Egypt, Jordan, Israel

Egypt is one of Africa’s major tourist destinations, with the main drawcards being the Red Sea, Egyptology and the Nile. The Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx and the Valley of the Kings need no introduction in the world of antiquity, the sun-soaked beaches of the Red Sea with their scuba diving are a massive attraction to those from colder climes, and a cruise on the Nile floods back memories of Cleopatra. Aside from these famous attractions, this desert country houses ancient ruins and mystical Oases, and in Cairo, ancient cultures remain, blending with the very modern. Egypt offers so much more than its world-famous pyramids. Visitors can enjoy desert trekking, scuba diving, golfing, fishing, bird watching or floating along the Red Sea.

Currency:  
Local currency: Egyptian Pound  
Symbol: LE or E€ 
ISO code: EGP 
Central bank: Central Bank of Egypt  
Subunit: Paistres 
Banknotes: LE 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 1; P50, P25 
Coins: P25, P20, P10, P5 

Banking: 
Card Transactions: Yes  
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Ye 
Diner’s club: Yes 
 
Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: Mondays - Thursdays 08h30 - 14h00 
Weekends: Sundays 08h30 - 14h00 
Public Holidays: No 
Foreign exchange services: Yes, during the day and in the evenings 18h00 - 21h00 
 

Air:  
Main airlines: EgyptAir 
International Airports: Cairo International Airport, Luxor International Airport, Aswan International Airport, Hurghada International Airport, Sharm El Sheikh International Airport, Marsa Alam International Airport 

Road: 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Yes 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
Uber available: Yes 
 
Bus: 
Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 
 
Rail: 
Railway system: Yes 
Subway System: No 
 
Water: 
Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Food and water safety:  
Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: No 
Ice: No 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: No 

Local cuisine: Blending African, Middle-Eastern and Mediterranean influences, Egyptian food is fragrant and usually quite healthy, featuring lots of vegetables and spices. Specialties include dolmades, Molokhiya, Ful Medales, bush okra stew, and many more. 

Drinks: 

Zibib - made with aniseed 

Aswanli – a dark beer made in the town of the same name  

Karkaday – red drink made with hibiscus flowers 

Tipping: 10 - 12% tip is added to the bill, however it is customary to add another 5% on top of that. 

Annual rainfall: 20 mm - 200 mm  
Average temperature: Coastal regions: 14°C - 30°C; Inland / desert: 7°C at night to 43°C during the day   
 
Summer:  
Average in highs: 32°C 
Average in lows: 23 °C 

Winter: 
Average in highs: 17°C 
Average in lows: 9.5°C 
 
Best time to visit: Between February and April, or October to November, the weather is mild to warm, with stunning blue skies. Winds sweeping sand across the area can be unpleasant in summer, and in winter, rain and fog may reduce your visibility of the sights.  

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes 
 
Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Yes 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 
 
General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 
 

Internet cafes: Yes 
Accommodation options: Yes 
Restaurants: Yes 
Cafes: Yes 
Shopping malls: Yes 
Public parks: No 
Libraries: In cities  

While this Arab kingdom in Western Asia typically conjures up images of vast sprawling deserts, it is, in fact, a remarkably diverse destination offering ancient churches and castles, spectacular mountain scenery, and stunning beaches, as well as some famously friendly local inhabitants. Itinerary highlights include: the incredible Dead Sea; the 2000-year-old ‘lost city’ of Petra; and the famous Lawrence of Arabia trail, which takes visitors from the ruins of his fort at Azraq to the picturesque deserts of Wadi Rum. While Jordan’s long and fascinating history provides travellers with a host of intriguing historical and biblical sites, the country is certainly not stuck in the past. With its slew of modern luxury hotels, trendy restaurants and lively bars, the city serves as a great base to explore the many ancient sites. For a captivating destination full of natural, historical and cultural wonders, look no further than the enchanting nation of Jordan.

