Jerusalem Travel Tips

Businesses in Jerusalem close early on Fridays for Shabbat, which is on Saturday and a holiday for most people. Visitors should note that some offices are closed or only open for half a day on religious holidays.

Banks: 08:30 to 18:00, Sunday to Thursday; 08:30 to 12:30 on Fridays
Post Offices: 08:30 to 18:00, Sunday to Thursday; 08:30 to 12:30 on Fridays
Department Stores and shops: 08:30 to 18:00, Sunday to Thursday; 08:30 to 12:30 on Fridays.
Museums: 08:30 to 18:00, Sunday to Thursday; 08:30 to 12:30 on Fridays
Business Offices: 08:30 to 18:00, Sunday to Thursday; 08:30 to 12:30 on Fridays.

Despite the ongoing political strife that has plagued the city since the formation of Israel, Jerusalem is still a safe city for tourists to visit. Petty crime is surprisingly low in the city, with few risks apart from pickpockets, who operate in the busy tourist hotspots in the Old City. Visitors should exercise common sense and not have valuables on show or leave items of value on display in parked vehicles.

Visitors should be aware of the religious tensions that plague the city, making it unwise for a Jew wearing traditional clothing to walk alone through a Muslim-concentrated area in East Jerusalem, particularly at night, and for non-Jews to stroll through ultra-orthodox areas of Jerusalem on Shabbat (Saturday). There are also areas of the city where it is unwise for visitors of any faith to frequent at night, including Mercaz Hair.

For your own safety, there are regular security checks when entering hotels, shopping malls and cinemas as well as vehicle checks in car parks. Do not take offence at these checks as they are for your benefit. There is a large military presence throughout the city; again, this is not intended to intimidate you. A large percentage of the soldiers are young Israelis who are carrying out their military service.

Although terrorism has plagued the city in the past, it is not an overwhelming threat at present; however, visitors are recommended to check with their foreign office for up-to-date information prior to their arrival. Past terrorist attacks have not specifically targeted tourists, but attacks by suicide bombers have been known to affect tourist areas. Pay attention to local advice with regard to attacks.

Electricity: 230V, 50Hz

Health care in Israel is not free, making it essential for visitors to have comprehensive medical insurance prior to their departure. Medical treatment can be expensive and those who cannot get full cover due to specific medical conditions are advised to make sure they have access to easily accessible funds should they need emergency medical attention during their stay in Jerusalem.

Hospitals in Jerusalem will insist on payment up front for medical care and attention, and they have the power to take legal action to prevent you leaving the country until your medical bills are paid.

For minor medical complaints, visitors can consult a pharmacy, of which there are many spread around the city. Doctor’s surgeries and clinics are also widespread; ask your hotel for advice. In addition, visitors are advised to be up-to-date with standard vaccinations prior to leaving home; however, there are no specific health threats in Jerusalem.

Ambulance services: 101
Hadassah Hospital
Phone: +972 2 5844111

Bikur Cholim Hospital
Phone: +972 2 6464111

Both Hebrew and Arabic are spoken in Jerusalem, with English also being widely used.

The currency in Israel is the new Israeli sheqel (NIS), which is divided into 100 agorot. Banknotes are available in denominations of 20, 50, 100 and 200, and coins are available in units of 5, 10 and 50 agorot, and 1, 5 and 10 new Israeli sheqel.

Visitors do not need to carry large sums of money around with them as Jerusalem is well stocked with ATMs, which accept an array of international cash and credit cards. While cash machines are widespread, visitors should note that they are less common in the West Bank and Gaza. Visitors can exchange money at banks and exchange bureaux. These are closed on Friday afternoons and Saturdays throughout the city apart from in the West Bank and Gaza, where they normally only close on Fridays.

Visitors should check with their nearest Israeli embassy for up-to-date information on customs regulations. It is not uncommon for arriving and departing passengers to have their bags searched as a security measure. Personal items that are of a high value may be subject to a deposit upon entry; this is refundable on departure.

Religion is a focal point for life in the city and visitors should be aware of various regulations and practices.

During times of prayer on Temple Mount, Muslims are not allowed entry. On Shabbat (Saturday), visitors should refrain from touring predominantly ultra-Orthodox areas, as it is a holiday and time of prayer for Jews. It is also important not to smoke or use your mobile telephone in the Western Wall area, Mea Shearim or synagogues on this religious day. Likewise, it is important to show similar respect on Fridays, which is the Islamic holy day. Visitors should avoid heavily Muslim-populated areas on this day.

The religious aspect to the city also makes it important for visitors to be aware of their dress, as covering up here is an important sign of respect and consideration; those who don’t cover up will likely offend and not be made welcome. When touring religious sites and neighbourhoods, cover your legs, arms and cleavage. Visitors may also have to cover their heads at some sites.

Israelis tend to speak very directly, which can be thought to be aggressive by some, but you will soon realise that this the way they go about their business. This can most evidently be seen in the markets, where you will be required to haggle quite assertively for a good price.

If you are invited to an Israeli home, it is appropriate to bring a small gift. Do not be offended if Israelis ask you personal questions about your religion or family, as this is the norm. Close physical contact between friends is common, but public displays of affection between partners are considered unacceptable in many parts of the city.

When you are dining in Jerusalem, things tend to be relaxed and there is no strict form of dining etiquette. It is polite to try everything you are offered and to compliment your host or the chef on the meal. When eating in tourist-orientated restaurants, you will find things are served in much the same way as throughout Europe, while dining at street stalls and markets may be a little different from what some visitors are used to at home

Visitors from most countries do not need a visa to enter Israel, with the exception of India and Singapore as well as some South American, African and ex-Soviet republic countries. Most visitors who arrive by air are granted a three-month stay, while overland arrivals are more commonly granted one-month stays. Visitors are required to have a return ticket and money to support them during their stay. Visitors should note that an Israeli stamp in their passport may affect their being allowed to enter other Arabic countries.

Tourist information services are available at Jaffa Gate Tourist Information office. Situated in the Old City, the office has a bureau de change, travel agency, maps, books and postcards. Phone: +972 2 628 0382; Website: www.Infotour.co.il/