Practical Information For Visits To Jerusalem From Jordan

 

 

1. Time zone:

Jerusalem is Two hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) during winter, and three hours ahead during summer, from May 1st till October 1st.

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2. Climate:

Jerusalem is situated at 700m altitude. The winters are cold and rainy with snowfalls once or twice a year. By contrast summers are dry and warm, with low humidity and temperatures averaging around 29 °C or 80 °F, making for pleasant bright days. During autumn and spring a hot desert winds 50 °C.
Evenings may be cool even in the summer; a jacket or jumper is handy.

Local average daytime temperatures range as follows for the year:

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
°C	6-11	7-14	8-16	12-21	15-25	17-27	19-29	19-29	18-28	16-26	12-19	8-14
°F	43-53	44-57	44-61	53-69	60-77	63-81	66-84	66-86	65-82	60-78	54-67	47-56

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3. Visitor visas:

Most nationals of Western countries can get a visa upon arrival at the bridge. For more information please check the link: http://www.goisrael.com/Tourism_Eng/Tourist+Information/Planning+your+trip/Visa.htm or http://israel.visahq.com/requirements/israel

Jordan Visa: Note If you have entered Jordan on a group Visa, and you want to exit Jordan at King Hussein /Allenby Bridge and are deviating from the program of the group that was submitted for the group visa, then you will have to pay the Jordan visa fee of JOD20 ($30) pp. This is because you deviated from the free group visa condition. Please contact us if you need further clarification.

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4. Passport Stamp:

If you do not wish to have your passport stamped with an Israeli stamp, then you may fill in form 17L instead. When you arrive at the immigration hall in the Israeli terminal ask the immigration officer for form 17L. Fill in the form and hand it over to the immigration officer with your passport; tell them that you do not want your passport stamped. They will stamp the form instead of your passport. Be sure to keep this form with you, as it is your proof of entry to the country. You may be asked for this form at checkpoints. Note there have been incidents were the Israeli authorities have stamped passports despite being asked not to. See information about asking Israeli not to stamp your passport where it states:

As of July 3, 2008, an official decision has been made that will no longer require entry stamps on foreign passports. In such cases, you must fill out form 17L including your personal details, and that form shall be stamped by passport control upon entry/exit.
The form 17L will not be collected upon exit as it is necessary for the collection of tax refunds and proof of legal entry.

Note Jordan does not stamp passports at Allenby Bridge/ King Hussein Bridge.

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5. Departure tax:

Exit tax out of the Holyland at King Hussein/ Allenby Bridge is currently NIS 172 pp (approximately $52 per person - subject to change).

Exit tax out of Jordan (JOD 8 pp, approx $12 - subject to change). Exit tax from Jordan is exempt if staying less than 2 nights in Jordan (subject to change).

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6. Language:

Arabic and Hebrew are both spoken languages in Jerusalem. English is very common especially in tourist areas.

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7. Payment:

Payment is due in full on booking

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8. Cancellation fees:

• 15+ Days before the trip $50 pp processing fee.
• 14 -05 Days before the trip 50% cancellations charge
• 04 –01 Days before the trip 100% cancellation charge

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9. Holidays:

Holidays often affect the bridge opening times. If you are travelling in this period please check with us about the bridge openings.

 

2011 Holidays:
Christmas/ New Year period Dec 23–Jan 04

Moslem Holidays often depend on the siting of the moon. Hence the dates are approximate:
Moslem New Year Nov 26 approximately

 

2012 Holiday:

Western Easter April 1-8
Passover April 5 – 15
Easter Orthodox April 8-15
Shavuot May 26 – 28,
Summer August 01 – 30
Rosh Hashana September 16 - 19
Yom Kippur September 25 - 26
Succot September 29 - October 09
Christmas December 23 – Jan 04

Moslem Holidays 2012 often depend on the siting of the moon. Hence the dates are approximate:
Ramadan start Jul 20 - Aug 18 approximately
Eid Fitr Aug 19 approximately
Eid Adha approx Oct 26 approximately
Moslem New Year Nov 15 approximately

Border Closings 2012:
Yom Kippur: Sep 26 all borders closed (on eve borders closer earlier than usual)
Eid Adha (approx Oct 25): Allenby & Taba closed.
Eid Hijra (Moslem New Year) (approx Nov 15): Sheikh Hussein and Arava closed.

 

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10. Currency:

In Jerusalem the unit of currency is New Israeli Shekel (NIS), which is divided into 100 AGOROT. Notes are issued in denominations of 20, 50, 100 and 200 NIS. Coins are issued in denominations of 1 AGORA, 5, 10, and 50 AGOROT, 1, 2, 5 and 10 NIS. Exchange rates are regulated and are the same at all banks.

For updated rate of exchange please check the below website http://www.xe.com/ucc/

We suggest that you exchange money only at authorized facilities (such as banks, hotel desks and authorized money changers at the center of towns).

Generally, you should limit the amount of money you convert into local currencies and exchange only what you think you will spend before leaving any foreign country. Be aware that only paper currency will normally be accepted for exchange.

Travelers’ checks and major credit cards are widely accepted.

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11. Photography:

We recommend that you bring all the photographic equipment you will need from home, including additional camera batteries. It is also suggested that you check the working order of your camera and have your equipment insured before you depart.

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12. Photographic Etiquette:

When photographing people, always ask permission first. The only exception to this is when you are photographing a public scene with a lot of people in it, aiming at no one in particular. Always be considerate of anyone’s desire not to be photographed. There are some places where photography is prohibited, and these areas are usually clearly marked.

Do not take photographs of military installations or airports.

If you are uncertain about whether or not photography is permitted, ask. Taking photographs when permission is not granted is inconsiderate at best and may result in the confiscation of your film.

