(Last updated: 26 Aug 2013)
Visiting
Business hours
In general, the work week tends to run from Sunday to Thursday with Friday and Saturday considered as the weekend where most people do not work.
Public holidays
February 24 – Purim
March 26 – Pesach (Passover)
April 15 – Yom Ha'atzmaut (Israel Independence Day)
May 15 – Shavuot (Pentecost)
September 5 – Rosh Hashanah (New Year)
September 14 – Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement)
September 19 – Sukkot (Tabernacles)
September 26 – Simchat Torah
November 28 – Hanukkah (Festival of Lights)
Climate
Israel in summer is relatively hot, but most buildings are well air-conditioned and the heat should not impact doing business. In winter, Jerusalem and other inland towns can get very cold, with occasional snow.
For weather details in Israel, please visit the World Meteorological Organization.
Currency
Oanda currency converter
The official currency is the New Israeli Shekel (NIS). One New Israeli Shekel is divided into 100 Agorot (cents). Notes are in denominations of NIS200, 100, 50, and 20. Coins are in denominations of NIS10, 5 and 1, and 50 and 10 agorot.
Banks
The banking system in Israel is sophisticated and comparable to any Western nation. Opening hours change from bank to bank.
The three largest banks in Israel are Bank Hapoalim, Leumi Bank and Israel Discount Bank.
ATM machines are readily available in most areas. Local currency can also be obtained upon arrival at the airport.
Time zones and time differences
Israel is eight hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time.
To find out the current time in Israel, view the World Clock.
Dialling codes
Israel's country code is 972.
For calls to Israel from Australia dial: 0011 + 972 + area code + telephone number.
For calls from Israel to Australia dial: 00 + 61 + area code + telephone number.
For further information (eg. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialling codes.
Electricity and water
Israel’s power supply is 220-240 volts, 50 or 60Hz. The round two-pin plugs are the most common.
Links and resources
Travel and tourism
Israel Infotour – www.infotour.co.il
Israel Wonders – www.goisrael.com/tourism_eng
Please note: this list of websites and resources is not definitive. Inclusion in this list does not imply endorsement by Austrade. The information provided is a guide only.
Top Business Risks
OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises
Multinational Enterprises should be aware of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises that provide voluntary principles and standards for responsible business behaviour in a variety of areas, consistent with applicable domestic laws. These Guidelines are endorsed and promoted by the Australian Government. For more information, go to the AusNCP website.
Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative
The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) is a voluntary mechanism which promotes and supports improved governance in resource-rich countries through the full publication and verification of company payments and government revenues from oil, gas, and mining.
The EITI is supported by governments, industry, and non-government organisations around the world. The Australian Government supports the EITI and encourages Australian companies operating internationally to comply with its recommendations.