What to know before you go to Israel & Egypt

Ready…Set…Go! What to know before you go to Israel & Egypt Travel Insurance Many seasoned travelers are not aware that their health insurance may no...
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Ready…Set…Go! What to know before you go to

Israel & Egypt

Travel Insurance Many seasoned travelers are not aware that their health insurance may not cover them outside of the country. If you need to cancel your trip due to an unforeseen emergency or serious illness, most of your trip may be non-refundable if you are not insured. In the event you become ill during your travels, finding and receiving medical care may be very frustrating without insurance. Travel insurance also covers lost baggage and worldwide emergency assistance. For a minimal amount of money, travel insurance is a must. Speak with your Pilgrim Tours Representative or your Group Leader for travel Insurance options.

Passport & Visa Information US citizens need a valid U.S. passport with at least six months validity beyond intended stay, to enter Israel & Egypt. Make two photocopies of your passport. Leave one copy at home and carry the other separately from your original. Israel: U.S. and Canadian Citizens do not need a Visa when entering Israel. Egypt: U.S. and Canadian citizens need a visa to enter Egypt. Visas are handled by Pilgrim Tours at the border crossing. Non U. S. /Canadian Citizens are responsible to fulfill appropriate entry requirements of destination. Contact your Consulate office for requirements.

Languages Spoken Hebrew, Arabic and English, French

Tipping Basic tipping for the hotel staff, guide and driver has been included in your tour package and will be taken care of for you by your pastor leader or our Pilgrim Tours representative. When you are sightseeing or dining on your own, a service charge is often added to the bill in hotels and restaurants. However, if it is omitted, a tip of 10-12% is customary. If you plan on hiring a taxi in Israel, agree on the price before getting in. When taking independent transportation in a taxi, pay only by what the meter shows unless the cab driver is handling baggage for you. Taxi drivers in Israel do not expect to be tipped, but it is an appropriate gesture for the service rendered. In Egypt you should plan to tip taxi drivers 10-15% of the fare. Please Note: As a show of appreciation and as only the minimum tipping amounts has been included, Pilgrim Tours encourages travelers to provide additional tips to drivers and guides for their services provided. Remember that a tip or gratuity is earned for services rendered in a courteous and professional manner.

Currency U.S. dollars can be used in both countries. The currency in Israel is the Shekel. There are no restrictions on the import and export of Israeli or foreign currency. Credit cards can be used in Israel for larger purchases. ATMs in Israel are all connected to European and American banking systems. Please be advised that the ATM machines dispense money in SHEKELS - NOT US DOLLARS. Once again U.S. dollars are recommended for use for small purchases and tipping. The currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). You should plan to use either a credit card or U.S. Dollars. Egypt prohibits the exportation of its currency, so you need to exchange as little money as possible. When using an ATM machine, please be advised that the ATM machines dispense money in EGYPTIAN POUNDS - NOT US DOLLARS. Please Note: We suggest you call your bank and/or credit card Company before you leave, to let them know you will be out of the country and using your ATM card or credit card.

Border crossing from Israel to Egypt 1. When motor coach arrives at the Taba Border in Israel, the group disembarks the coach and proceeds through the customs house and exits the other side. The Israel Representative will assist passengers inside the customs house through security and passport control but will not proceed with them past the customs checkpoint.   2. The group then exits the building and travels on foot carrying his/her luggage to the Egypt side of the border where they then proceed through Egypt’s customs check point. 3. Upon receiving passport stamp the members must gather luggage and exit the customs house where the Pilgrim Tours representative will be waiting to assist them. It is imperative that passengers exit the customs house in order to meet the representative outside. The representative will lead passengers to the bus and help load luggage. The border crossing from Israel to Egypt starts late in the morning and is not completed until the afternoon. Because of time restraints to get through customs quickly, it is impossible to fit in a stop for lunch. There are no adequate lunch facilities at the border crossing. There is a small concession stand but it only sells drinks, chips and candy bars. It is recommended that you plan ahead and take an additional snack or eat a hardy breakfast. Please Note: Due to security, all passengers must handle their own luggage while transferring through border control at each respective custom house check points.

Voltage Electricity in Israel & Egypt is 220 volts, 50 Hz and uses the European plug with two round pins. You will need to bring along the necessary converters and adapters to operate any 120 volt appliances such as hair dryers or electric razor as well as camera and cell phone chargers.

Medication If you are required to take medications, you should notify the leader of your group in the event of an emergency. Ask your doctor to write an extra prescription using the generic name to take with you if your medication is lost. All medication should be kept in its original container, including over-the-counter medications.

Health Information Modern medical services are readily available in Israel and in Egypt’s larger cities. Some towns and the bigger hotels may have a doctor on call. Most doctors speak English fluently. Pharmacies can provide medication for minor ailments, but travelers should carry their own prescription medication. Israel meets western standards of sanitation and no special precautions usually need to be taken. The water and food are safe to consume in Israel, and medical facilities are more than adequate. Check with your doctor about any necessary immunizations he may suggest. Try to avoid drinking the tap water in all countries visited.

