I would suggest that you not take more than $300 cash for personal spending money and don’t use traveler’s checks. They are difficult to cash. I will make your initial currency exchange for $100 US for Israeli shekels. If you need more shekels during the trip, we will go by a moneychanger. Make sure that you bring a credit card that works on the Cirrus and/or the Plus networks so that you will be able to get money from ATMs if you need more cash. Some of the places that we visit will take VISA cards. We will visit a couple of places that will take a check. Israel currency is the shekel, currently about 4 shekels/dollar.

Bring your AT&T, MCI, or Sprint card with you. The country code in Israel is 972. It’s a lot less expensive to dial direct, than it is to use the Israeli telephone system.  You can also purchase phone cards in Israel that make it very inexpensive to call home. 

The electrical system for Israel is 220. For specific things you will need a multi-voltage converter. Camcorders & Video-recorders often have the worldwide AC Adapter charger, so you will also want to check that. Bring all of the film (at least 15 rolls) that you want to use in Israel, with you. It is fairly expensive to buy film. If your film is below ISO400, you shouldn’t have any problem with the x-ray machine. There also shouldn’t be any problem for your camcorder videotape. Videotapes in Israel are expensive, so I would suggest that you not plan on buying any videotape in Israel.

Make sure that you have a health insurance card in case of an accident.

We will be in Israel for 9 nights.   All of our activities will be casual and blue jeans or sweat pants will be adequate. The ladies may want to wear modest clothing, and no shorts.  I generally take with me several tee-shirts, a light jacket, rain slick, a sweatshirt, two or three additional pair of slacks, lots of socks, and a travel vest. I will layer with the travel vest. A couple of the days will be windy and cold, so bring a light coat.   You need to be sure that you’re shoes are very comfortable. Bring at least one change of shoes. Put all of your stuff in one bag to check thru to Tel Aviv.   Hand carry a bag with a change of underwear, some light snacks, your camera, and any other carrying things that you want to take. You will need a wallet that you can keep next to your body for your passport, driver’s license, credit card and cash. I would suggest either a waist or neck wallet. Remember, pack light and have necessary stuff in a carry-on bag.  Be sure to bring any medications that you need and include Imodium, Pepto Bismol tablets and aspirin.