Holy Land Experience Website

Common Questions

What about exchanging money to spend in Israel?

Israel readily accepts U.S. Dollars so you don't have to worry about exchanging money.  If you buy something in dollars, you will most likely get back Israel currency (Shekel) Current exchange rate is as follows: 1 US Dollar = 3.58560 Israeli New Shekel

How much spending money should I take?

Taking into account the most of your meals are covered in the trip cost, you will only need spending money for a few travel meals (Lufthansa airlines will feed you extremely well), some lunches in Israel if you choose, and money for Souvenirs.  All of the venue things we'll see in Israel are covered in your trip price.  I would say $200-$500 per person should be adequate (even less if you don't plan on buying a lot of souvenirs).  You can use your credit card if you like if you run out of money.

What about taking my credit card?

It would be a good idea to take it just in case you run out of cash or need it for an emergency.  You should make sure you notify your Credit Card Company to make sure your card is activated for use in Israel.

Making phone calls back home?

You can get your cell phone programmed to work in Israel, or make calls at any of the hotels we’ll be staying at.

What about emergency contact phone numbers?

We’ll be posting these numbers as we get closer to the trip.  They’ll be the phone numbers of the hotels we stay in and those of the tour operator.

What about electricity in Israel?

The voltage and outlet types are completely different and you'll need a converter for charging your video and camera batteries.   Most of the hotels will have regular outlets but it would be wise to get a charger just in case.

What is the hotel schedule?

Hotels are all 4 star and quite luxurious.  All with have Internet, laundry service and more.

Fri. Feb 8 - On board Lufthansa Airlines

Sat. Feb 9 - Tel-Aviv

Sun. Feb. 10 - Tiberius, Sea of Galilee 

Mon. Feb 11 - Tiberius, Sea of Galilee

Tues. Feb 12 - Jerusalem

Wed. Feb 13 - Jerusalem

Thurs. Feb 14 - Jerusalem

Fri. Feb 15 - Jerusalem

Sat. Feb 16 - Jerusalem

Sun. Feb 17 - On flight for home

What about meeting at JFK Airport and finding each other?

It would be very good if everyone would take their cell phone for this purpose.  We'll need you to email your cell name and number to missionstomexico@yahoo.com so I have this info for contacting you.  You can send me this info at your earliest convenience.

What will the food situation be like in Israel?

Breakfast and dinner meals are - All You Can Eat - and will be served Buffet Style with an exceptional variety of choices.  Lunches are not provided in your trip cost.  We'll be eating at the hotel restaurant where we'll be staying at.  The restaurant is large and can accommodate around 400 people.  Our team will eat together at a table set aside for our team.

What about lunches?

Lunches are not included in the trip price and can be quite expensive (about $15.00 per person).  We'll stop each day at a restaurant for eating lunch for those who want to do so.

If you want to save money on lunches (this is what we did and plan to do this time), you can take some Ziplock baggies with you and grab a few items from the breakfast buffet for eating at lunch.  There is always plenty of bread, meats and etc. for making sandwiches and a host of other items you can take for lunch.

What about dress attire?

It will be best to dress in layers as the weather can change a bit during the day.  It would also be good to take a small umbrella.  For other dress and packing list help please go to the "Packing List" page on this website.

Luggage?

Be sure to leave enough room in your suitcase for souvenirs you purchase.  Also try to pack light.  Please go to the "Travel Info" page on this website for more details.

What's the time difference between the U.S. and Israel?

Israel is 10 hours ahead of the West Coast.  7:00am in Israel will be 5:00pm on the West Coast.  7:00pm in Israel will be 5:00am on the West Coast.  Because of time restraints in the mornings, the "MagicJack" phone will not be available.  It will only be available in the evenings.

 If you have more questions, or see some that should be listed here, please let us know!