Israel - Business TravelIsrael Business Travel
Business Customs
Israel’s business environment has no particular business protocols; it is mainly consistent with U.S.-style conventions, which makes most U.S. businesspeople feel very comfortable in doing business in Israel.American business travelers will find the dress code in both the public and private sectors to be much less formal than in the U.S. A business suit is appropriate in meetings with high level executives and government officials and ties are optional.
Appointments can be made on fairly short notice; however, reconfirming appointments is advised, given that most Israelis tend to have busy, dynamic schedules. Israelis arrive well prepared for meetings and are very direct. It’s preferable to provide your hosts with an agenda outlining your objectives in advance. Exchange of business cards is common, although some may be less accustomed to this practice. Therefore, provide your business card early on and politely request one in return, if not offered.
English is widely spoken in the business community and in government offices, but knowing and using a few Hebrew words, especially introductory phrases and greetings, can be useful.
Travel Advisory
U.S. travelers can refer to the U.S. Department of State’s International Travel Information for the most up to date information on travel warnings and visa requirements for Israel.U.S. Department of State’s International Travel Information
Visa Requirements
A visa is not required for Americans traveling for tourism or short-term business visits. Visitors are entitled to remain in Israel for up to three months from the date of their arrival, in accordance with the conditions of the visa issued to them upon their entrance to Israel.Visitors intending to work in Israel must submit a request to the Ministry of the Interior for a special visa. For more information, please visit: The Israeli Government Services and Information Website.
U.S. companies that require travel of Israeli businesspersons to the United States should be advised that Israeli citizens require a visa prior to entry, and that the visa process may take a number of weeks. Visa applicants should apply well in advance of anticipated travel and should consider maintaining a valid visa at all times. Israeli applicants may refer to the following links for additional information:
Currency
The State of Israel’s currency is the New Israel Shekel (NIS). There are one hundred agorot in each shekel. Bank notes are in denominations of NIS 20, 50, 100, and 200; coins are in denominations of 10, 5, 2, 1NIS and 50 and 10 agorot.Changing Money
Unlimited sums of local and foreign money may be brought into Israel as cash, travelers’ checks, credit , or State of Israel bonds. Foreign currency of all kinds may be exchanged at the airport, banks, post offices, most hotels or licensed exchange agencies in large cities. A passport is required when exchanging travelers’ checks. The rates vary from place to place, and banks charge a commission. It is recommended, though not obligatory, to carry a small amount of U.S. dollars, since certain tourist sites, especially in the Old City of Jerusalem, take payment in dollars.Cash Withdrawal
Holders of international credit cards can withdraw local or foreign currency at banks which accept their credit cards. There are Automated Teller Machines outside most banks.The annual average exchange rate for 2018 was NIS 3.59 per $1.00.
To learn about the current exchange rate please visit: Current Exchange Rate
Telecommunications/Electronics
Israel has a very competitive and dynamic telecommunications market with one of the highest mobile penetration rates in the world and one of the highest household broadband penetration rates as well.There are eight main internet service providers, Bezeq international, NetVision, 012 Smile, 013 Barak, Partner, Triple Cloud, Xphone 018, HOTnet and Internet Rimon, all which offer broadband wireless internet service to clients. Wireless networks (Wi-Fi) can be found throughout the country, including restaurants, cafes, hotels and in Ben Gurion Airport. The standard rate for Wi-Fi varies between 10-15 NIS per hour. However, complimentary Wi-Fi is often offered to customers in restaurants and hotels.
While social media has been shaping the scope of today’s field of communication, according to comScore, Israel has been ranked first in hours spent per visitor on social network websites.
It is estimated that Israel has one of the highest levels in the world of people who own and use a cell phone on a daily basis. Israel's competitive mobile communications market has expanded and is now served by eight mobile network operators, Cellcom, Pelephone, Partner, Hot Mobile, Golan Telecom, YouPhone, Rami Levy, and 012 Mobile. Competition has led the mobile network operators to engage in a round of merger and acquisition activity with fixed line players to offer integrated services. The competition was intensified in June 2011 following MVNO (mobile virtual network operator or ‘wireless resale’) licenses to Rami Levi Cellular, Home cellular and YouPhone.
