Visiting

Business hours

In general, the work week in Israel tends to run from Sunday to Thursday with Friday and Saturday considered the weekend where most people do not work. Opening hours vary from business to business and need to be consulted on case by case basis.

Public holidays 2017

12 March – Purim, Holiday of costumes
10 – 18 April – Passover (begins), Pesach
2 May – Independence Day (Yom HaAtzmaut)
31 May – Pentecost (Shavuot)
21 – 22 September – Jewish New Year (Rosh HaShana)
30 September – Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), no vehicles on the roads
5 October – Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot)
13 October – Simchat Torah (Celebrates the end of the annual cycle of Torah readings)
13 December – Chanukah (commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple)

Climate

In general, the climate is mild and comfortable. Israel in summer is relatively hot (and humid in the coastal cities), but most buildings are well air-conditioned and the heat should not impact doing business. In winter, Jerusalem and other inland towns can get 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).

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
  • Israel Discount Bank.

ATM machines are readily available in most areas and 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 (AEST). This can sometimes vary due to changes in the daylight savings time standard applied in Israel.

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. Tap water is safe to drink although mineral bottled water is widely consumed.

Links and resources

Travel and tourism

Israel Ministry of Tourism

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. The content is for information and carries no warranty; as such, the addressee must exercise their own discretion in its use. Australia’s anti-bribery laws apply overseas and Austrade will not provide business related services to any party who breaches the law and will report credible evidence of any breach. For further information, please see foreign bribery information and awareness pack.