies direct to Tel Aviv from these cities.

Internal Transport - Excellent bus services with Egged. Buses do not run on Jewish Sabbath. Shared taxis (Sherut) are a cheap alternative and operate all week. Regular taxis (specials) operate all week. Limited rail services.

Driving - Right hand of road. Signs in English, Hebrew and Arabic. Roads well maintained. International or Australian licence accepted for car rental.
Accommodation - Full range of accommodation options available from deluxe to budget. Most hotels include buffet breakfast in tariff.  

Major Attractions - Jerusalem, Dead Sea, Eilat on Red Sea, Galilee, Bahai gardens in Haifa. Israel has 42 National Parks and a variety of spectacular scenery. Many archaeological sites and holy places throughout the country for Jews, Christians, Muslims and Bahais.

Food and Drink - Israeli food is a mixture of European, Middle Eastern, Asian and African influences. Kosher (Jewish dietary laws) applies in many hotels. Costs are comparable with Australia.

Water - Tap water drinkable. Bottled water available. Alcohol: No restrictions and freely available. Over indulgence frowned upon.

Entertainment - Israel has a rich and varied culture. Many options.

Shopping - A wide choice from modern shopping malls to colourful Arab and Jewish markets stocked with food, souvenirs, handicrafts. Best buys - cut and polished diamonds, glass and silver items, jewellery, Dead Sea cosmetics and skin care, religious items.

Main Public Holidays
(NB Israel’s holiday dates vary because they are based on the Jewish Calendar.

2007
Apr 3-9 Passover
Apr 15 Holocaust memorial Day
Apr 22 Memorial Day
Apr 23 Israel Independence Day
May 23 Shavuot (Pentecost)
Sep 13-14 Rosh Hashonah (New Year) Jewish Year 5768
Sep 22 Yom Kippur
Sep 27-Oct 3 Sukkot
Dec 5-12 Chanukah