Jerusalem from Amman invites you to visit the Holy Land. If it were not safe, we would not invite you to visit us! The Holy Land welcomes 4 million visitors a year with no major incidents.
The Holy Land, known as a country with plenty of sunshine, its climate ranges from temperate to tropical. Regional conditions vary considerably, with humid summers and mild winters on the coast; dry summers and moderately cold winters in the hill regions, hot dry summers and pleasant winters in the Jordan Valley; and year-round semi-desert conditions in the Negev. Two distinct seasons predominate a rainy winter period from November to May; and a dry summer season that extends through the next six months. Rainfall is relatively heavy in the north and center of the country, with much less in the northern Negev and almost negligible amounts in the southern areas. Weather extremes range from occasional winter snowfall at higher elevations to periodic oppressively hot dry winds which send temperatures soaring, particularly in spring and autumn.
Hebrew and Arabic are the official spoken languages of the Holy Land, all your service providers, people around tourist sites will have full command of English, and almost all people also have a good knowledge of English.
Packing is very personal, but there are things you should keep in mind while preparing for your trip.
The tap water in Israel is safe to drink. In the Dead Sea area, certain hotels advise not to drink the water as an extra precaution because of the potentially high sulfur content. Otherwise, the tap water is treated throughout the country just like any westernized country.
You do not need any vaccinations to visit Israel. Before you travel to Israel, ask your doctor to write a prescription for any medications you may be taking with you in the event they are lost. Keep all of your medications in their original bottles or packaging. Israel is known around the world for its medical care, so if any need arises, you will be well cared for.
The electric current in Israel is the same as in Western Europe, 220 volts, C, single phase, 50 Hertz. While most Israeli wall sockets are three-pronged, they often accept European two-pronged plugs. Most four and five-star hotels provide hair-dryers as well as low-wattage American-style sockets for electric shavers, cell phones or tablets. If your appliance does not work on 220 volts, you will need an adapter or a converter.
Most hotels offer access for Wi-Fi service, and there are cafes and businesses that offer complimentary access.
For a minimal amount of money, travel insurance is a must. Travel insurance can be purchased for a minimal amount of your travel investment, and can cover the following:
The local currency is the New Israeli Shekel (NIS). Most Israeli businesses will accept Credit Cards, but it will be a good idea to exchange some cash for the local currency, which can be done at any of the Money Exchange offices throughout the country. Traveler checks are usually not accepted in the Holy Land, and you can use the many ATM machines available everywhere.
Throughout your touring days, you will have plenty of opportunities to shop for gifts, souvenirs, and personal items in safe and recommended outlets. Department stores and shopping malls are open all day, but not on Saturdays.
For Jewish Holidays celebrated in West Jerusalem and Israel, please click here. Note: Where “National Holidays” is listed, most sites and shops are closed.
For Christians and Muslim Holidays celebrated in Jerusalem, Palestinian territories and Jordan, please click here.