Hebrew and Arabic are the official languages of Israel. Most of the population also speak English.
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The Israeli Shekel (ILS) is divided into 100 agorot (singular is agora). Money can be changed in the small exchange bureau found on most main streets, or at banks and hotels. ATMs are prevalent throughout the country and linked to American systems. Most banks are open Sunday through to Friday until noon, though have afternoon hours as well on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Major credit cards are widely accepted, and so are travelers checks, though commission on these is high.
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The international access code for Israel is +972. The outgoing code is 00 (not from public phones) followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 001 for the U.S.). There are other outgoing codes depending on which network is used to dial out on. City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)2 for Jerusalem. Public phones are card operated and are readily available, and instruction cards state whether to dial 012, 013 or 014 for overseas. The local cell phone operators use GSM networks and have roaming agreements with most international operators, otherwise cell phones can easily be rented. Internet cafes are available in the main towns and tourist areas all over Israel.
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Tipping, according to level of service, is expected unless a service charge is added to the bill.
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Travelers should maintain a high level of vigilance and keep up to date with developments. The security situation in the West Bank and Gaza Strip remains unstable and visitors are advised to avoid all travel to the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, and to within at least two miles (3km) from the Lebanese border; care should also be taken crossing between Israel and Jordan.
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There are no special precautions required for travel to Israel. Travelers are advised to avoid drinking tap water. Bird flu has been discovered in Gaza as well as in a number of towns in Israel. The risk to travelers is very low, but close contact with live birds should be avoided, and all egg and poultry dishes should bewell cooked as a precaution. Medical facilities are excellent but treatment can be very expensive so it is essential that travelers take out full insurance.
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220 volts, 50Hz; European-style two-pin and round three-pin plugs are used.
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