Israel Travel Guide 

Important Things To Know

Currency

The New Israel Shekel, or NIS, is the national currency used in Israel. 

1 Shekel is made up of 100 Agorot.

The Shekel has 4 denominations and the Agorot has 5. The former includes 20 NIS, 50 NIS, 100 NIS, and 200 NIS.

The latter includes 1, 2, 5, 10, and 50 Agorot.

Visited the 4,000-year-old port of Acre/Akko and the unearthed Crusader compound. (Photo Credit: Bruce Parkinson)

National Languages

Hebrew is Israel’s official language, spoken by the majority of the population. 

The Arab minority in Israel speaks Arabic and the Russian immigrants from the former Soviet Union who currently reside in Israel speak Russian. 

English speakers will be relieved to know that we encountered a lot of residents fluent in English too. 

Climate And Weather

The northern region of Israel has a Mediterranean climate, while the southern region is dry, with a narrow strip in between.

The climate in Israel is defined by hot summers and mild winters. The amount of rain falls varies greatly across the country and from year to year.

Israel in summer can reach average temperatures anywhere between 95°F and 104°F  (35°C and 40°C).

Spring and Autumn hover around 50°F-60°F (10°C-16°C), and winter reaches lows of 41°F (5°C).

When To Visit Israel

We think that Spring is the best time to visit Israel. The days are pleasantly warm with cool nights. Many festivals take place during this time, making it a great time to visit. 

Yom Haatzmaut is one of these festivals and celebrates the establishment of Israel. Yom Hazikaron, a day to remember the soldiers who fought for their country, follows shortly after.

Easter also occurs during this time, meaning that the holy land of Jerusalem becomes packed with tourists. This way, you will feel like a stranger in paradise among others who will feel the same.

There are new attractions and things to do every year so it all depends on what type of weather you’re looking to surround yourself with.

Best Places To Stay In Israel

We recommend staying in hotels and hostels in Israel. They range from budget options at $20 per night, the mid-range at around $200, and the luxury option at $400.

• Jerusalem is mostly filled with luxury and mid-range accommodations, and that’s where most tourists visiting Israel will flock.
• The Judean Desert offers affordable camps where you can see sites like Masada and Qumran.
• Tel Aviv is also perfect if you’re someone who’s looking for a mid-range hotel or hostel near the beach. It’s also near most of the national parks where there are free tours throughout the day.