Communication: The Dead Sea

Connectivity Options

Information on mobile providers and internet access.

SIM Cards

Israel: Cellcom, Partner, Pelephone, Golan Telecom. Prepaid SIM cards widely available.
Jordan: Zain, Orange, Umniah. Available at airport/shops.
Purchasing a local SIM is economical for longer stays.

Internet Access

Wi-Fi widely available in hotels, resorts, restaurants, and cafes.

Wi-Fi Access

Hotels & Resorts universally have Wi-Fi.
Restaurants & Cafes often offer free Wi-Fi.
Many public areas provide free Wi-Fi.

Language & Translation

Language Overview

Hebrew is official in Israel, Arabic also.
English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Translation apps (e.g., Google Translate) are useful.
Download offline language packs.

Useful Phrases

Shalom (Hebrew: Hello/Goodbye)
Toda (Hebrew: Thank you)
Ken (Hebrew: Yes)
Lo (Hebrew: No)

Stay Connected

Consider an ESIM from Airalo or a Portable WiFi device from Solis for constant internet access. Practice a few local phrases.

Business Hours & Schedules

Business Operating Hours

General opening and closing times for various businesses.

Standard Hours

Israel: Sun-Thu, Fri (early close), Sat (closed). Jordan: Sat-Thu, Fri (closed). Resorts: Extended hours.

Resort Specifics

Resorts and major tourist attractions often have extended hours, especially in high season, catering to visitors.

Banking Services

Locate ATMs and understand bank operating hours.

Money Access

Banks: Weekdays 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM.
ATMs: Widely available at banks, shops, hotels.
Cash withdrawals are easy.

Holidays & Seasonal Changes

Be aware of religious and public holidays that may alter schedules.

Holiday Impact

Jewish holidays: widespread closures.
Islamic holidays: business hours change.
Friday is the official weekend day in Jordan.

Seasonal Schedules

Low Season

Some smaller attractions have reduced hours.
Facilities may close entirely during lowest tourist seasons.
Extreme summer heat may alter operating hours.

Always Verify

Always check specific opening times.
Consult attraction websites for current schedules.
Contact establishments directly if unsure.

Plan Ahead

Check local holiday calendars to avoid unexpected closures and adjust your schedule accordingly.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Cultural customs for respectful interactions.

Greeting & Attire

Polite ways to greet people and appropriate dress.

Social Manners

Handshakes are common, but vary by gender/religion.
Modest dress for historical/religious sites.
Carry a scarf for head covering if needed.

Dining & Photography

Tipping customs and photography guidelines.

Common Practices

Refer to Dining section for tipping.
Photography generally allowed, but ask permission for individuals.
Respect privacy, especially with children.

Taboos & Sensitive Topics

Be aware of topics that may be sensitive in conversation.

Conversation Caution

Avoid politics or religion unless a local starts the conversation.
Approach sensitive topics with sensitivity.
Public displays of affection are generally reserved.

Gender Considerations

Local attitudes regarding gender and sexuality vary by location.

Local Differences

Israel: relatively liberal society (especially Tel Aviv).
Jordan: a more conservative society.
LGBTQ+ rights not recognized by law in Jordan; exercise discretion.

Religious Site Etiquette

Dress Code

Shoulders and knees must be covered.
Women may need to cover heads in mosques.
Remove shoes before entering mosques or private homes.

Behavior

Maintain a low voice and avoid disruptive behavior.
Do not walk in front of worshippers.
Observe all signage regarding photography restrictions.

Learning Languages

Rosetta Stone

Consider learning basic Hebrew or Arabic.
Use Rosetta Stone for language learning.
A few basic phrases create good interactions.

Digital Tools

Download offline translation apps.
Voice translation tools can be very handy.
Many locals in tourist areas speak English.

Be Respectful

Embrace local customs and show consideration for cultural and religious sensitivities throughout your visit.

Accessibility Information

Details for travelers with mobility or other specific needs.

Mobility Infrastructure

Accessibility infrastructure varies by location and age of establishment.

Varying Standards

Israel: improving in new builds and major sites.
Jordan: less developed, historical sites have limited access.
Newer hotels and major tourist centers often offer some facilities.

Accessible Attractions

Find sites and transportation options suitable for accessibility needs.

Accessible Spots

Masada's cable car is wheelchair accessible.
Ein Bokek public beaches have accessible paths.
Modern Egged buses are becoming increasingly accessible.

Services for Impairments

Specialized services for visual or hearing impairments.

Support for Travelers

Specialized services are less common.
Larger cities may offer some tailored services.
Bring personal assistive devices for communication.

Airport Services

Services at airports for a smoother travel experience.

Traveler Perks

Priority Pass for airport lounge access.
Compensair for flight delay compensation.
Check services for special needs travelers directly with airports.

Plan Accessibility

Communicate specific needs in advance with hotels and tour operators. Pre-arranged accessible taxis are often the most reliable transportation options.

Communication