All international cell phone service providers will operate in Israel; however, it may be worthwhile to rent a cell phone or purchase a local SIM card, as it can reduce the cost significantly. Cell phones for visitors are available for rental at Ben Gurion Airport or through hotels. For additional information please see: Tourist Israel – The Guide.
Useful Facts:
Area code: +or 00-972
Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50 Cycles – An adaptor is necessary – 3 pronged
Transportation
Israel has an extensive road network that connects the entire country and has advanced inland and international transport facilities. Rental cars, taxis and limousines with drivers are readily available for U.S. visitors. U.S. drivers may rent cars with a valid U.S. or international driver’s license.One of the most notable advances in transport in Israel in recent years has been the modernization of the train system. Commuter trains run from Tel Aviv to most of the large cities from Nahariya in the north to Dimona in the south, including Jerusalem and Ben Gurion Airport. Extensive freight services are available and most often used between Haifa, the port in the north, and Ashdod, Israel’s primary port in the south.
Ben Gurion International Airport offers connections to major international destinations. Ben Gurion is the country’s center of air passenger and cargo operations. Several companies provide domestic flights between Tel Aviv, Haifa and Eilat from Ben Gurion Airport.
There is no public transportation on the Jewish Sabbath (Friday sundown to Saturday sundown), besides taxi service, although taxis can be difficult to find on shabbat as well.
Useful links:
- Ben Gurion International Airport
- Israel Railways
- Egged – Prime bus company in Israel. Provides intercity public bus service throughout the country
- Dan – Prime bus company in Israel. Operates public bus service in Tel Aviv and surrounding suburbs
- MoovIt – Web platform and mobile application for public transportation route planning
Language
Hebrew and Arabic are the two official languages of Israel. English is the third and principal international language; Russian is also prevalent. Many signs in public places are in Hebrew, Arabic, and English. Most Israelis are multilingual.Health
Modern medical care and medicines are available in Israel. Service may be somewhat limited on Fridays and Saturdays (the Israeli ‘weekend’), so special attention should be paid in order to make arrangements in advance for service on these days. Travelers can find information written in English about emergency medical facilities and after-hours pharmacies in the Jerusalem Post newspaper.Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proven useful. The international traveler's website for the Center for Disease Control can be accessed at Center for Disease Control.
Local Time, Business Hours and Holidays
Local Time: UTC + 2 hours (7-6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST). Israel observes daylight savings.)Business Hours: Sunday – Thursday from 8:00a.m. – 5:00 p.m. for most businesses and government offices. Occasionally, business people will be willing to hold meetings on Friday mornings.
The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem and The U.S. Embassy Branch Office in Tel Aviv are open 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday and closed on U.S. holidays and Israeli holidays.
Israeli Holidays (All businesses in Israel are closed)
| 2019 | 2020 | |
| Passover (1st Day) | Saturday, April 20 | Wednesday, April 8 |
| Passover (Last Day) | Friday, April 26 | Wednesday, April 15 |
| Israeli Independence Day | Thursday, May 9 | Wednesday, April 29 |
| Shavuot (Pentecost) | Sunday, June 9 | Friday, May 29 |
| Rosh Hashanah (Day 1) | Monday, September 30 | Saturday, September 19 |
| Rosh Hashanah (Day 2) | Tuesday, October 1 | Sunday, September 20 |
| Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) | Wednesday, October 9 | Monday, September 28 |
| Sukkot (1st day) | Monday, October 14 | Friday, October 2 |
| Sukkot (Last day) | Sunday, October 20 | Friday, October 9 |
| Simchat Torah (Rejoicing of the law) | Monday, October 21 | Saturday, October 10 |
Temporary Entry of Materials or Personal Belongings
The ATA Carnet is accepted by Israel. For more information please visit: export.gov.It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Israel in Washington or one of Israel's consulates in the U.S. for specific information regarding customs requirements. For general customs regulations please see our information at: Customs and Import Restrictions.
Travel Related Web Resources
- Go Israel: General information for Tourists