In this information packet, we hope to provide you with information about Palestinian culture, infrastructure, travel, and life. It is very important to read this booklet in its entirety before your arrival to the West Bank. 

For those who will be joining us at Travel to Palestine, we look forward to meeting you in Hebron!

Below shows what this orientation guide for visitors to Palestine will cover:

  • Travel to Palestine
  • Travel within Palestine and Israel
  • Borders between Palestine and Israel
  • Accommodation while living in Hebron
  • Internet Access in the West Bank
  • Purchasing a SIM Card in Palestine
  • Culture and Etiquette
  • Drinking Alcohol
  • Dress and Attire
  • Taboo Conversation Subjects
  • Gender-Specific Norms and Concerns
  • Free time in Hebron
  • Shopping and Markets in Hebron
  • Sightseeing in Hebron, West Bank
  • Fitness Centers and Gyms
  • Safety in the West Bank
  • Safety in Palestine

Travel to Palestine

There are no international airports in Palestine, so you can only enter overland through Israel. In general, Americans, Canadians, and most Europeans do not need a visa to enter Palestine. 

Please refer to Israel’s Tourist Visa Table to see if your country requires a visa to enter Israel. (A Palestinian Visa does not exist—if you have an Israeli visa, you can visit the West Bank.) 

Upon your arrival at the Israeli Airport in Tel Aviv or Eilat, you will find a queue of people waiting to pass through security. If you are questioned about your trip, remain patient and calm, and answer their questions. Afterward, you will be granted a tourist visa valid for 90 days that enables you to travel around Palestine and Israel. Israel does not stamp passports. Instead, you will be given a paper slip, which you need to keep with you at all times when traveling throughout Israel or Palestine.

You can read more about visas and traveling to Israel/Palestine here and here.

Safety in Palestine

Travel within Palestine and Israel

We encourage our visitors to explore the West Bank and Israel while they are with us. During your stay in Hebron, you will have the opportunity to visit numerous sites and cities that are composed of historic and tourist landmarks such as Bethlehem, Nablus, Jenin, Jericho, Jerusalem, Nablus, Ramallah, and many others. Feel free to ask staff and other guests for recommendations on what to see and where to go. There are many accommodation options available for you as you explore Palestine, so you will easily find an option that will match your interests and budget. Below is a list of available options for accommodation during your travels: 

In addition, you may visit areas and cities located in Israel, such as Tel-Aviv, Akko, Haifa, and Jaffa. You can also easily visit the numerous refugee camps in and around the West Bank.

Seven days a week, you can access Israeli cities from the West Bank through private taxis or public transportation, such as shared taxis and buses. There are also connections to Jerusalem and Tel Aviv in every major Palestinian city. However, remember that although Saturday and Sunday are workdays in Palestine, Friday is a holiday, and transportation may be more difficult.  

Traveling around the West Bank and Israel is relatively inexpensive, and travel within the West Bank is primarily done by shared taxis known as “services” (sherut in Hebrew). Services are mini-vans that carry several passengers for a smaller fee per person than private taxis. Generally, Services do not leave for their destination until the vehicle is filled with passengers. This usually occurs fairly rapidly.

If you want to travel to a specific location or city, simply ask a member of the Travel to Palestine staff, and we will provide you with all the needed information to get there, including the central transportation station and price.

For example, between West Bank cities, services (the shared taxis), charge a one-way fee as follows:

  • Ramallah to Hebron: 27 New Israeli Shekels (around USD 7)
  • From Ramallah to Nablus: 18-20 NIS (around USD 5)
  • Ramallah to Jerusalem: 14 NIS (around USD 4)

To use a service, either go to a spot where services congregate or stick your arm out to flag one down. Make sure that you ask the driver for the precise price before getting in. Then, get in, get comfortable, and, as you drive along, pass your fee to the driver as the other passengers do. The driver will pass any change you are owed back to you via other passengers. 

Service fees range from two to ten NIS one-way, per person, depending on the distance of the drive.

Gaza is an integral part of Palestine and home to many historical and cultural sites. However, it is not easy for internationals to enter the Gaza Strip, and many foreign governments warn against traveling there. You can only travel to Gaza if you apply for a special visa or travel permit, and the process can be tedious, lengthy, and oftentimes unsuccessful. If you are interested in traveling to Gaza, do your research and contact the appropriate authorities beforehand.

*Always bring your passport and visa with you when you travel in the West Bank and Israel. There are many Israeli checkpoints, and you may be asked for your documents.*

Borders between Palestine and Israel 

The checkpoints and borders between Israel and Palestine were created to control the movement of Palestinians, not the movement of foreign visitors. As such, these checkpoints should not be a hindrance or barrier to your passing between Israel and the West Bank. You may be asked to present your passport and Israeli visa, and you may be required to go through some security, but these should be only minor inconveniences. 

