Time Difference
Israel is two hours ahead of GMT for some of the year, although they operate daylight saving time in the summer (from the end of March until the end of October, much like in Europe), when they are three hours ahead of GMT.
Money
The national currency is the Israeli Shekel, which dives into 100 agorot. Notes come in denominations of 20, 50, 100 and 200 shekels, coins in one, five and ten shekels, and 10 and 50 agorot. You should be able to change your money in banks, post offices, currency exchange offices and hotels. There are plenty of ATMs and bank cards are widely accepted. Dollars may sometimes be accepted, but usually not at a particularly good rate. Banks are open from 08:30 until midday Sunday to Thursday, and again from 16:00 to 18:00 on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Some also open from 08:30 until midday on Fridays, and most are closed on Saturdays.
Electricity and Plugs
220 volts. The plugs are the same as those in the EU, so bring an UK adapter.
Local Amenities
Shops and other services are closed during Shabbat, usually from 14:00 on Friday until Saturday evening or Sunday morning. Shops are usually open from 08:00 until 13:00 and again from 16:00 to 19:00 (although supermarkets are usually open until around 22:00).
Media
The daily newspapers The Jerusalem Post, Haaretz and Yediot Aharonot are widely available in English, as is the bi-weekly Jerusalem Report. Radio broadcasts have daily programs in English, and there are several English-speaking programmes on television.
Post
There are post offices in all cities and towns, and they are generally open on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 08:00 to 12:00 and from 15:30 to 18:30; Wednesdays from 08:30 to 12:30; and Fridays from 08:00 to 12:00. They are closed on Saturdays and national holidays.
Phone
To all Israel from the UK, dial 00 972 followed by the area code without the zero and then the number you wish to dial. To call the UK from Israel, dial 00 44 followed by the number you wish to dial (without the first zero).
Internet and Mobile Coverage
WiFi is widely available across the country but may come with a charge in certain hotels. In Tel Aviv, free WiFi is available in several public spaces. Mobile coverage is very good in towns and cities, but more patchy in rural areas. It is worth checking with your mobile carrier whether you will be able to access the local network.
Currency
ILS
