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Medical Services - There is a high standard of services. Best services from private doctors. Travel insurance is essential.
Tipping - Charges are included at restaurants. Tipping is optional. Taxis, porters and guides expect tips.
Climate - Long, warm-hot, dry summer May-October. Cool, wet winter December-February. Regional and elevation variations.
Dress - Dress standards are casual. Jewish and Muslim sites and neighbourhoods require modest body covering and dress.
Voltage and Plugs - 220 volts AC, 50 hertz. Plugs are two or three pronged cylindrical. European style.
Flights - Most direct flights are from Australia via Bangkok or Hong Kong. El Al flies direct to Tel Aviv from these cities.
Internal Transport - Excellent bus services with Egged. Buses do not run on Jewish Sabbath. Shared taxis (Sherut) are a cheap alternative and operate all week. Regular taxis (specials) operate all week. Limited rail services.
Driving - Right hand of road. Signs in English, Hebrew and Arabic. Roads well maintained. International or Australian licence accepted for car rental.
Accommodation - Full range of accommodation options available from deluxe to budget. Most hotels include buffet breakfast in tariff.
Major Attractions - Jerusalem, Dead Sea, Eilat on Red Sea, Galilee, Bahai gardens in Haifa. Israel has 42 National Parks and a variety of spectacular scenery. Many archaeological sites and holy places throughout the country for Jews, Christians, Muslims and Bahais.
Food and Drink - Israeli food is a mixture of European, Middle Eastern, Asian and African influences. Kosher (Jewish dietary laws) applies in many hotels. Costs are comparable with Australia.
Water - Tap water drinkable. Bottled water available. Alcohol: No restrictions and freely available. Over indulgence frowned upon.
Entertainment - Israel has a rich and varied culture. Many options.
Shopping - A wide choice from modern shopping malls to colourful Arab and Jewish markets stocked with food, souvenirs, handicrafts. Best buys - cut and polished diamonds, glass and silver items, jewellery, Dead Sea cosmetics and skin care, religious items.
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