Necessities

Currency

The “New Israeli Shekel” (NIS) is the currency used in the West Bank. There are usually 3.5 to 4 NIS to the U.S. dollar, but for the most up-to-date exchange rates, go to http://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/.

Banks are open from 8:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M., with the major banks being the Arab Bank, the Bank of Palestine, the Cairo Amman Bank, and the Bank of Jordan. Be aware that most only give money in Jordanian dinars, which then must be further exchanged into shekels at currency exchange shops. 

Most stores do not accept credit cards. The best way to cover your daily expenses is to use an ATM card and withdraw shekels from ATMs. ATMs are open 24 hours, and there are dozens of them available throughout the city, but if you choose to bypass these methods, make sure you have enough cash on you for your entire trip when you arrive.

Internet Access

High-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the country in homes cafes and restaurants throughout the city, and additionally, local banks have publicly available Wi-Fi that can be accessed 24/7 from outside the building. This Wi-Fi is stable and reliable, and you should have no issues finding some. Furthermore, the Third Generation (3G) feature is also available.

Purchasing a SIM Card

A SIM card is a small plastic card that goes inside cell phones to allow them to work cheaply and effectively while traveling abroad. Most phones are SIM-card compatible and able to switch out their SIM card, but you should check with your provider before coming to make sure.

You can buy either a Palestinian or an Israeli SIM card for your phone upon arrival, and the process for purchasing a SIM card in Palestine is simple. Getting a SIM card in Palestine will provide you with a local Palestinian number and the ability to receive free incoming calls at an affordable cost; the price for a SIM card ranges from 10-20 shekels. However, sometimes you can get a SIM card for free. 

Plans for Palestinian SIM cards are prepaid, so there is no contract, and if you use up all your minutes, it is easy to add more to your plan. There are shops all around Hebron where travelers can purchase a SIM card and add more minutes as needed.

Palestinian SIM cards are cheap but only have 2G, not 3G. If you want 3G, you must buy an Israeli SIM card. You can buy an Israeli SIM card in any city in Israel. A SIM card with one month’s worth of data and calls costs around 90 shekels (USD 25).

If you choose not to purchase a SIM card, you can rely on the Wi-Fi and utilize WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger to message and make phone calls. 

Is Shopping Online in Palestine possible?

Culture & Etiquette

Just as the Arab world is culturally diverse, so is Palestine. Some significant cultural differences exist between North and South, and each city and village within the West Bank has its own traditions and cultural norms.

Palestine is a majority-Muslim country, and Sunni Islam is the most practiced religion. Hebron, Nablus, and Jenin are more conservative, with Hebron being generally recognized as the most conservative and religious city in the West Bank. Ramallah, a cosmopolitan capital, is far less conservative, as is Bethlehem, the city with the largest Christian population.

Many visitors are surprised by the overwhelming hospitality of Palestinians. You will commonly be invited to drink tea, eat dinner, smoke shisha, or attend weddings and parties by colleagues and friends, but also by people you just met. It is extremely easy to get to know people in Palestine. In Hebron, it’s perfectly normal for someone you don’t know well to extend an invitation for dinner or coffee. Feel free to accept these offers, or, if you don’t feel comfortable, it is perfectly okay to politely decline. 

If you are living with a Palestinian host family, you will likely be invited along to many events and get an inside look into Palestinian life. However, you may also encounter some cultural norms that might make you uncomfortable. For example, giving a guest “alone time” is something many Palestinians consider to be inhospitable. Additionally, Palestinians love to show off local cuisine, and your hosts will likely be extremely enthusiastic about the variety and volume of food you eat. It is important to respect the residents and their culture, but it is also ok to communicate your needs, when necessary.

Drinking Alcohol

Because Hebron is a conservative religious city, alcoholic drinks are prohibited. There are no locations where you can buy alcohol in Hebron, and visitors should avoid drinking or possessing alcohol during their stay in Hebron to show respect for the local culture and avoid uncomfortable situations with locals.

However, alcohol is not legally forbidden in all of Palestine. Some cities such as Bethlehem and Birzeit have long traditions of wine and beer production (and consumption!). In these locations, drinking alcohol in moderation is acceptable, although, like many countries, including the United States, alcohol should not be consumed in public outdoor areas, such as roadways or parks.

