Travel Documents: It is necessary to have a valid passport for the duration of your time abroad. Visas to Israel are not required for persons from Australia, Canada, United States and Western Europe. If you plan to remain in the area and visit another Middle Eastern country (Jordan, Cyprus, Egypt, or Turkey) then you will need a "multiple entry" visa for Israel. IMPORTANT: Do not pack your passport or travel document in your luggage, as you will need them at the airport and at embarkation. Keep them, as well as prescription medication, and any valuables in your carry-on bag, and keep your carry-on with you at all times while traveling.
Transportation from Tel Aviv (Ben Gurion) Airport to Jerusalem: We will be met at Ben Gurion International Airport by our local host, Iyad Qumri, and travel together to St. George’s College in Jerusalem.
Money: Currency in Israel is the New Israeli (NIS). You are advised to bring cash. Personal cheques and credit cards are not accepted everywhere. Changing your currency to NIS at a local money changer is recommended. As of February 24, 2010, the Shekel is 3.8 to the USD$1.00 (subject to change). We suggest you bring fifty USD one-dollar bills for the pilgrimage because US dollars are sometimes accepted in Israel and Palestine as a currency.
Electric Appliances: Electric currency in Israel is 220 V: 50 Hz: C. Remember you will need both an adapter (for the socket) and a converter (to convert the electric current). Both items should be purchased before you leave home. We recommend you carry as few electric items as possible, as they are occasionally confiscated by Israeli airport security upon your departure from Israel.
Climate: In October and November, daytime temperatures will be very pleasant: 60º-70º F, evening temperatures will be in the 40º's-50º's. There'll be some rain - nothing torrential. Be sure to
check the weather before packing.
What to Bring and Wear: Bring moderate to warm clothing as the buildings in Jerusalem are stone and tend to hold cold and dampness. Bring appropriate clothes for bus rides, walking over rough terrain, (hiking shoes), swimming (flip flops are useful). You may also want to bring a sweater or jacket for potentially cool evenings, sunglasses, and a hat for sunny days. “Modest dress” needs to be maintained for Holy Sites.
Women can wear skirts, slacks, or capris (as long as the knees are covered). No tank tops, shorts, or sleeveless blouses. Short-sleeves are fine. You may want to be able to dress up a bit if something special is planned.
For the men, long pants will be necessary most days because of the kinds of places we are visiting (jeans, khakis, etc.). You might want some long-sleeved shirts for our few special nights.
Telephones: If you belong to MCI, SPRINT, or AT&T and have a calling card, bring your number and you can use this card to call back to the USA. Remember, telephone calls placed from and billed to hotel rooms carry heavy surcharges.
Meals: Beverages during your evening meal are purchased separately, so remember to bring some extra money with you to the dinner table. All varieties of soft drinks, mineral waters, beers, and wines are available.
Language: English is understood and spoken widely in most pilgrimage areas. Arabic and Hebrew are the official languages in Israel and Palestine.
Respect and Safety: Your safety and well being is the highest priority of Spiritual Directors International staff, hosts, and guides, and we will advise you along the way. St. George’s College is a very secure campus. In general, visitors should avoid demonstrations which can occur spontaneously. Israel and Palestine are largely religious societies and religious customs should be respected. Care should be taken not to photograph any military or police personnel or installations. Visitors should also be discreet about taking photographs in Jewish Orthodox areas and of Jewish Orthodox people. You should carry official identification at all times and are urged to take responsibility for your personal security.
General Information, visit the
Israel Ministry of Tourism Web site.
