WHAT TO PACK FOR TRAVEL TO ISRAEL IN 2024

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Check the latest COVID restrictions for travel to Israel. Updates can be found here.

BEFORE YOU PACK

Leave your valuables at home: As your travel will unavoidably involve lots of moving around , it is easy for items to get lost or forgotten.

Weigh Your Luggage Before You Depart: Check the luggage size and weight restrictions with the airline and weigh your luggage before you depart! This way you ensure you didn’t overpack and won’t be stuck with issues or extra charges!

Extra language space to pack for return: Note that you might buy some big and small items that you would want to bring back home with you. Allow some extra space and weight to fit everything in your original language. If you know you will be buying many items, get an extra packing bag with you and save on buying one on the spot.

Keep bottled liquids under 3oz (or under 100ml): If you are not a first time traveler you probably know about this rule to keep all carry-on bottled liquids under 100ml or else they might be confiscated before boarding. Unless, of course you bought your liquids at the duty free.

Find a safe spot for your passport: It is important you know where your passport is at all times. Make sure you put your passport in a safe and quickly accessible spot within your luggage and do not move it. This will ensure you do not lose it on the trip.

Check the weather in Israel: Before you start packing don’t forget to check the weather in Israel for the time of your travel, pack proper outfits and avoid being hot or cold.

Download handy travel apps: Make sure to download useful apps like offline maps, offline translators, QR code readers and taxi apps before you leave.

Travel Insurance – For a safe travel it is recommended to have a travel insurance to protect against lost luggage, stolen items or flight cancellations as well as against health emergencies.

TRAVEL BAGS

Is your trip short (up to 5 days) or long (over a week)?

Backpack if the trip is short. You might want to fit everything you need in a backpack and avoid drugging a suitcase, checking it in and claiming later (not to mention the more connecting flights the more likely the luggage will go missing).

If you’re packing more minimally, focus on packing layering clothes in more neutral colors. Neutral-colored clothing is more versatile, so you can wear these items more than once when you’re tight on space.

Backpack and luggage if the trip is long where discomfort of carrying around the luggage will be compensated with the comfort of long stay.

In either case its good idea to have below as contents of your backpack.

Backpack (Carry-on Bag) contents to have with you :

Smartphone
Simple phone or second smartphone if available – to use for local sim card
Charged PowerBank
Chargers for Smartphone & Powerbank
Headphones
Camera
Passport
Copy of Passport
Snacks for the travel
E-books
Change of clothes
Jacket
Airplane Pillow
Wet wipes
Motion sickness drugs (like Dimenhydrinate, marketed as Draminate, Dramamine or Gravol)
Prescription Meds

THINGS TO PACK FOR TRAVEL TO ISRAEL

Clothing
- Girls
- Guys
Shoes
Accessories
Bathroom products
Electronics
Power adapters

CLOTHING

For a shorter trip (three to five days), you can manage with the following: one pair of underwear and socks per day, one pair of pajamas, one to two dressier outfits, one to two activewear or athleisure outfits, one to two casual outfits, and one to two pairs of shoes.

For a longer trip (over a week), you can manage with one pair of underwear and socks per day, two pairs of pajamas, three dressier outfits, three to four casual outfits, two pairs of shoes, and two active wear or athleisure outfits.

And if you’re able to do laundry on your vacation, you can manage with even fewer items.

Clothes to Pack

Underwear
Socks (for changing after hikes, the beach, etc.)
Light or warm jacket (depending on travel season)
Coat (depending on weather or for winter trips)
Sweater/Sweatshirt (4-5 for winter trips, 1-2 for summer trips)
Casual Shirts
- Long sleeves recommended for chilly nights in the desert and winter trips
- Short sleeves recommended for hiking and summer trips
Jeans
Pants (belt)
Shorts
Extra hiking clothes (including for a water hike in the summer)
Dresses (1-2 ‘going out at night’ outfits)
Nice outfit for Shabbat (check boys/girls sections for details)
Suits
Ties
Sleepwear / Pajamas
Swimsuits / Bathing suits (1 for winter trips, 2 for summer trips)
Gloves for winter trips

For Girls

Underwear
Bras
Scarves/cardigans for religious sights
Skirts
1-2 long dresses/skirts for Shabbat and religious sights
Dress Shoes
Feminine products (even if you’re not expecting, bring just in case)
Feminine hygiene everyday pads
Hair Ties
Perfume
Deodorants
Razors

For Guys

1-2 official, button down shirts for Shabbat
1-2 nice jeans/pants for Shabbat
Deodorants
Cologne
After shave
Razors

Shoes:

Sneakers, sandals or low heal shoes for comfortable walks (super important!)
Sandals / rubber flip flops (for the beach & pool)
Athletic water shoes (1 pair- necessary for water hike and recommended for Dead Sea. For water hike you cannot use sandals and you don’t want wet sneakers)
Leisure Shoes
Hiking Boots

