Israeli Currency

The basic unit of currency is the New Israeli Shekel. N.I.S.for short. The average current exchange rate is approximately 4 shekels to the dollar.

The N.I.S. is considered a solid currency, and from May 1998 is traded internationally.

The N.I.S. is divided into 100 agarot (ag).The 1 N.I.S. coin is small and silverish, about the size of a US dime. The smallest denomination coin in use today is the 5 ag. piece, gold in color and about the same size. The 10 ag. piece is also gold colored and about the size of a nickel. The 50 ag, is also gold in color and about the size of a quarter. There is also a 5 shekel coin and an ten shekel coin. The notes come in denominations of 20,50,100, 200, and 500. Upon leaving Israel, you can convert the shekels at Ben Gurion Airport.

Money changing

Money can be changed throughout the country at local bank branches, for which you pay a small fee. Licensed moneychangers can be found in every city. They charge a small commission. Although less convenient than cash, travellers' checks are certainly a lot safer. The more widely recognized in Israel are American Express, Citicorp, Visa, Bank of America, Thomas Cook and Barclays Bank. In Israel, as throughout the world, you will probably need to show your passport when cashing a travellers' check.

Major credit cards are recognized in Israel, including, Visa, American Express, Diners's Card and Mastercard.

Often times these cards can be accessed for cash at ATM machines.

Shopping

Many shops are only open between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and open again from 4:00p.m. - 7:00p.m. Supermarkets are generally open the entire day as well as malls. Most stores are closed on Shabbat and holidays. Post offices are generally open the same hours as shops. Banks hours can vary according to the bank. They are generally open mornings, Sunday-Fri 8:30-12:30 and Monday and Thursday afternoons 4:00-5:00 p.m. Times are posted on the Bank entrances.

Tourists who purchase over $50.00 of goods in foreign currency at shops approved by the Ministry of Tourism can receive a VAT refund at the airport upon departure.

Security

Don't leave bags unattended, Guards in public places ask to check your bags. Further security issues will be addressed at the orientation.

Tipping

Tipping is not necessary for taxis. At restaruants check to see if service is included. If not, add 10-15% as a tip. Hairdressers are sometimes given tips.

Telephones & Communication

Public telephones are operated by a magnetic card know in Hebrew as a telecart. These plastic cards, the same size and shape as a credit card, are available to post offices, street kiosks and dispensing machines. The charge for these cards vary. A 20 unit card costs about $3.00, (approx. 12 shekel) 50 unit card, $7.00. A local call uses one unit for every 5 minutes of connect time. The cost of out of town calls varies with the distance and the time of day. The maximum charge is one unit for each 24 seconds which is charged between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. on weekdays. In addition, some public phones are now available that take a one shekel coin.

Calls to Directory assistance -144, do not require the use of a telecart. Nor do emergency numbers.

Long distance calls

Long distance access numbers:

• Sprint -177-102-2727
• MCI -177-150-2727
• AT&T - 177-100-2727

Useful numbers:

• 142 - collect calls
• 144 - information
• 155 - correct time
• 188 - overseas operator.

Transportation

Buses

The Israeli bus transportation system is quite extensive. Most large cities have either a central bus station or bus changing hub. Every city has bus service and inter-city is quite good. Bus schedules are available at the bus stations as well as over the internet.(egged.co.il)

Taxis

Be sure to ask your driver to turn on the meter. By law, the taxi driver is obligated to put on the meter. If the driver refuses and quotes an unsatisfactory tarif, then it is wise to simply not ride with that driver. The rates are higher from 9:00 p.m. til 5:29 a.m. Receipts are given upon request.

Sherut

A sherut is an inter-urban group taxi. The driver leaves when all the seats are filled. These operate between the airport and big cities, and from major city to major city. They are usually faster than buses and sometimes the same price or cheaper than buses. Check the price before you get in.

News in English

Israel has two television stations- channel 1 & 2 and several cable stations including CNN.

English news on Channel 1: Sunday-Thurs. 6:15 p.m.,Fridays-4:40 p.m.,Saturdays- 5:00 p.m.

English radio news: Reshet Aleph AM (1458 Khz) 7:00 a.m. & 5:00 p.m. FM (88Khz) 1:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m. 10:00 p.m.

Weights and Measures

The metric system is used in Israel. A kilometer is a little more that 1/2 a mile. (.62 miles). A kilo is equivalent to 2.2 pounds. 100 grams=3.5 oz., 1 centimeter = .4 inch, 30.5 centimeters= 1 ft 1meter=39.37 in., .95 liters= 1 quart. 37C=98.6F, 39C=102.2 F, 40c=104 F.

Helpful phrases:

• Hello: Sha-LOM
• Good-bye: Sha-LOM
• Good morning: BO-ker TOV
• Good evening Erev TOV
• Good night: Lie-lah TOV
• See you later: Le-HIT-rah-OTT
• Thank you: To -DAH
• Please: Be-va-ka-SHA
• You're welcome: Al low da-VAR
• I don't speak Hebrew: AH-NEE lo m'dah Behr ee-VREET
• Do you speak English?: At-TAH m'dah-Behr ang-LEET?
• Money: Kes-sef
• Bank: Bahnk
• Yes: Ken
• No: Lo
• Excuse me: Slee-CHA
• Wait: Reg-gah
• What: Mah
• When: Mah-tie
• Where is: AY-fo
• Correct (right): Na-Chon

Shvat 5765 - January 2005