Israel:General
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General
Working week
The week in Israel starts on Sunday. During the Shabbath, which lasts from Friday noon till Saturday evening, most of the businesses are closed, some open up for a few hours on Saturday evening.
Weather
Weather patterns throughout the year. If available - links to the local forecasts
Communications
Radio
The following naval radio stations operate in Israel:
- Israeli navy (call sign "ISRAELI NAVY") listen on channel 16, pass you on to either of 10-12
- Haifa Radio (4X0) - listens on 16, 24-26.
Telephony
The country code is +972. In order to dial locally, add 0 before the number, so that +97231234567 will be dialed locally as 03-1234567. Note: apparently, new regulations require that a yacht approaching Israeli coast has at least one cell phone on board.
Internet
Internet caffees are available in large cities. Wi-Fi hot spots are ubiquitous.
Naval procedures
Please read this document carefully and act upon it. Israeli navy insists on the procedures to the tee, and more than one an unsuspecting yacht was surprised by a patrol boat's projector, which is the last thing you want while entering foreign water.
Customs
Currency
Currency is called a New Shekel (NIS), and currently stands at about 4.3 shekels for a USD and 5.3 shekels for euro. ATMs are available everywere, and credit cards are honoured just about anywhere (except American Express, which is not as widespread as Visa, Diners and Master).
Eating out
Israeli cuisine is to a large extent a mix of arabic and what is called a mediterranean cuisine. Other national cuisines such as Italian, French, Russian and Far Eastern (with special accent on sushi) are widespread. Note that portions are usually quite large compared to what one is used to in the US and in Europe. Service is usually not included, and it is usual, though not mandatory, to leave tip that amounts to 10 to 15% of the tab.
Souvenirs
- The Dead Sea mud and cosmetics
- Religious items - best bought in Jerusalem
Marinas in Israel
The following list is an extensive list of anchorages available in Israel, sorted N to S:
A Red Sea coast:
