LOCATION
Israel stands at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and Asia. Israel's longest
coastline (and its western boundary) is the Mediterranean Sea. It shares
its eastern border-and the Dead Sea-with Jordan. Egypt lies to the southwest,
and Lebanon and Syria border Israel's northern tip. The Gulf of Aqaba at
Israel's southernmost point leads to the Red Sea.
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GEOGRAPHY
At 7,992 square miles, Israel is about the size of New Jersey. It is hilly
in the north, where the highest peak, Mt. Hermon, (10,000 feet) is in
the Golan Heights. Mountain ranges run from north to south. The Golan
Heights and Galilee stretch southward to the Jezreel Valley. Farther south
are the ranges and hilly areas of Samaria and Judea in the east. The Negev
Desert region occupies the southern half of Israel.
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GOVERNMENT
Founded in 1948, Israel is a parliamentary democracy, with an elected
prime minister and a cabinet made up of various government portfolios.
Click here for
Embassy of Israel, Washington DC.
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LANGUAGE
Hebrew and Arabic are the official languages. English is the most common
second language and appears on road signs.
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POPULATION
5.5 million, comprising a Jewish majority and sizable communities of Muslims,
Christians, Druze and other minorities.
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TIME CHANGE
Seven hours later than Eastern Standard Time.
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DINING
Tourists need not worry about consuming the water or fresh foods in Israel.
Several hundred restaurants in Israel have been listed by the Ministry
of Tourism and display their emblem prominently.
Kosher means food that conforms to Jewish dietary laws, so meat
and dairy products are not served during the same meal. While kosher food
is predominant in Israel's hotels, many restaurants are not kosher.
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GOURMET DINING
Today's Israeli food is an eclectic mix of the tastes and ingredients
indigenous to the region. Elegant restaurants can be found alongside small
cafes and pizza or falafel stands.
A new Gault-Millau guide to Israeli hotels and restaurants is now
available, and one can find the cooking influences of France, Italy and
California in the new "Med-Rim Cuisine."
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SHOPPING
Stores are open Sunday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., although
some close for a midday break between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. On Fridays and
the eves of major Jewish holidays, shops are open in the morning and close
early in the afternoon. Moslem-owned stores are closed Fridays, and those
run by Christians are closed on Sundays.
Flea markets and bazaars: The market in Jaffa remains a venerable institution.
All the old towns of Israel, such as Akko and Nazareth, have bazaars,
but the ultimate is to be found in the Old City of Jerusalem.
Value Added Tax (VAT) Refunds: A 18.25 percent VAT is placed on all
goods and services and is included in the quoted price. At hotels, a service
charge of 15 percent is added. VAT is added only if guests pay in Israeli
currency.
Tourists are exempt from taxes on the following services if paid in foreign
currency: accommodations (hotels, youth hostels, field schools and camping);
organized tours; car hires with driver-guides; car rentals; flights and
tours operated by domestic aviation companies; meals provided by tour
operators during organized tours; and meals eaten by guests in hotel restaurants
(and included in the hotel bill). All goods and services that tourists
purchase in Eilat are exempt from VAT.
Tourists who purchase goods with foreign currency exceeding $50 at shops
listed by the Ministry of Tourism are entitled to a discount of at least
5 percent off the purchase price at the shop and a VAT refund at the port
of departure.
At other departure points, the customs official will stamp the invoice
and the refund will be sent to your client's home address, as indicated
on the invoice.
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TIPPING
It is customary to tip hotel personnel, guides and drivers. Service charges
are often included in tour packages. A 15 percent tip is the average in
restaurants. While tipping is not mandatory in taxis-locals usually don't-
visitors are free to do so.
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WEATHER
Good weather makes Israel's tourist season a year-round one. It's three
seasons are:
Summer (June through early September):
Temperatures run in the high 80s and 90s (Fahrenheit). Tel Aviv, the Mediterranean
coast and Tiberias are humid. Jerusalem is drier and cooler, particularly
at night; even in July, a cotton sweater might be needed. Masada and Eilat
are extremely hot, often reaching 110 degrees or more, but dry.
Shoulder (late March through May; late September
through November):
Daytime temperatures for most of Israel will be in the 70s, but in Jerusalem
they can drop to the 60s or 50s. Evening temperatures remain pleasant,
except in Jerusalem, where it can be quite cool. There are occasional
rain showers throughout the country, but nothing torrential.
Winter (December through early March):
Weather fluctuates, with some winters mild and sunny and others severe
and overcast. Usually there is substantial rain and possibly snow in January
and February. Most daytime temperatures will be in the 50s or 60s, but
Jerusalem and the Galilee Hills average 40 degrees with very cold nights.
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DRIVING DISTANCES
(hours)
To hire a car in Israel one must be between 21 and 75 years old and must have held a driver’s license for at least a year. Within cities the speed limit is 31mph (50kph). On major roads the limit is 49mph (80kph). The speed limit for highways is 62mph (100kph). Driving with seat belts is mandatory while talking on one’s cell phone is illegal.
if you need more info you can visit this Israel Car rental guide
Cities |
Tel Aviv |
Jerusalem |
Haifa |
Tiberias |
Eilat |
Tel Aviv |
|
45 min. |
1 |
2 |
4 |
Jerusalem |
45 min. |
|
2 |
2 |
3.5 |
Haifa |
1 |
1.5 |
|
1 |
5 |
Tiberias |
2 |
2 |
1 |
|
5.5 |
Eilat |
4 |
3.5 |
5 |
5.5 |
|
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|