Frequently Asked Questions

Can I call you with questions?
Please call with any question you have.

What is an emergency number if I need to be reached while on the trip?
We will have a cell phone with us while in Israel that can be called from the U.S. The number and instructions for calling will be available about a week before departure and I will notify you with that information.

Calls placed in the U.S. to the Israeli cell phone will incur regular international long distance charges.

Can I get an Israeli cell phone for my personnel use?
Yes. I have not made final arrangements for a cell phone but will probably use Amigo. Information is available at http://www.amigo-us.com/ or 1-888-264-4687. Friends of ours go to Israel at least once a year. They use Daystar Wireless, http://www.daystarwireless.com/ but the Amigo rates look better.
***Remind anyone who might call that Israel is 8 hours ahead of the US (Central Standard Time.)

What if I need to get in contact with you on the day of departure?
We can be reached anytime on Charlene’s cell phone at 713-817-6722.

When will I get my Airline Tickets?
Those traveling from Texas will be using Continental E-Tickets. You will be provided with the E-Ticket number before leaving home. The E-Ticket number and your Passport are all you will need for check-in and boarding.

For those traveling from Wisconsin, tickets or other travel documents will be provided by the Magees.

What are the hotel arrangements if spending the night in Houston before departure?
Initial reservations have been made at the Country Inn & Suites near the airport.

Charles is planning to meet you at the airport on Tuesday evening and get you to the hotel. An airport shuttle will be available on our departure morning. The hotel provides a complimentary breakfast service beginning at 6:00am.

Which terminal and gate do I go to?
In Houston, check-in for our Continental flight will be at Terminal C. The gate number will appear on your Boarding Pass after check-in. There is good signage and plenty of personnel who will direct you to the correct area. If our actual departure gate is in Terminal E, you will still check-in at Terminal C. It can be a considerable walk so jump (not literally) on one of the carts if you are not up to the walk.

At Dallas/Ft. Worth, check-in at Terminal E.

Gordon will have information for the flight from Chicago.

Do I need to apply for an Israeli Visa?
No. Visas are issued free of charge to U.S., U.K., and Canadian citizens at Ben Gurion Airport on arrival into Israel.

What is the weather like?
The weather in Israel is much like that in Southeast Texas and in Florida but with humidity levels closer to those found in West Texas and the Panhandle. If we go with averages, this will be a wonderful time for our trip, but plan for the unexpected. (See Packing Tips).

Click weather link in the sidebar for up-to-date temperatures.
Average Lows and Highs for areas we will visit are:
47 66 Mediterranean Coast (first day and night)
49 67 Galilee (three days and nights)
56 72 Dead Sea (one day and night)44 57 Jerusalem (four days and three nights)

How much money should I take? Should I get Israeli Shekels before the trip?
You do not need to take Israeli Shekels with you. U.S. dollars are widely accepted in Israel. You will want ready cash for several things such as refreshments, street vendors and lunches. We suggest $250 to $300 each in small bills (tens, fives and ones).

Will we have shopping opportunities?
There will several casual shopping opportunities but only one planned shopping stop at a large respected shop. Credit cards and personal checks will be accepted for larger purchases. (The shop will also arrange to ship larger items such as the ever-popular purchase of olive wood manger scenes.)

Should I take Travelers Checks?
It’s up to you. For the relatively small amount of cash needed, we have found Travelers Checks to be more trouble than they are worth.

Are ATMs available?
ATMs are widely available in Israel if your card carries the PLUS or CIRRUS logo on the back of the card. VISA and MasterCard credit cards can also be used to obtain cash at ATMs. Be aware that ATMs in Israel only dispense shekels (not dollars) and it is almost certain that you will be charged a transaction fee both at the ATM and by your bank or credit card company.

Can I use my credit card?
Visa and MasterCard are readily accepted at hotels, restaurants, etc. I don’t recall specifically about American Express.

Be sure to notify your credit card company of your trip. They often reject international transactions if they have not been notified that you plan to be out of the country.

If you think you might use your credit card at an ATM, verify with your credit card company that you are set up for cash withdrawals.

Is it Ok for me to wear my Rolex (or other valuables)?
No. Leave your valuables at home in a safe place. You should never wear expensive jewelry when traveling in any foreign country.