I'm going to Israel soon, any advice, do's & don'ts, etc...?

Question

From people who have ACTUALLY BEEN, please? (caps for emphasis, btw)

Advice on public transport (I'm going unescorted), helpful links?

I'm staying in Jerusalem.

Thanks in advance for all sincere replies.

Bless you.

x

Answer 1

You are lucky Carl because your personal guide to Israel is here to help you out and that's a fact!

This here is my "Ten Golden Rules in getting back home in one piece after visiting Israel"

1. Always wear a bulletproof vest, never leave home w/o it!

2. Never come in close contact with Jews. You'll find out yourself about that ;-)!

3. Avoid tourist areas, cafeterias, shopping malls, bus stops, camel stops, souvenir shops, waiting lines, banks, airports and hotel lobbies.

4. Never hire a cab unless is one of them bulletproof-shockproof steel armored types.

5. Never hire a car unless is one of them bulletproof-shockproof steel armored types.

6. Always try to look over your shoulder for any suspicious persons (pickpockets, exploding arab youngsters etc.)

7. Always keep one ten dollar bill inside your passport. This will save a lot of your precious holiday time, believe me on that. After all you are in ...Israel, LOL!

8. Do not wear any modern clothing, revealing skin parts of your body. Jews are offended easily and you will have to pay a lot of cash if you decide to do so.

9. When and if you get back home go to your local hospital for a radiation physical. The Israelis use some very old and undocumented nuclear plants (highest cancer rate worldwide) that leak like crazy.

10. Never speak out words like: Jesus or Christ in public. You will get arrested and fined heavily.

That's it! Feel free to print this small guide and keep it always with you.

I also suggest that it is better to ignore some Israeli Yahoo! Board members saying: "There’s nothing really dangerous about Israel" or "I live here and it's beautiful".

These members are paid Israeli employees. Do not believe a word they say, OK?

Finally get yourself a life insurance from a non Jewish company, covering injuries and death, during your visit .

Have a great time Carl!

Answer 2

I haven't and probably won't as time is short.  Still don't get involved and have a great visit seems pertinent.

Answer 3

Public transport is very good and safe(Egged company)

You don't need to be escorted, you'll feel confortable talking English.

Don't go to the eastern Jerusalem.

Jerusalem is a very nice and atractive city with many places to visit and enjoy.

Answer 4

Take Care

Don't DIE!!!

Answer 5

Keep away from Arabs.

Answer 6

I went to Jerusalem at Christmas.  I took shekels as I wanted to support the local currency, but everyone wanted me to pay in dollars as this helps them more with foreign exchange.

I was harrassed as I passed through the check-points.  I did hear gun-fire from my hotel room quite often.  The average people I met were kind and polite - the same as you find in any large, tourist city; if you've been to London, NY, or Paris you'll know what I mean.

However, if you have decided to go there, then you must have balanced the experience you will gain against the dangers you will face.

I just wouldn't recommend it as the first destination to travel to unescorted.

Answer 7

Order it from Amazon, or got to Barnes And Noble, don't worry about the cover, but just purchase this and be quiet!

http://www.amazon.com/Insight-Guide-Isra...

I mean Jesus Christ man, that is what guides are for!  Everything you need, its all here.

Answer 8

Avoid large crowds and tourist areas.

That's what I would do in Israel.

Thomas

Answer 9

God Bless You...will be nice

Answer 10

Public transportation is great and safe. Are you taking a computer? Here's a website for the bus schedule in English:

http://www.egged.co.il/Eng/

The train is also very comfortable and pleasant.  

General travel advice is to take half the cloths you planned and double the money! ;)

The summer is HOT and there are also parts of the country (Jerusalem included) that can cool off enough at night that you'd need a sweater. A hat against the sun and sun screen are musts.

Be sure to drink plenty of water because dehydration would not be fun.

People in Israel can sometimes come off as a bit sharp or rude, but they say Israelis are like the fruit of the prickly pear cactus, sharp and tough on the outside but sweet and juicy on the inside.

You didn't give much about the kinds of things you're interested in, nature, religion, history, sightseeing, shopping... so I cant really advise you without writing a book!  What ever you're looking for, you can find it in Israel.

Have a great trip!

Answer 11

enjoy your trip, you will love israel, its a great place, very friendly warm people, you can go to israel on your own and feel safe, great security and people love tourists most israeli's speak english and will help you as much as possible.

the public transportation is first world, very efficient, the only problem i have with it, as it does not operate on saturday (late friday afternoon to early evening on saturday) to honour the jewish sabath.you can however on saturday take a taxi, a few good taxi companys in jerusalem are Bar Ilan Taxis Navie



5866666,Har Nofim Taxis Ltd.tel[phone]

stars, nesher taxis 6257227

otherwise your  hotel can call a taxi for you.

the israeli trains are also very good, http://www.israrail.org.il/english/index...

eged, The leading public transport operator in Israel. Features information about routes, schedules, fares, and special services, their homepage is www.egged.co.il/eng

i have also heard that they have introduced in jerusalem a new service , a Real tourist bus (like in London) which calls "Jerusline", a double decker Bus which has no roof on its second floor and which is going to make it easier for those who can't or don't feel like exploring the city by foot.

The bus, Number 99, passes through 27 touristy / historical locations and the passengers can   get off the bus in each of those stations.

During the ride you will be able to listen to an explenations with an earphone in one of 8 languages.

The bus will have 5 tours a day from 9:00 - 17:00 and a ticket will cost 45shekels (aprx 10USD) for an adult and 36shekels for a kid.

i hope i have been helpful