Banks: 08.30 to 12.00, Sunday to Friday; 16.00 to 18.00, Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday
Post Offices: 08.00 to 12.00 and 15.30 to 18.30, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday; 08.00 to 13.30, Wednesday; 08.00 to 14.00, Friday
Government Offices: 08.00 to 17.00, Sunday to Thursday
Business Centres: 08.00 to 19.00, Sunday to Thursday
Shops: 08.00 to 19.00, Sunday to Thursday; 08.00 to 14.00, Friday

Though Tiberias has not been the scene of the conflict associated with Israel’s troubled flight for independence, visitors should still be aware of the possibilities of encountering terrorism anywhere in the country. It’s worth checking with your government’s foreign office for the latest information before travelling.

230V, 50Hz. Plugs with two round pins are standard.

Tiberias is not considered to present any major threats to the health of visitors and there are no vaccinations necessary prior to arrival or need to worry about hygiene standards in public places. The town’s medical centres have modern facilities and well-qualified staff with English-speaking doctors among them. Travel insurance with medical cover is recommended for all visitors.

Western Galilee Hospital: +972 4 9107107
Emergency services: 101

Modern Hebrew is the main language spoken in Tiberias although some residents may speak Arabic. English speakers are common among younger residents and those working in the tourist industry.

The new Israeli sheqel is Tiberias’s official currency with 1 sheqel equal to 100 agora.

Duty-free allowances for non-Israeli nationals are: 250 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco, one litre of spirits and two litres of wine, 250ml of perfume or eau de toilette and gifts not exceeding US$125 in value. It’s forbidden to import or export local currency.

Judaism plays a major role in life in Tiberias and it’s essential that visitors are aware of this and exercise the necessary respect for the faith’s beliefs and practices, especially if visiting holy sites. The local work ethic is strict and issues such as punctuality, correct attire and good manners are considered essential in business circles. Handshakes are considered appropriate gestures between strangers meeting for the first time.

A visa is not required for visitors from the US, Canada, Australia and EU countries (with the exception of Romania). Nationals of these countries may enter on a valid passport for stays of up to 90 days. The majority of other visitors will need to apply for a tourist visa from an Israeli embassy.

The Tiberias Tourist Information Office is located within the grounds of the archaeological park opposite the Sheraton Moriah Plaza Hotel and can be contacted at +972 4 672 5666.