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Resources & References

Resources & References

Israel And The Palestinian Territories

Digital Resources

Essential Apps

  • Moovit

    For public transport schedules and routes, offering real-time information.

  • Google Maps / Waze

    For navigation; Waze is popular locally for driving directions and traffic updates.

  • Gett / Yango

    For ordering licensed taxis, showing estimated fares and allowing in-app payment.

  • Google Translate

    Useful for language assistance, with offline download options available.

  • Pango / Cellopark

    Useful for parking payments in towns if you rent a car.

Useful Websites

Print Resources

Recommended Guidebooks

Find comprehensive information and practicalities for your journey.

Travel Narratives

Discover historical and cultural narratives with these guides.

Historical Texts

Explore the region's deep history and unique artifacts with these books.

Emergency & Medical Information

Emergency Contacts

  • Police: 100
  • Magen David Adom (Ambulance/Medical): 101
  • Fire Department: 102
  • Locate your country's embassy or consulate.

Health and Safety Protocols

  • Closest major hospitals are in Beersheba or Jerusalem.
  • Clinics may appear in larger towns like Arad for minor issues.
  • Report lost passports immediately to your embassy.
  • In case of flash floods, move to higher ground immediately.

Further Reading & Exploration

Film & Documentaries

  • Masada (1981 miniseries)
  • Documentaries on the Dead Sea Scrolls
  • Films depicting desert landscapes
  • Historical dramas

Local Culture Immersion

  • Listen to Israeli folk music.
  • Explore Mizrahi music.
  • Discover classical Arabic music.
  • Consider local art exhibitions.

Community & Language

  • TripAdvisor forums for Israel travel.
  • Facebook groups for travel in Israel.
  • Duolingo for basic Hebrew or Arabic.
  • Memrise for phrases.

Pre-Trip Checklist

Essential Preparations

Chronological Planning Timeline

  • 3-6 Months Before

    Check passport validity, research visa needs, book flights and major accommodation.

  • 1-2 Months Before

    Finalize itinerary, arrange International Driving Permit, order Travel gear.

  • 2-4 Weeks Before

    Confirm all bookings, inform bank, download essential apps, make document copies.

Home Preparation

  • Inform contacts

    Inform family or friends of your itinerary and expected return.

  • Arrange services

    Arrange for pet care and mail collection.

  • Secure your residence

    Secure your home by locking doors and windows, considering light timers.

Advance Bookings

Flights

Flights are a top priority for advance booking, especially during peak season, for better prices.

Accommodation

Dead Sea hotels, especially luxury resorts, often book up quickly; book months ahead.

Tours & Activities

Masada cable car tickets and organized tours may require pre-booking, especially in busy seasons.

Arrival Checklist

First Steps Upon Arrival

  • Pass through immigration, receiving your blue entry card.
  • Collect your luggage from baggage claim.
  • Exchange currency or use an ATM for local cash needs.
  • Purchase a local SIM card or activate your eSIM.

Orientation and Transport

  • Locate your pre-arranged transport or public options.
  • Check into your accommodation and find nearby amenities.
  • Locate the nearest convenience store, pharmacy, or supermarket.
  • Understand how local transport operates from your hotel.

Departure Preparation

Souvenirs and Shipping

  • Purchase any last-minute Dead Sea products.
  • Check airline baggage limits and liquid restrictions for carry-on.
  • Consider shipping larger quantities of products home.
  • Tourists can claim VAT refunds from participating stores.

Pre-Departure Timing

  • Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport 3 hours prior to international flights.
  • Factor in potential traffic to the airport.
  • Allow extra time, typically 2-4 hours, for land border crossings.
  • Return your rental car, making sure to fill the tank.

Remember Documentation

Always carry digital and physical copies of your passport, visa, and important reservations. Store them separately for security.