Physical preparation In order to see and experience as much of Israel and Egypt as possible our tours require a fair amount of walking. Portions of the tour will require that you be able to walk a mile at a time at a moderate pace. We suggest that you begin to prepare for this at least a month in advance. Also, some portions of the tour will require walking and/or hiking on uneven terrain so comfortable, sturdy walking shoes are a must.

Baggage Allowance Due to the size of baggage compartments in touring coaches, each passenger is restricted to ONE suitcase and ONE carry-on bag. A total dimension of the bag to be checked on the airplane is not to exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 lbs. Carry-on luggage is not to exceed a 45-inch dimension (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 20 lbs, as it must fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead compartment. Be sure your luggage is clearly marked on the inside and outside. If you are traveling with a tour group, you must use the luggage tags provided along with your own. Please Note: Due to recent changes in baggage allowance in the industry, we advise checking with your airlines before you depart to see if there has been a change in their regulations

Time Zone Seven hours ahead of EST and two hours ahead of GMT.

Climate In Israel the climate is temperate, and temperatures all year round are reasonable. Israel has two main seasons: Winter from November to March is cold and rainy in most parts of the country; summer from April to October is hot and dry with little or no rainfall. The desert areas can be extremely hot in summer time. The best time to visit is March-June or OctoberNovember, although climate shouldn't be a major consideration in choosing a time to visit. Jerusalem Jan-Mar Apr-Jun Jul-Sep Oct-Dec

Average Temperature 43-55F 54-75F 55-80F 49-63F

Average Rain Fall 4” 1” 0” 2”

Egypt is largely a desert, an extension of the great Sahara Desert that bands North Africa. Save for the thin strip of watered land along the river Nile, very little could survive here. Egypt generally has dry and very hot summers with moderate winters. November through March is definitely the most comfortable months for travel in Egypt. There is almost no rain in the Nile Valley, so you will not need wet weather gear. Cairo Jan-Mar Apr-Jun Jul-Sep Oct-Dec

Average Temperature 48-71F 62-90F 69-94F 56-78F

Average Rain Fall 0” 0” 0” 0”

Fluids To avoid dehydration which is very common in dry climates, drink plenty of water. For Egypt, bottled water, not tap is recommended at all meals. Pitchers of water will be supplied at dinner in Israel. This water is safe to drink. Carry bottled water with you when touring. When buying bottled water, make sure the seal is not broken when you get the water. Use caution when brushing your teeth with tap water in Egypt. Be wary of drinking fruit juices as some sellers may mix it with tap water. Hot beverages like tea and coffee should generally be OK since the water has been boiled in preparation. It is not a good idea to order ice in your drinks, as ice is generally made from tap water. People with sensitive digestive systems need to be prepared by purchasing diarrhea medication ahead of time to take with you. Electrolyte supplements maybe needed during the warmer months. Your doctor might be a helpful source for recommending precautionary medication to take along. Please Note: Be prepared to purchase bottled water and beverages throughout the tour program. This would also apply to bottled water and beverages consumed at all meals

Food and Meals There’s a wide range of cuisine in Israel which has distinctive characteristics. They especially have a fondness for fresh, finely chopped salads, eaten at every meal including breakfast. In general the cuisine is a fusion of East and West, plus many dishes and flavors brought by Jewish immigrants from all over the world. Most restaurants are moderately priced. Table service is the norm, except at the many low-cost snack bars. Restaurants, bars and cafes catering for tourists usually have menus in both Hebrew and English. It is safe to eat fresh fruits and vegetables in Israel. Things to know: The Hebrew word kosher means conforming to Jewish religious laws. Milk, cream or cheese may not be served in the same meal as meat. Pork and shellfish are not kosher, and rarely seen, although imitation seafood is common and may be indistinguishable from the real thing. National specialties: • Falafel (deep fried balls of mashed chickpeas) in pita, with hummus (ground chickpeas), tahina (sesame seed sauce) and salads. • Salads, which include savory vegetable dishes served cold, such as aubergines. • Shishlik (charcoal grilled meat on a skewer). • Shwarma (slices of grilled meat served in a pita bread with salad). • Ashkenazi classics like cholent (Shabbat meat stew) and gefilte fish, a white fish dish. • Soft drinks - Israelis are among the world’s largest consumers. • Fresh fruit juices - very popular and widely available, made from all kinds of fruit. It is important to be aware that most fruits and vegetables should not be eaten raw in Egypt. You should not eat fresh fruit that has been peeled before serving and also not eat any fruit with skin. Food handling in Egypt is not up to Western standards; therefore we suggest avoiding any raw vegetables in salads or meats. You will be given specific information

on foods to avoid by your guide when you arrive in Egypt. Egyptian food has been influenced by the French, British, Turks and Arabs. The most popular meats served are beef, chicken and mutton. Cumin and coriander are found in almost every Arab dish. A shwarma (similar to a gyro) is a good, fast-food choice if it hasn’t been sitting out all day. Try feteara, an oven-baked pancake filled with jam and coconut or moolokhya, a green soup. Vegetarians will enjoy kochari, a combination of rice, chick peas, onions, lentils and spices. For meals that are not included in your tour, check with your group leader or the front desk at the hotel for suggestions (be sure to mention the price range you are interested in).