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13. Electricity:

In Jerusalem, electricity runs 220/240 volts. If you do bring electrical appliances, take along international converter kit complete with a set of adapter plugs. These are available from better electrical and hardware stores in the U.S. and Canada.

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14. Health:

No vaccinations are needed for visitors to Jerusalem. During your stay, it is preferable to drink only bottled water, although it is all right to shower and brush your teeth using tap water.

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15. Shopping:

Shops offer wide variety of merchandise, including jewelry, oriental carpets, fashionable clothing, leather goods, paintings and sculptures, ceramics, silverware, copperware, embroidered goods, and religious items. Jewelry and diamonds should be purchased at proper establishments only (i.e. the Diamond Centers) and NOT in the Old City (Jerusalem).

Markets and bazaars selling hand-made arts and crafts of mostly the olive wood and the Mother of Pearl abound in the alleyways of the Old City (Jerusalem) and Bethlehem. Bargaining is expected in virtually all Arab markets and in the Old City of Jerusalem and in Bethlehem. While you should not be intimidated into buying something you don’t really want, neither should you encourage a merchant unless you really do plan to make a purchase. Trading is enjoyable to merchants in bazaars, but they do expect (eventually) to arrive at a purchase price.

Please note: Your Agent and Guiding Star LTD. Assume no responsibility for any purchases made by our clients while traveling. This includes shipping costs, which may be considerably higher (even several hundred dollars more) than quoted at the time of purchase.

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16. Health information

No vaccinations are currently required.

While we will try to advise you of our most current health information, you should be aware that requirements and recommendations can change, sometimes on short notice. Therefore, it is important that you check with a qualified health professional for the most current information concerning your exact travel itinerary and personal health history.

You should carry along an adequate supply of any prescribed medications you may require while traveling. Prescription medicines should always be carried in your hand luggage (not in checked baggage) in their original, labeled containers only.

Travelers with physical disabilities and those who require frequent or ongoing medical attention should advise us of their health situation at the time of booking.

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17. Clothing & Accessories:

Conservative clothing is expected at most religious sites and in certain Moslem and Jewish neighborhoods. Women should have clothing that covers their shoulders and reaches their ankles. Men should wear trousers and cover their shoulders.

In the summer, clothing of lightweight fabric (such as cotton) is most appropriate, including slacks and open-neck shirts for men and daytime dresses, slacks, and blouses for women. Ladies may want to include a "smartly casual" dress for special occasions. Few men wear jackets and ties in the summer, except for business and other more formal occasions. It is suggested that you also pack a sweater or lightweight jacket for cooler evenings.

In the winter, you will need warmer clothing, including an overcoat, sweater, raincoat, and hat.

You will also want to pack sunglasses, a lightweight (fold-up) sun hat with brim, and sun block. A swimsuit and beachwear will be appropriate for coastal areas.

A pair of comfortable, soft-soled walking shoes is suggested for touring (even in the summer months when sandals and open shoes are acceptable.)

If you wear prescription glasses or contact lenses, we recommend that you bring an extra pair of glasses (as well as a copy of the prescription).

You should carry along an adequate supply of any prescribed medications you may require while traveling. Prescription medicines should always be carried in your hand luggage (not in checked baggage) in their original, labeled containers only.

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18. Laundry:

Laundry service is usually available at larger hotels. However, remember to check the hotel’s individual laundry return policy and pricing schedule before choosing to have laundry done at a hotel.

It is also suggested that you request laundry service only when you have a sufficient length of stay remaining to ensure that your laundry is to you before depart.

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19. Food & Drink:

In the Holy Land you may enjoy international as well as local food. The Palestinian Cuisine provides you with the real traditional Arabic and Middle Eastern cuisine.

"Kosher" refers to food that is eaten and prepared according to Jewish dietary law. Pork, which is prohibited under both Jewish and Muslim law, is generally not available.

Market stalls in are full of fresh produce that literally arrives within hours of having been picked. A wide variety of foods and vegetables at reasonable prices can be found at the local markets and supermarkets. Although fruits and vegetables are considered safe to eat, remember to wash all produce bought in open-air markets before eating.

Although tap water is considered safe to drink but it is recommended to drink bottled water. It is all right to shower and brush your teeth using tap water.

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20. Valuables, Safety, & Travel Insurance:

Exercise the same safety precautions throughout your travels as you would at home.

Be especially careful with your passport; and memorize its number, date of issue, and place of issue. It is also a great idea to carry a photocopy of the informational pages of your passport (the pages containing your photograph and passport details, as well as any amendment pages and visas) and to leave a copy at home. Follow the security measures included with your travelers’ checks, and also leave an additional record of their numbers at home.

Please do not pack valuable items (such as your camera) in checked baggage.

We recommend that all travelers purchase adequate trip cancellation/interruption, medical, and baggage insurance and that they carry the details of their coverage with on tour.

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21. Gratuities:

Many Travelers view tipping as a difficult subject, though this need not be the case.

The first thing to remember is that tipping is not compulsory, nor are there any fixed amounts. The bottom line in determining whether and how much to tip is to ask yourself how much the individual did to make your travels more enjoyable. It is with this in mind that we offer the following information.

Gratuities for guides and drivers are not included in the price of your tour so we offer the following tipping guidelines.

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22. Smoking:

We ask that you refrain from smoking while in sightseeing vehicles and at any group meals during your tour.

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23. Contacts

Amman Office

Guiding Star Agency
Tel:  06– 582 9333
Fax: 06– 582 7474
E-mail: Tamara@guidingstar2.com

Jerusalem Office

Guiding Star Ltd.
Tamara
Tel:  02– 627 3150
Fax: 02– 627 3147
E-mail: Tamara@guidingstar2.com

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