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:

In March 2013 the Israeli authorities introduced a system where each visitor to Israel is issues with a printed ID card on their arrival. The card included a scanned and printed copy of the passport photo. This card must be kept with the passport throughout the stay in Israel and presented to the authorities on departing the country. In theory this replaces a stamp in the passport, unless a travellers specifically wants a stamp in their passport. However, it is possible that they may stamp a passport rather than issuing this card, so it is still recommended that travellers not wishing to have an Israeli stamp in their passport ask the immigration specifically not to stamp the passport.

Note Jordan does not stamp passports at Allenby Bridge/ King Hussein Bridge either on entry or exit.

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5. Departure tax:

Exit tax out of the Holyland at King Hussein/ Allenby Bridge is currently NIS 178 pp (approximately $52 per person - subject to change).

Exit tax out of Jordan (JOD 10 pp, approx $15 - 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. Holidays that impact the bridge opening times are Jewish Holiday (including Passover, Shavout, Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, and Succot - and maybe others too will be added!).

 

2013 Holidays:

Jewish Hols: 1st day is the eve of hols 
Easter Western Mar 24 - 31
Easter Orthodox Apr 29-May 03
Passover Mar 25-Apr 1
Independence May 9
Shavuot May 14–16
Rosh Hashana Sep  04–07
Yom Kippur Sep  13–14
Succot Sep 18–28
Christmas Dec 21–Jan 09

Moslem Holidays 2013 often depend on the siting of the moon. Hence the dates are approximate. Check closer to the relevant date:
Ramadan start Jul 9 - Aug 7 approximately
Eid Fitr Aug 8  approximately
Eid Adha approx  Oct 15 approximately
Moslem New Year Nov 4 approximately

Border Closings 2013:
Yom Kippur Sep 14: all borders closed (on eve borders closer earlier than usual)
Eid Adha (approx Oct 15 ): Allenby & Taba closed.
Eid Hijra (Moslem New Year) (approx Nov 4): 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: info@amman2jerusalem.com

Jerusalem Office

Guiding Star Ltd.
Tamara
Tel:  02– 627 3150
Fax: 02– 627 3147
E-mail: info@amman2jerusalem.com

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