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Travel warning
The country is facing rocket attacks, ongoing military conflict, and a very high risk of terrorist incidents, making it unsafe for holiday travel.
Weather in Israel
Israel
12°
Slight rain showers
Wed
7
12
Thu
6
10
Fri
8
14
Sat
8
18
Sun
9
15
SPF level in Israel
Recommended: SPF 50+
Spring
SPF 50
Summer
SPF 50+
Autumn
SPF 50
Winter
SPF 30
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Getting around Israel
Languages in Israel
Tipping in Israel
Tipping is customary in Israel for good service. While often expected, it is always appreciated.
Restaurant
10-15% of the bill
Bar/Café
10-15% of the bill
Taxi
Rounding up the fare or 10% for good service
Hotel Porter
5-10 ILS per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
5-10 ILS per day
Tour Guide
20-50 ILS per person, depending on the length and quality of the tour
Safety in Israel
Tips for British travellers
Israel is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Keep your belongings secure as theft from public beaches is common.
Always carry identification, such as a copy of your passport details and entry stamp.
In Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza, ensure your clothing covers your shoulders, upper arms, and legs above the knee.
Avoid driving into ultra-Orthodox Jewish neighbourhoods on Shabbat as residents may throw stones at your car.
Be sensitive about taking photographs in Muslim and Orthodox Jewish areas and do not photograph military or police.
Bonus tips:
If travelling to the desert, go with others, take water, a phone, and share your itinerary.
Roads can flood during extreme weather, so check for flash flooding risks locally.
Driving in Israel
A UK driving license is valid for driving in Israel for up to one year.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
110 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.05%
Remember: Israel drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Police
100
Ambulance
101
Fire
102
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Israel
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type H
UK adapter needed?
Yes
The voltage in Israel is 230V at 50Hz. Plug types C and H are used. British travellers will need an adapter.
Cards & payments
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Israel, especially in larger establishments and tourist areas. However, it is always a good idea to carry some cash, particularly for smaller shops, markets, and transportation.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
ATMs in Israel
ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas, but less common in rural locations.
Local name
כספומט (KaspoMat)
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
ATMs are a convenient way to withdraw cash. Ensure your card is chip and PIN enabled. Check for fees from both your bank and the ATM provider. Many ATMs offer instructions in English.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in Israel. Roaming charges can be high, so consider purchasing a local SIM card for more affordable data and calls.
Local SIM data package
20GB for 100 ILS (~£20)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Local carriers
Cellcom, Pelephone, Partner (Orange)
WiFi & internet
WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and public areas in cities and tourist locations.
Average speed
50 Mbps
Free WiFi is common, but the quality can vary. Consider using a VPN for security, especially on public networks.
Health & vaccinations in Israel
It's crucial to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including emergency treatment and repatriation. Check that your policy covers all activities you plan to participate in. While Israel is not part of the EU, it's still advisable to carry your Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) as it may be useful in some situations, though it's not a substitute for travel insurance.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
Hepatitis A
Consult your doctor or travel clinic for the latest health advice and recommended vaccinations for Israel. Ensure you are up-to-date on routine vaccinations. Mosquitoes can be present, so consider using insect repellent. Drink bottled water to avoid stomach upsets.
Calling Israel
Country code
+972
To call Israel from the UK, dial 00 972 followed by the local number (omitting the leading zero if there is one).
To call a Tel Aviv number 03 123 4567 from the UK, you would dial 00 972 3 123 4567.
The country code for Israel is 972. When calling from abroad, remember to drop the first zero of the local area code.
UK Embassy in Israel
British Embassy Tel Aviv
Yigal Alon Tower, 23rd Floor, 67 Yigal Alon Street, Tel Aviv 6744326, Israel
Airports in Israel
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.