Shopping There are countless opportunities for shopping in Israel in the shopping centers that have sprung up in the past few decades - including the Malkha Mall in Jerusalem, the largest in the Middle East - as well as in the colorful markets, annual bazaars, street malls, and shops in the large cities - all of which offer attractive imported and locally-made items. All of the towns in Israel have bazaars but the ultimate is to be found in the Old City of Jerusalem. Favorite items to purchase include leather goods, pottery, crafts, olive-wood carvings and hand-blown glass. Egypt’s shopping treasures include wooden pieces inlaid with mother-of-pearl, alabaster and soapstone carvings and antique reproductions. However, be careful when buying reproductions from stalls in the bazaars. The best place for purchasing reproductions is at the Egyptian Museum. Check with your group leader or the front desk for the best shopping areas. Specify that you are interested in purchasing items that are known for their local and cultural appeal. Bargaining in Israel is acceptable but in your effort to keep the price low, do so without being insulting or arrogant towards the vendors.

Pre-Flight Leave your travel information with a family member or friend, including a copy of your passport, your flight itinerary, travel itinerary, hotel names and phone numbers. In the event of an emergency your family members have this information available. Dress comfortably for the flight, wearing clothes that allow freedom of movement and shoes that slip on and off easily. When at the airport, never leave your luggage unattended for any length of time…no matter how short. Do not accept packages from strangers to carry on to the plane for them. Check-in time for international flights is recommended at a minimum of 2 1/2 to 3 hours prior to departure. When checking in at the airport, a valid passport and visa (if required) is needed as proof of identification of each traveler. In order to avoid jet-lag, avoid caffeine, alcohol and carbonated beverages. Natural fruit juice or water is a better choice.

What to Pack Comfortable, casual clothing that can be layered to match the weather is a good suggestion. Planning your wardrobe around one or two colors is also helpful. You may choose to bring along one dressy outfit but it is not necessary. Be sure to include comfortable walking shoes and a lightweight jacket for mornings and evenings. For programs including a Baptism service in the JORDAN RIVER or any other location in Israel, it is recommended that you wear proper footwear to protect your feet from any foreign objects that may be present in the water. A raincoat and rain hat (or poncho) is easier to use when sightseeing than an umbrella. However, the chances of rain in Egypt are very slight and the above climate listings will allow you to plan accordingly Israel. Women should always dress modestly. It is an affront to the Muslims for women to be showing bare shoulders and legs. Women should also pack a lightweight scarf for covering their heads only if entering a mosque or other religious location which requires this. Both men and women will need to remove their shoes before entering a mosque as well. When entering religious sites in Jerusalem, men and women need to make sure their legs are covered to at least below the knee. Also, be sure to cover shoulders. Swimming attire should only be worn around swimming pools or beaches and not in public places. Be sure to keep important items such as documents, money, medications, keys, etc. on your person or in your carry-on luggage. Never pack these items in your checked luggage. Do not make yourself a target by wearing expensive jewelry. A good way to conceal your money and valuables is by purchasing an inexpensive, lightweight pouch that attaches around your waist and is worn under your clothes.

If you are traveling with a companion please consider cross-packing. Put half of your items in your companion’s luggage and vice-versa. This will ease the frustration of lost luggage. Do not over-pack. Leave room in your suitcase for souvenirs. Take along a small backpack. When you are touring, fill it with bottled water, tissues, notebook and pen. It will also come in handy for carrying souvenirs. Dead Sea Swim: It is recommended that you shave the day prior not the day of your Dead Sea swim. It is suggested that you bring a washcloth as many Middle Eastern hotels do not offer these in their rooms. It is always helpful to bring Re-closeable plastic bags for wet or soiled items. Don’t forget these travel sized necessities: sewing kit, first-aid kit, tissues, travel clock, toiletries, notebook and pen, preprinted address labels (for sending postcards). Purchase your batteries and other camera related items in the US. Remember to bring extra for your video camera. Please Note:  Due to the Sabbath, hotel rooms may not be immediately available upon your arrival at the Dead Sea hotel. It is recommended that you pack a separate bag of necessities this day if you wish to utilize the hotel space and/or beach facilities.

General Information Refrain from discussing any Political or Cultural views. This is unwelcome in Israel & Egypt! Women should never travel alone outside the main tourist areas at night. They should also ignore any rude remarks directed at them and avoid eye contact with men. Show respect for the religious observances in each country - do not eat or drink in or around religious shrines. Remove your shoes before entering a mosque. Because of the large amount of religious sites throughout Israel, the Bible could well be the best guidebook - bring one along. Be sure to ask permission before taking pictures of people and do not photograph anything with military significance or remotely connected with the government in Israel & Egypt. Do not pass food (even if it’s wrapped or in a container) with your left hand. If you plan on hiring a taxi, agree on the price before getting in. Be sure to carry your passport with you at all times.