Currency 

Local currency: Jordanian Dinar 
Symbol: JD 
ISO code: JOD 
Subunit: Piastre 
Banknotes: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 dinars 
Coins: 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 piastres, 1 dinar 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s club: Yes 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM 
Weekends: Closed 
Public Holidays: No 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 
Main airlines: Royal Jordanian, Jordan Aviation 
International Airports: Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) 
Domestic Airports: King Hussein International Airport (AQJ), Amman Civil Airport (ADJ) 

Road: 
Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Limited 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 
Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 
Railway system: Yes 
Subway System: No 

Water: 
Ferries: No 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: No 

Food and water safety: 
Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: Jordanian cuisine is rich and diverse, influenced by Levantine and Mediterranean flavors. Mansaf, a dish of lamb cooked in fermented yogurt, is considered the national dish. Other popular dishes include falafel, hummus, and maqluba (an upside-down rice and vegetable dish). 

Drinks: Notable local drinks include mint tea, Arabic coffee, and Jallab (a sweet, rose-flavored drink). 

Tipping: 10-15% is customary in restaurants if a service charge is not included. 

Annual rainfall: Varies 
Average temperature: 22°C 

Summer: 
Average highs: 32°C 
Average lows: 18°C 

Winter: 
Average highs: 13°C 
Average lows: 6°C 

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Jordan is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild, and outdoor activities are comfortable. Avoid visiting during the summer due to high temperatures. 

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes 

General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Plug Type: Type C, Type F 
Voltage (V): 230 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50 

Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances. 

Located geographically and culturally at the intersection of Asia, Europe and Africa, Israel is a melting pot of diverse ethnicities and religions. Despite its small size, Israel holds a plethora of spectacular natural landscapes, archaeological treasures, and historical religious sites. Soak up some sun on a Mediterranean beach, hike the Israeli National Trail or ride a camel through Israel’s hauntingly beautiful deserts. With its snow-capped mountains, coastal gems, ancient artefacts, bustling markets, striking cityscapes and laid-back locals, Israel is an ideal travel destination.

Currency

New Shekel (ILS; symbol ₪) = 100 agorot (singular, agora). Notes are in denominations of ₪200, 100, 50, and 20. Coins are in denominations of ₪10, 5, 2 and 1, and 50 and 10 agorot.

Note: Many hotels, tour companies, car rental agencies and other tourist services quote their prices in US dollars.
It is customary to tip 12-15% in restaurants and cafés. Tipping in bars is appreciated but not expected, and it is the norm to round up to the nearest shekel in taxis. Bargaining is done only in open markets.

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. However, amounts exceeding ILS90,000 or equivalent must be declared.

Most major currencies can be exchanged for shekels at the airport, banks, post offices, many hotels or licensed exchange booths in most towns and cities. To exchange travellers’ cheques you will need to show your passport. All public services such as banks and post offices are closed on Shabbat. At the end of your trip it is possible to change money from shekels back to your currency of choice, only at the airport.

Banking

Banking hours: Sunday-Friday 08h30-12h00 and Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday 16h00-18h00 although these can vary slightly between banks.

All major credit cards are accepted. ATMs are widely available.

Israel is a small country, and it is therefore easy to get from one place to another in a relatively short time.  Public transportation is convenient, and you can get to almost any destination for a reasonable price.

Domestic flights focus on routes linking Eilat to Tel Aviv and Haifa. Arkia (IZ) (www.arkia.co.il), Israir (6H) (www.israirairlines.com) and El Al (www.elal.com) operate regular flights between these cities. Flights operate daily except Shabbat (Friday evening and Saturday).

Most major car rental companies are represented in Israel as well as several local companies, notably Eldan (www.eldan.co.il). To rent a car, drivers must be over 21 and hold an international driving license, a credit card and insurance.

Speed limits are 50kph (31mph) in urban areas, 80kph (50mph) in non-urban, 90kph (56mph) on a divided highway, and 110kph (68mph) on a designated 'high-speed road'. It is illegal to drive without a seatbelt and hands-free kits must be used for talking on mobile phones.

Israel Railways operates convenient, inexpensive train service.  It is also possible to travel by taxi, but this is more expensive, particularly for inter-city trips.  It’s therefore preferable to use shared service taxis. 
Taxis are metered, and can be telephoned or hailed from the street. Taxis operate during Shabbat, but are more expensive. 

