FAQs

Question

Entry requirements to Israel related to COVID-19?

Answer

https://corona.health.gov.il/en/abroad/arriving-foreign-nationals/

Question

Should I get travel insurance and/or travel medical insurance?

Answer

Yes, you should sign up for travel medical insurance! I.e. SafetyWing (https://safetywing.com/nomad-insurance/profile) or Faye (https://www.withfaye.com/). You can also check with your existing provider if they offer coverage abroad (including for COVID-19). ** Also we advise getting travel insurance that covers missed flights/lost luggage/etc. Sometimes your credit card provider has some coverage.

Question

What should I pack for a trip to Israel?

Answer

In September, the weather will be sunny and warm so we recommend breathable fabrics such a cotton and linen, a hat, sunglasses and sandals. We recommend walking sandals or sneakers for exploring the city. For the Dead Sea, we recommend water shoes (i.e. closed toed water shoes, Crocs, or hiking sandals with a grip such as Chacos) and a water shirt (i.e. rash guard). Water shoes can be purchased at a mall near the Dead Sea for 2X the cost. For visiting religious sites such as the Kotel (Western Wall), please dress modestly out of respect. For women, long sleeves or a shawl to cover your shoulders and knee length skirt or full length pants. For the wedding, please plan for Israeli Formal. You may be wondering, what is Israeli formal? It means that this is our wedding and we appreciate those that plan to dress to the nines in a suit or evening gown. We equally appreciate that our wedding is taking place in the sunny Middle East where the weather in September often exceeds 80°F. With that being said, you are welcome to dress in a button down and shorts (à l’Israeli) or a formal tuxedo suit - all are welcome - but we ask to please refrain from “clubwear” or “beach attire”.

Question

Do you have a registry?

Answer

Your presence is the greatest gift of all! One of our dreams is to own a home. If you wish to gift us something, we are appreciative of cash gifts that will go towards the downpayment on our first home.

Question

How do I pay for things?

Answer

Cash (New Israeli Shekel), Credit Card (Visa/Mastercard), Apple Pay.... You can withdraw cash from ATMs (Cospomat in Hebrew) all across the cities. Check with your local bank for ATM withdrawal fees or if there is a partner bank in Israel.

Question

How do I get around? What is the transportation like?

Answer

Israel has a decent public transport system which is accessed with a Rav Kav. Moovit (application) is your best friend when planning your route. You can also rent bikes, electric scooters or get around by taxi or on foot! You can buy a physical Rav Kav at any train station or you can download the Rav Kav transport application and pay by scanning a QR code on the bus. To get from Tel Aviv to another city (i.e. Jerualem), you can either take a public bus or the high speed train. Within Jerusalem, you have buses and a tram.

Question

Where should I stay in Israel?

Answer

Israel is a small country with so many beautiful places to see! You can build a million different itineraries but for starters.... We recommend staying in Tel Aviv during the wedding weekend (i.e. Friday night - Sunday night) for ease of transport. Tel Aviv is also conveniently located for day trips to other coastal cities such as Haifa, Netanya and Acre (Akko). Aside from this, we highly recommend staying a few nights in Jerusalem as many of the tourist attractions are located there. In Jerusalem, we recommend staying in WEST JERUSALEM (the Jewish neighborhoods). We have listed a few selections on this website in the section "Travel" subject to availability. If you have any questions about accomodation, please let us know and we will be happy to give suggestions.

Question

Where can I buy medicine in Israel?

Answer

You can purchase over the counter medicine such as Ibuprofren, Paracetamol, etc. only at a pharmacy. You cannot purchase this at a supermarket or corner store. It is distributed by a pharmacist. Pharmacies are typically open from 10am- 6pm (verify online) and you must take a number from a ticket machine. They will call your number and you approach the service bay. Pharmacists usually speak English, if not they can find someone to help you. You can either pay at the service bay or pay at the front of the store. The most commonly found pharmacies are Super Pharm and Be Pharm.

Question

How can I use my cellphone in Israel?

Answer

We recommend purchasing a sim card for your cell phone for phone and data coverage while in Israel by a local carrier. If you have an esim compatible phone, we suggest purchasing an esim from a carrier such as Air Alo (https://www.airalo.com/israel-esim). Or you can purchase a physical sim card locally in Israel (i.e. Pelephone). Alternatively, you can arrange with your carrier to pay for additional international coverage. Ben Gurion Airport has free wifi. Most Airbnbs and hotels have free wifi as do most cafes.

Question

Can I use Uber in Israel?

Answer

Unfortunately Uber is not yet widely available in Israel. We do have Yango Taxi and Gett Taxi applications for ordering a ride. You can also ask the hotel lobby to order you a cab. On either Yango or Gett taxi apps, you can input your credit card information OR pay in cash.

Question

What are the handiest applications in Israel?

Answer

1. Google - the Google lens function is SO USEFUL! I.e. select a screenshot, select "translate" and voila - translated! 2. Moovit - handy public transport application, more reliable than Google Maps 3. Waze - most reliable navigation app in Israel as GPS on other applications can be a bit wonky. 4. HopOnRav-Pass - simply create an account linked to your credit card and you can scan the QR code on buses/trains to ride. This replaces the need to purchase a physical RavKav card. Pay as you go. *5. Pango - Only relevant if you rent a car. this application can be used to pay for car parking in blue/yellow marked spaces. It is in Hebrew. There may be other applications but this is the most user friendly. *6. Red Alert - this application will ping you if there is a rocket attack in Israel. You don't need to download this as if a rocket is close to your area, you will hear a loud siren, which will be your cue to head to a shelter. *7. Rav-Kav Online - if you have a physical Rav-Kav transport card, you can check your balance and reload the card with this application.

Question

Where can I buy snacks?

Answer

There are many options. There are corner makolet (corner stores) galore for late night chips/soda, there is also AM:PM (am-pam) where you can buy most basics. If you want to do a bigger shop, we recommend going to a supermarket such as Shufersal, Victory, Rami Levy. If you want to do a very large shop, we recommend going to a Costco-like store such as Osher Ad or Shufersal Deal. AM:PM and Tiv Taam are open on Shabbat while the others are typically closed.

Question

Where can I buy snacks on Shabbat?

Answer

AM:PM and Tiv Taam are open on Shabbat while the other shops are typically closed.

Question

How do I get around on Shabbat?

Answer

Many taxis are operating (hailed via Yango or Gett Taxi applications). Also the bus is typically running on a special Shabbat schedule (verify on Moovit or bus timetable at station). In Tel Aviv, the buses are free on Shabbat. If you wish to go on a day trip, you can usually book a tour operated by a Christian agency (i.e. https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Israel&lc=l169033&cmp=ga&partner_id=CD951&date_from=2022-09-17&date_to=2022-09-17&searchSource=1 )

Question

How can I book a tour?

Answer

You can book a tour online on a site such as https://www.getyourguide.com/ You can also sometimes book a tour through the hotel or by contacting a tour guide directly.