Accessories

Hats
Sun glasses
Umbrella
Purses
Backpack
Overnight backpack (for Bedouin camping)
Wallets
Beach towel
Backpack (Necessary for daily activities)
Water bottle (empty as it can be confiscated at the airport, being over 100ml)
First aid kit
Prescription medicine
Parlazin pills (for allergies)
Dramina or other motion sickness pills
Birth Control/Medication
Pain killers
Passport + a passport photocopy in a different bags for safekeeping

Bathroom products

Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Dental floss
Soap
Facial cleanser
Shampoo
Conditioner
Deodorant
Hairbrush
Sunscreen
Tweezers
Razor
Shaving Products
Cosmetics
Makeup Remover
Period Products
Tissues
Wet wipes
Antibacterial lotions / Hand Sanitizer
Contact Lenses
Contact Solution
Nail File
Nail Clippers
Bandages
Insect Repellent
Pain killers (ex. Advil)

**Remember that liquids over 3oz. or 100ml go in your luggage not to risk them being confiscated during travel.

Electronics:

Smartphone
Simple phone/Extra phone for local card
Extra battery for smartphone
Power bank with USB cords
USB with a port for smartphone to unload photos from memory
Camera + Memory Card
Chargers
Headphones
Power Adapters/Power Converters (220 volts)- See example here
Small Flashlight

Power adapters for Israel

Power Adapters: Don’t forget power adapters otherwise you won’t be able to use anything you bring that’s electronic. Israel has different outlets than America so it’s important to get the adapters so your electronics work!

In Israel, types C and H are the official standards for plug and sockets.

Type H Plugs in Israel

The Type H, or Israeli 16 A/250 V unearthed, plug is incompatible with other sockets. These are the plugs and sockets types used exclusively in Israel, the West Bank & the Gaza Strip. The centres of the line and neutral pins are spaced 19 mm apart. The centre-to-centre distance between the earth pin and the middle of the imaginary line connecting the two power pins is 9.5 mm.

used exclusively in Israel , the West Bank & Gaza Strip
3 pins
grounded
16A
220-240V
socket compatible with plug type C & H (partial and unsafe compatibility with E & F)

Type H outlets also accept type C plugs.

Type C Plugs in Israel

The Type C plug (also called the Europlug) has two round pins. The pins are 4 to 4.8 mm wide with centers that are spaced 19 mm apart; the plug fits any socket that conforms to these dimensions. Type C is the most widely used plug internationally.

commonly used in Europe, South America & Asia
2 pins
not grounded
2.5 A, 10 A & 16 A
almost always 220 – 240 V
socket compatible with plug type C

Power Converters: If you have things such as blow dryers, hair straighteners, electric buzzers, etc. a power converter will be necessary in order to use these items! The electrical current in Israel differs from America, you will want a converter that will change the electric current from 110 volts to 220 volts.

Most modern devices can function on either system. However, adapters are required. Check your electronic devices to be sure they are rated 110v/220v.

Camera film and memory cards are available, but they are twice the cost in Israel. Be sure to bring your charging devices and extra batteries. We suggest you ensure your equipment is working properly before departure. Also make sure to pack your camera, smartphone, iPads, laptops, and other valuable equipment in your carry-on and not your checked luggage.

Traveling with cell phones, iPads, laptops, etc. is easy, as long as you bring the necessary chargers and adapters. Many hotels provide hair blow dryers. You can get power adapters and converters suitable for Israel or get universal adapters to never worry about adapters again.

Bonus ideas:

Two wallets: Keep your cash distributed in different wallets in case you lose one or one gets stolen.
Suitcase Lock: To make sure your luggage travels safe consider using a suitcase lock.
Smartphone waterproof case: It will come handy if go into water or get caught in the rain but need to keep using your phone for example for navigation.
Plastic Bags: Plastic bags to put your wet cloths after swimming or after water hikes and not get your backpack wet.
Music Speakers: There’s many times where you are getting ready or hanging out in each other’s rooms. You may want to add an element of fun with bringing music speakers to play your favorite songs on.
Change Purse: Using the shekel you will be getting A LOT of change when you buy things. A change purse may be a great idea to bring to hold spare change!
Neck Wallet or a purse – If possible get a neck wallet big enough to hold your phone, ATM cards, cash, and passport, with many slots to keep you organized and allow to quickly access your belongings. Plus its an extra protection against pickpocketing while you travel.
Activated Charcoal – You will be offered to taste out the rich flavor palette of Israeli cuisine. Although delicious it can be unusual for you digestive system. Activated charcoal caps will help to quickly absorb and expel the toxins in your system and will have you back on your feet in no time. No one wants to spend days of their vacation feeling sick.

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Get ready for you adventures and have a nice stay in Israel!