General Information

Climate/Dress
The weather in Tel Aviv in December is cool and pleasant. Occasional rain.
Average temperatures range between 11-19°C / 52-66°F.
Casual dress is appropriate for all conference occasions.

Electricity
The voltage in Israel is 220-240 volt AC.

Shopping
Stores are generally open Sunday through Thursday 09:00-19:00 and Friday 09:00-14:00. Most shopping malls are open also on Saturday from one hour after sundown until 22:00. All Superpharm and Newpharm stores include a pharmacy.

Banking and Changing Money
Banks are open Sunday through Thursday 08:30-12:00, on some afternoons, and on Friday morning. Hours vary by branch. All banks are closed on Friday afternoon and on Saturday.
The New Israeli Shekel (NIS or ILS) is the official currency in Israel. Foreign currency of all kinds may be exchanged at the airport, banks, post offices, most hotels or licensed exchange agencies.

Visa
Participants from most of the UE countries and the USA do not need a visa to enter Israel. Participants from other countries are advised to check visa requirements with the local or nearest Israeli Embassy or Consulate, or with their travel agent.
It is mandatory that the passport be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in Israel.
Please contact the conference secretariat if a letter of invitation is needed to assist in applying for a visa.

Insurance
Participants are advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance coverage. The Conference Organizing Committee and/or Diesenhaus-Unitours Incoming Tourism Ltd. shall not be liable for any loss or damage to property that belongs to Conference participants nor for personal injuries sustained during or as a result of the Conference, or during tours.

Airport Transportation
Ben-Gurion International Airport is the main international gateway to and from Israel. It is situated approximately 25km (16 miles) south-east of Tel Aviv. Travel time to Tel Aviv is approximately 30 minutes by car. Options for getting to/from Ben-Gurion Airport to/from Tel Aviv are as follows:

Pre-reserved transfer
A shared transfer service operated by Disenhaus-Unitours can be provided from the airport to Tel Aviv, at a cost of $23 per person.
Passengers will be met at the Airport inside the arrivals hall, drop off at hotel in Tel Aviv. There is a possible wait of up to 1 hour. Return transportation from Tel Aviv to the Airport is available at the same price. Please reserve this service on the Registration & Accommodation Form or contact the Conference Secretariat. There will be no refund for non-show or for cancellation received less than two working days prior to the reserved transfer.

Private taxi
The Taxi Stations and dispatcher's counter at Terminal 3 are located on Level G of the Multi Level Road. A private taxi to Tel Aviv costs approx. $28. There is a night supplement of 25% from 21:00 until 05:30. The Taxi companies at Ben-Gurion Airport operate under supervision of the Israel Airports Authority. It is recommended not to use random Taxi services.

Train
The train station at Ben-Gurion International Airport is located on Level S of the Landside Building, adjacent to the Greeters' Hall. You will need to get off the train at "Tel Aviv Center – Savidor (Arlozorov)" station and take a taxi to your hotel (approx. a 10-15 minutes ride).
Current train fare is approx. $3.50
Taxi fare: approx. $8
For information on schedules please visit:
http://www.rail.co.il/EN/Pages/HomePage.aspx

Public bus transportation
Public transportation is available at Ben-Gurion International Airport.
It is not recommended for travelling to/from Tel Aviv.
Buses do not run on Saturday (Shabbat) - from one hour before sunset on Friday till one hour after sunset on Saturday.
For more information, please visit:
http://www.egged.co.il/Eng/

Tourist Information

A variety of daily tours will be available for participants and accompanying persons, as follows:

• JERUSALEM OF GOLD
• MASSADA AND THE DEAD SEA
• BIBLICAL HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NORTH: NAZARETH, TIBERIAS, LOWER GALILEE, CAPERNAUM
• PEARLS OF THE WESTERN COAST: CAESAREA, HAIFA, ACRE AND ROSH HANIKRA

Additional tours can be arranged upon request.

For further information, please contact: Diesenhaus-Unitours Incoming Tours - Conventions Department, IMEC14@diesenhaus.com