Israel Tripadvisor Forum (2024)

FAQs

Is it safe to go to Israel right now? ›

Reconsider travel due to terrorism and civil unrest. The security situation remains unpredictable, and U.S. citizens are reminded to remain vigilant and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness as security incidents, including mortar and rocket fire, often take place without warning.

You should bring around 300$ in cash to Israel. You can order shekels from your bank here before you leave, but it is easier to exchange in Israel. Avoid changing too much money in the airport; exchange rates are bad there. However, you may want to change ~$50 to shekels for transportation to where you are staying.

For budget travelers, you can expect to spend around $50-$70 per day in Israel, including accommodation, food, transportation, and activities. For mid-range travelers, you can expect to spend around $100-$150 per day.

Their security goes to great lengths, and heavily monitored, for your safety. Groups going to the Holy Land: The Holy Land has been our top selling pilgrimage for many years. Last year, we saw every one of our groups (Tour Series, Diocesan, or Church) materialize and travel to the Holy Land, with not one cancellation.

The best time to visit Israel, basking on the shores of the southern Mediterranean, is spring and fall, outside the intense heat of summer. This is one destination where you'll want to be active, as there's such an astonishing amount to see and do, so avoiding the heat of July and August is a good idea.

Having said that, overall the country is very safe, and in the event that 'flare-ups' (such as rocket attacks) occur, when there are conflicts with Gaza and Lebanon, it's rare that they are fired at Jerusalem or the south of the country.

Money in Israel

Therefore, you should bring a credit and/or debit card, preferably cards that do not take international fees. We recommend that you do not change money into New Israeli Shekels (NIS) before arriving in Israel because you will do so at a very poor exchange rate.

It is recommended, though not obligatory, to carry a small amount of US dollars, since certain tourist sites, especially in the Old City of Jerusalem, take payment in dollars.

The official currency in Israel is the Israeli New Shekel, which is issued and overseen by the Bank of Israel. If you're buying your travel money online you may also see the official code being shown - ILS. In stores and restaurants, Israeli New Shekel prices are likely to use the currency symbol ₪.

Ten days to two weeks are probably the best length of time to get a good feel for the Holy Land, allowing your Israel itinerary many adventurous regions, from Jerusalem and the Galilee, to the Dead Sea, and Tel Aviv. Tourist Israel has package tours available for different lengths of stays in Israel.

How much does a 10 day trip to the Holy Land cost? ›

Food and beverage prices in Israel are 52 percent higher than the average among developed countries, second only to South Korea, according to comparative consumer price data released by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development in June and reported by Channel 12.

Tel Aviv is actually very safe when it comes to crime figures. There is pretty much zero gun crime and you're very unlikely to get mugged anywhere. Violent crime in general is very rare.

We advise do not travel to the West Bank (excluding East Jerusalem) due to the volatile security situation. The security situation in the West Bank is unpredictable, with continuing tensions and violence between Israelis and Palestinians. This includes tourist destinations such as Bethlehem, Jericho and Ramallah.

In light of the ongoing conflict in southern Israel near the border with Gaza, and changes to international travel advice for visiting Israel, we are cancelling all tours departing from or travelling to Israel up till and including Saturday 30 November 2024.

The UK Foreign Office currently advises against all travel to large parts of Israel and all of the occupied Palestinian territories, and all but essential travel to the rest of the country. This includes the tourist cities of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

ICJ was of the opinion that Israel's continued presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is unlawful, that Israel is under an obligation to bring to an end its illegal presence in the occupied territory as rapidly as possible, that Israel is under an obligation to cease immediately all new settlement activities, ...

Starting from Monday 15.5. 23 at midnight (between Monday and Tuesday) - there are no longer COVID restrictions on entering Israel from abroad. However, if you are a confirmed COVID case, it is recommended not to board a flight. If boarding is necessary, it is recommended to wear a mask during the flight.