Tips & Safety
Items for your Carry-On
- Passport
- Medications
- Insurance and ID Cards
- Cash, debit and credit cards
- Phone charger / Portable charger
- Earplugs, eye mask, natural sleep aid
- Electrical converters/adapters
- Headphones
- Anti-bacterial wipes – https://lafreshgroup.com/
- Sweater/scarf for the cold plane
- Plastic Bags (multi-use)
- Cameras/Memory cards/batteries
- Empty reusable water bottle (must be empty before going through security line.)
- Snacks, gum
General
- Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs of the countries to which you are traveling (Including countries where you have layovers)
- Make 2 copies of your passport identification page. This will help facilitate replacement if your passport is lost or stolen. Leave one copy at home with friends or relatives. Carry the other with you in a separate place from your passport.
- Leave a copy of your itinerary and contact info abroad with family or friends at home so that you can be contacted in case of an emergency.
Health
- Before you leave, consult your personal physician. A consultation before you go may help prevent problems on the trip.
- Inquire about motion sickness, sleeping pills, laxative, or an anti-diarrhea remedy.
- It is wise to tuck away some Tylenol, a few Band-Aids, and other familiar over-the-counter medications.
- Bring LOTS OF SUN BLOCK. Israel is very hot in July and it’s very important to apply plenty of sun block. We also recommend drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- When carrying prescription drugs and/or vitamins, carry the original bottles. If you do not carry the original bottle, carry the copy of the prescription from the doctor. You should pack this in your carryon – not your checked luggage.
- 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.
Phone
- Before leaving, check with phone carrier for rates for international calling or texting. If you choose to use your US cell phone abroad, remember to contact your carrier service to set up an international plan.
- Alternatively, ask your carrier about purchasing a SIM card. You may be able to get a SIM card for DATA and use apps like WhatsApp to make calls and texts.
- When traveling to Israel renting an Israel phone is an option. For more information, please visit: israelphones.com.
Dress
- Jeans, t-shirts, and sneakers are acceptable for touring.
- Bring a pair of comfortable broken-in walking shoes.
- When visiting holy/religious sites, knees and shoulders will need to be covered but formal dress is not required. No Short or sleeveless tops are allowed.
- We will be traveling to the Dead Sea so pack your swimsuit!!!
Currency
- For information on currency exchange, including rates, please visit xe.com.
- Call your credit card company before leaving to inform them that you will be traveling abroad.
- For large purchases, it is recommended to use a credit card.
- You can exchange your cash for Shekels at the airport.
Weather
- Israel temperatures are usually in the high 80s and 90s in July. Tel Aviv and Tiberias will be hot and humid (Like New York, or Miami). Jerusalem is dryer and cooler, particularly at night. Massada & Eilat are extremely hot, but dry.
- Track the weather here: https://weather.com/weather/today/l/ISXX0010:1:IS
Transportation
Chosen People Shuttle
Chosen People Ministries will provide shuttles to and from Ben Gurion Airport for those who arrive in Israel on July 5th, 2018, and leave Israel on July 13th, 2018. Shuttle times from the airport to the hotel are based on the flight information received for the entire group. Some individuals may have to wait a bit longer at the airport until other individuals arrive, but for the most part, everyone arriving on the July 5th, 2018 and departing on the July 13th, 2018 will be receiving a shuttle.
Nesher
If there are no shuttles available when you arrive at Ben Gurion Aiport, we recommended that you take a “Nesher.” Nesher is a shuttle service that is available from the airport to the Dan Jerusalem Hotel where you will be staying. The shuttle takes you directly from the airport to the hotel. After landing in Israel and pickup up your bags, walk directly to an information booth and ask where to pick up a Nesher shuttle to Jerusalem. Once on the shuttle, tell the driver you will be going to the Dan Jerusalem Hotel. The shuttle should cost you no more than 70 shekels (20 dollars) a person. You can also take the Nesher shuttle back to the airport from the hotel. Schedule the trip 24 hours in advance with a front-desk clerk at the hotel.
Traveling on your own in Jerusalem
Taxi Cab
One of the easiest ways to get around the city from the Hotel is by taking a taxi. To order a taxi, speak with a front desk clerk at the hotel and they will schedule it for you. When returning to the hotel, you can either call a taxi using the same service provided by the hotel, or you can “catch” a taxi in the city.
Light rail
A more affordable option for travel in Jerusalem is to take the light rail. To reach the city center from the hotel, you board at the Ammunition Hill station (conveniently located outside the hotel) and ride the light rail 5 stops to the Jaffa – Center station. When coming back, you simply reverse it.
