Location: Middle East
Local Time: GMT+2
From 11 Oct 11 to 30 Mar 11 GMT +2
From 30 Mar 12 to 23 Sep 12 GMT +3
From 24 Sep 12 to 29 Mar 13 GMT +2
From 30 Mar 13 to 08 Sep 13 GMT +3
Capital City: Jerusalem
Population: 7.5 million
Area: 20,770357,021 square km, 8,019 square miles.
Language(s): Hebrew, Arabic, English, Russian
Dialling Code: 972
Emergency: Police: 100. Fire: 102. Ambulance: 101
TV Standard: PAL
Driving: Driving is on the right. National licence required. International Driving Permit recommended
Electricity: 220V AC 50Hz
Currency: New Israeli Shekel (ILS 1 = 100 Agorot)
Notes: ILS: 20, 50, 100, 200
Coins: ILS: 1, 5, 10. Agorot: 5, 10, 50
Credit Cards/Travellers Cheques: Credit cards and travellers cheques are accepted as well as USD & GBP. Foreign currency can be exchanged at authorised banks and money changers
Opening Hours
Bank: 0830-1200 & 1600-1800 Sun-Tue & Thur, 0830-1230 Wed, 0830-1200 Fri (some banks vary)
Office:
Shops: 0900-1900 Sun-Thur, 0900-1400 Fri (Muslim stores close Fri, Jewish stores close Sat & Jewish festivals)
Public Holidays
2012
Note: *Only the first and last days of Passover and Sukkot are national holidays, but there may be some disruption on intermediate dates; many shops and businesses may open but close early. The festival of Chanukah is a holiday period, but it is not a national holiday - businesses remain open. Jewish festivals always commence on the evenings before the dates given above. The Jewish religious day is Saturday (Shabbat) and begins at nightfall on Friday until nightfall on Saturday. Most public services and shops close early on Friday as a result. Muslim and Christian holidays are also observed by the respective populations. Thus, depending on the district, the day of rest falls on Friday, Saturday or Sunday.
Business/Social Hints: Many executives speak several languages including English, French and German. Visitors should be perceptive to unfamiliar religious customs and conventions. There are specially designated smoking areas. On social occasions, eg invitation to restaurants, be reasonably punctual and dress as for business meetings unless otherwise indicated. The minimum drinking age is 18 years
Tipping: By law, a service charge of around 10% is included in restaurant & hotel bills, therefore tips are not required