Buses are the most popular form of public transport in Israel for both local transport and intercity trips.  The Egged bus company operates most of the intercity bus lines, as well as the local service in most of the large cities and towns.  Local and intercity transport in the Gush Dan area (Tel Aviv and the surrounding suburbs) is provided by the Dan bus company.  Bus service in Be’er Sheva and Nazareth is provided by private companies.  The fare for all bus lines is reasonable, the busses are comfortable and usually airconditioned, and there is regular, frequent service.

Tickets can be purchased at the ticket booths in the central bus station in each city or town, or from the driver.  Most of the bus lines do not run on Shabbat or on Jewish holidays.  Service ends on Friday afternoon and resumes Saturday evening. 

Mains water is safe to drink throughout Israel. Bottled water is widely available and is advised for the first few weeks of the stay. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. All local meat, fish and vegetables are considered safe to eat.

Almost every restaurant in Israel has menus in English. Occasionally, the spellings or translations can be a bit strange, but these can provide amusement as well as charm. Like for anywhere else in the world, research restaurants on-line or use a good guide-book, and get advice from friends or your hotel front desk about their favorites. And use common-sense when choosing a place to eat, selecting places that look clean and welcoming and where there is a large turnover of diners.

Most restaurants and food stalls are open non-stop from the morning until the evening hours. Restaurants that are also bars remain open until the small hours of the night. In the major cities, especially in Tel Aviv, you can find something to eat at any hour of the day or night.

Reservations are a must at the top restaurants – particularly in Tel Aviv. A great deal for tourists are the Business Lunches at restaurants – particularly the top-rated places – in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. These lunches are special ‘prix fixe’ menus with several choices – at prices a third or half of the same meal in the evening. Israelis generally eat later than Americans. Lunch is usually some time between 1 and 3PM. And while the better restaurants are open from 6 or 7 – they don’t usually become crowded until 9PM or later.

Israelis tip 15% in restaurants and cafes. Often this is added to the bill, but if service was not satisfactory you can ask to have it removed.

Israel is located, between 29°-33° north of the equator, which is characterized as a subtropical region, between the temperate zone and the tropical zone. The northern and coastal regions of Israel show Mediterranean climate characterized by hot and dry summers and cool rainy winters. Whereas the southern and eastern areas of Israel are characterized by an arid climate.

The rainy season extends from October to early May, and rainfall peaks in December through February. Rainfall varies considerably by regions from the North to the South. Highest rainfall is observed in the North and center parts of the country and decreases in the southern part of Israel, from the Negev Desert to Eilat where rainfall is negligible.

Heavy snow falls only in the northernmost part of Golan Heights where the Mount Hermon summit (2,224 m above sea level) remains generally snow covered from December to March. In other parts of the country snow is observed rarely.

The city of Eilat, located at the southernmost point of Israel and at the northern tip of Red Sea, has a good climate for beach holidays all year round.

Dress is casual in Israel. Even Israeli prime ministers frequently wear short-sleeved shirts without ties. Lightweight layers in natural fabrics such as cotton, linen and silk will work better in the heat and will protect you from the sun better. Jeans are always popular and will serve as a versatile base to your wardrobe. Dress is casual even in restaurants.

Be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen before you leave home as it is not that common in Israel.
Tattoos are more common that you might expect and on the beaches of Tel Aviv you will see many. If you feel a particular tattoo would be culturally offensive then as a precaution we would suggest that you cover it up, but otherwise the most you might raise is an eyebrow or two. A lightweight day sack will come in handy to carry your sightseeing essentials. Keep your passport with you at all times as you are required by Israeli law to carry ID.

For the most part, electrical sockets (outlets) in the State of Israel (Medīnat Yisrā'el) are their own standard, the "Type H " Israeli SI 32 with round pins. The current standard was changed from flat pins to round pins in 1989. Almost all Israeli sockets will accept both round pin and flat pin plugs, but on the rare occasion you may encounter an older socket which may only accept flat pin plugs. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance's plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into. If it's crucial to be able to be able to plug in no matter what, bring an adapter for both types. 

Electrical sockets (outlets) in Israel usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. If your appliance is not compatible with 220-240 electrical output, a voltage converter will be necessary.