General Information

Please find below a wide range of general information about Israel that will help you familiarise yourself with the country and it’s customs before your trip. If you have any further concerns or queries please don’t hesitate to contact us.

How to book

We have linked up with ABTASURE, the Association of British Travel Agents approved and recommended supplier to ABTA trade members. The ABTASURE travel Insurance scheme is arranged and managed by CITYBOND SURETRAVEL, a division of Citybond Holdings, with the express permission of ABTA, solely for the benefit of its members It is important that you take out Holiday Insurance at the time you make your booking.

Prices exclude

Transfers to and from your departure airport UK. Transfers in Israel unless otherwise stated.

Swimming pools

The summer season in Israel is from May to October. Outside of this period many Hotel swimming pools are closed for the winter. Some hotels have covered/heated swimming pools. Please check when booking.

Passports/visas

British passengers must hold a standard 10 year passport for all travel. This must be valid for at least 6 months after date of travel. Certain nationals may require a visa. As this is not the responsibility of Superstar Holidays passengers are advised to contact their travel agent or with the Embassy of Israel.

Religions

Jewish, Muslim, Christian

Foreign & Commonwealth Office Advice

The FCO produces up-to-date travel information to ensure the safety of clients. For further information visit www.fco.gov.uk/en or Tel: 0845 850 2829. Alternatively contact ABTA’s travel information line on 0901 201 5050.

Currency

The new Shekel is Israel’s tender. However, you can pay for most services and purchases in US dollars and pounds sterling. Payment in foreign currency (cash, credit card or traveller’s cheques) exempts tourists from the Value Added Tax on certain purchases and services. At the time of going to press Government regulations allow you to take unlimited cash or traveller’s cheques. Please check with your bank when ordering foreign currency as regulations may change.

V.A.T.

Passengers should note that local VAT charges will be applicable if travelling with an Israeli passport.

V.A.T. refunds

Passengers leaving Israel from Ben Gurion Airport can claim VAT refunds on certain purchases and services. Proof of purchase must be provided. Eilat is a Free Trade Zone so there is no VAT payable. This makes shopping attractive for such items as designer swimwear and original jewellery, especially with the green Eilat stone.

Health requirements

At the time of going to press, no inoculations or vaccinations are required. Please check with your own doctor before departure.

Electrical appliances

The electrical supply is 220 volts. AC single-phase 50 cycles. Sockets are usually 2-pronged [European style] and foreign made appliances may require adaptors.

Holy Places and customs 

Visitors and guests are made to feel very welcome. You are, however, requested when visiting holy sites, synagogues, etc. to observe the customs which may include wearing a head/shoulder covering.

What to pack

Generally light clothes, swim-wear and walking shoes. A cardigan or jacket may at times be needed for hill towns. A raincoat is advisable during winter months.

Baggage allowances

The free baggage allowance is 23 kilos (50lbs) for one piece of luggage per adult or child. Allowance for infants is 10 kilos (22lbs).

Checking in & out of hotels

Hotel bedrooms are generally available from 1500 hrs and must be vacated by 12 noon on day of departure. This is particularly relevant to arrivals by night flights.

Language

Hebrew is the main language of Israel. However, English is widely spoken and no visitor will be at a loss to find someone who understands them.

Eating kosher

Most hotels in this brochure are under Kosher Supervision. A normal international cuisine is offered with the exception of prohibited varieties of meat and fish. Dairy products are not served with meat meals. Occasionally hotels have non-Kosher speciality restaurants. Please check when booking.

Plenty of shops

Look for the Ministry of Tourism Symbol of Quality in shops selling popular gift items such as clothing, leather goods, exclusive jewellery, ceramics and oriental carpets. There are many colourful markets and bazaars which specialise in local arts and crafts. Watch out for opening times and note that Jewish shops close on Saturdays, Muslim shops on Fridays and Christian shops on Sundays. All shops are usually open until eight in the evening and even later in some areas.

Travel options

Buses – these are reliable, efficient, comfortable and cheap. They’re ideal for both urban and long-distance travel. Express services run between major towns. Sherut Taxis operate from regular pick-up points or ‘stations’ and are ‘stretched’ limousines capable of carrying up to seven passengers. As shared conveyances, they offer a useful and surprisingly cheap way of travel. Urban Taxis – as in most modern towns and cities, there are plenty of metered taxis available at a very reasonable cost, which can be called by telephone or hailed in the street. Guided tours on luxury coaches are probably the most relaxing way to see the sights. Let the driver take the strain while you sit in air conditioned comfort and learn from expert and fully trained guides.
EL AL Israel Airlines now operates 18 feeder flights per week between Ben Gurion International and Eilat Central to link up with International services to/from London. Other services from Eilat to Tel Aviv domestic Airport Sde’dov are operated by Israel’s domestic airline Israir.

Eating out

Restaurants – Whatever you have in mind is readily available in Israel. Restaurants offer traditional Middle Eastern delicacies, Chinese, Indian, Thai, French, Italian, Deli and many other cuisines. Fish restaurants are a speciality and vegetarians will be in their element. Most restaurants outside the hotels are non-Kosher and offer the widest selection of food. Pubs, Bars, Discos – Eilat has a highly deserved reputation as a fun resort. There are plenty of bars, speciality English style pubs, piano bars and many discos. Local beer is excellent and prices reasonable.

Jewish holidays

• Chanuka 21st December – 28th December
• Passover 06th April – 13th April 2012
• Yom Ha’atzmaut (Independence Day) 26th April
• Shavuot (Pentecost) 26th – 27th May
• Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) 17th September – 18th September
• Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement)** 26th September
• Succoth (Tabernacles) 01st October – 08th October
• Chanukah 09th – 16th December

** Food restrictions apply, shops are closed, no public transport.
The Sabbath and all Jewish Festivals begin the previous evening and run from
sunset to sunset.
Hotels offer limited hot food on The Sabbath.

Superstar Holidays Ltd is not responsible for the contents of external websites.

For further information call Superstar on 0207 121 1500 or click here to email your enquiry.