Israeli Shekels (NIS)

Unless you have a very generous uncle, visiting Israel requires money. And if you do have an uncle like that, maybe you can email us his name and number. Seriously though, even though our Break Forth Journeys trips are a great value, money is still required.

Would you like some help?

We’re here to explain . . .

Here’s How The Israeli Currency Works:

The New Israeli Shekel (NIS) is Israel’s currency. There are coins of 5, 10, 50 agorot (like our cents) and 1,5,10 shekels (see images here). There are also 20, 50, 100 & 200 shekel notes (like our dollar bills, see images here).

Currently, one Canadian dollar is equal to about 3 NIS. As the economy fluctuates, it’s wise to keep an eye on exchange rates as you approach your departure date.

Where Do You Get Money?

If you need to exchange money while you are in Israel,  you can do so in a bank (you will need to bring your passport to do so). Although they will charge you an exchange fee, they will give you a better rate overall.

Most places in Israel readily take US currency (not Canadian). We suggest exchanging your money into US currency while still at home and then supplementing your funds with shekels as needed.

We recommend that you withdraw money from ATM machines in Israel in order to get the best exchange rates. Bank machines are prevalent throughout the country, but you need to plan ahead. Don’t be afraid of saying to your tour leader or guide, “I’m running short on shekels, may we stop at a bank machine some time today?”

NOTE: Traveler’s Cheques are not recommended.

What About Tips?

Break Forth Israel Tour Guide: David Wexler

Please note that a tip for the drivers and guides is appreciated at the end of the tour – cash is required for this and can be in US currency (an average tip is $3/day for the driver, $5/day for the guide).

Most tours do not include tips in their prices as this is a suggested amount, no different than tipping at a restaurant.

Other tours state they include tips and while this can simplify things, there are many stories of the tips never fully making it to the guide and driver. Please investigate this closely to ensure that pre-paid tips actually make it to the guide and driver who were such a great help to you and others.

We believe in the scriptural principle that states, “The worker deserves his wages.” – 1 Timothy 5:18b

Watch for more helpful tips on visiting Israel coming your way!

In the meantime, if you’d like to learn more about joining us during our next tour: Break Forth Israel & Jordan NEXT Level 2016, please drop us an email at journeys@breakforthministries.com.

You can also view the video below to get a brief overview of what we have in store . . .

Are you planning a trip to Israel? Whether this is your first time or your tenth time, every visit is a powerful experience.

It can also be a little overwhelming.

Maybe we can help you with some practical details below:

Why don’t you take a couple minutes to check out this handy information and links below:

Information on Israel: Weather

Elsa Salte being warmed by her sons during a freak snowfall on the Mount of Olives during Break Forth Israel

Israel enjoys long, warm, dry summers (April-October) and generally mild winters (November-March), with drier, cooler weather in hilly regions, such as those that contain Jerusalem. Rainfall is fairly heavy in the north and center of the country, with far less in the northern Negev.

Regional conditions vary considerably, from humid summers and mild winters on the coast to dry summers and moderately cold winters in the hill regions. The Jordan Valley has hot, dry summers and pleasant winters. Semi-desert conditions reign in the Negev.

Weather extremes range from occasional winter snowfall in the mountain regions to oppressively hot, dry winds at times that send temperatures soaring in some parts of the country, particularly in spring and autumn.

All of the climate and temperature information that you could want can be found here.

When Should I Go?

Of course, availability will determine when most people will go. However, consider these factors:

• Summers can be extremely hot in many of the Lands of the Bible. This heat is often amplified by walking on heat radiating stone. Heat is one thing if you’re at the beach but when you have an intensive schedule it can easily exhaust you. If you are not bothered by heat or this is the only time you are available then summer still may be the ideal time to travel. Check out the weather links above.
• A second factor to consider is when holidays take place. Major holidays affect three things: price, overcrowding and availability. Prices skyrocket during major holidays, sometimes it’s difficult to even move through crowds due to congestion and certain sites may actually be closed. To find out when holidays fall in any country around the world visit here.

We hope this is a help.

In our upcoming blogs we’ll cover more on travel to Israel:

• Money
• Food
• Passports
• Visas
• Appropriate Clothing
• Gratuities
• Travel Insurance
• Medications
• And More.

We’re here to help!

Praying you have the Spiritual Journey of a Lifetime,

Arlen & Elsa Salte

PS – We’re taking a group to Israel and Jordan at a perfect time of year in early May, 2016. If you’d like to learn more, please email us at journeys@breakforthministries.com