Dress and Attire

The West Bank has slightly cold winters and hot summers. During some summer months, it can be extremely hot, so plan to bring loose-fitting, lightweight clothes if visiting in the summer. There are several modesty norms in Palestine, and, especially in Hebron, due to its conservatism. This guide is intended to help you dress in a way that will make you and the people around you feel most comfortable.

Women

It is not expected that non-Muslim women cover their heads or bodies to the same degree as Muslim women in Hebron, who almost all wear the hijab and fully cover their bodies, but you will be more comfortable if you dress modestly, and clothing that reveals arms, chest or legs is likely to receive a lot of attention. Most female visitors opt for, on the bottom, skirts that reach the ankles or long trousers (pants), and, on top, loose-fitting shirts that reach the elbows, although t-shirts are also acceptable.

Men

Men are also asked to dress modestly and are advised to cover from their neck to below their knees. Most men wear long pants to their ankles, not shorts. Also, in Hebron, most men do not wear jewelry. Sandals are fine for both men and women.

Both Genders Outside Hebron

Different cities have different cultural norms regarding dress. For example, the dress code is more relaxed in Ramallah and many cities in Israel. However, if you are planning to enter a holy site, you will be expected to dress modestly. Some areas are gender segregated as well, so be sure not to wander into the opposite gender space. Tattoos for men and especially for women are highly unusual and may attract some attention, so you may be most comfortable covering any tattoos that can be easily hidden. 

Taboo Conversation Subjects 

Understanding the conservative culture of Hebron and Palestine is to your benefit when engaging in conversation with your host family or community members. Certain topics of discussion considered normal in other countries may not be appropriate to discuss casually here.

Discussions about religion and culture are fine, but one should be sensitive to the appropriateness of challenging aspects of both in conversation. 

Conversations about or including sex and sexuality are considered private matters and do not take place within social situations. If you have not studied (and do not wish to study) Islam’s relationship to subjects like sex and sexuality, you should probably avoid or excuse yourself from any conversations involving the subject. 

Please be sensitive when discussing the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Initiating discussions about political topics or engaging in debate is not preferred. Palestinians will likely talk to you about their experiences under the occupation, and these are good opportunities to listen and learn, but be aware of your environment and the dangers and risks involved when talking openly about the conflict, given the Israeli presence here in Hebron.

In the classroom, teachers should remain professional at all times and should avoid activities and discussions that include taboo topics.

Gender-Specific Norms and Concerns

Internationals should be aware that Hebron is the most conservative city in the West Bank, leading to a variety of norms governing relations between and among genders. 

  • Men generally do not shake hands with women, unless she extends her hand first. Instead, it is common to wave or touch your hand to your chest while greeting the opposite sex.
  • In the evening, it is recommended that male and female tourists avoid situations that may appear improper. For instance, male tourists staying in an apartment should refrain from inviting female tourists over, even for purposes such as sharing a meal. Additionally, it is strongly advised to avoid any romantic relationships between tourists and locals or between fellow tourists.
  • Most people in Hebron do not develop close friendships with members of the opposite sex outside of their family, so don’t be surprised if many social activities are somewhat sex-segregated. For example, male locals are more likely to invite male tourists to explore the city with them, while female locals are more likely to invite female tourists to go shopping with them.

Know that you may not be afforded the same legal protections as you may be accustomed to in your home country. For instance, Palestine does not have laws protecting LGBTQ+ individuals from homophobic harassment, and as a result, it is safest to keep your sexuality discreet. 

For female internationals, you may notice you are getting a lot of attention while walking down the street. Hebron is not a particularly touristy city, so locals are not always used to seeing Western women. Appropriate dress will alleviate some of this discomfort, though it will not completely eliminate it. Additionally, walking at night, especially by yourself, is not advised. Women in Hebron do not generally walk in the streets after dark, so doing so is likely to make you stand out, which makes it best to be as safe as possible and get a taxi or ask for a ride from someone you know. If you decide to take a private taxi, make sure to take a yellow one. 

Free Time in Hebron

It is very easy to find interesting and entertaining things to do in Hebron. Many food and drink establishments are lining Ein Sara Street, Hebron’s main thoroughfare. For lunch, whether you want to get a quick takeaway falafel or find a spot to play chess and drink tea, Hebron’s city center will cater to you.

You will find fresh juice stands, ice cream and sweet shops, shawarma joints, and, if you can’t escape some Western cravings, even a KFC a short walk away. Do make sure you ask the other internationals where the “1 shekel donut” shop is—it’s a not-so-secret secret of the tourists. 

Shopping and Markets in Hebron

Hebron is a city filled with shops, stores, malls, and supermarkets, from small “mom-and-pop” markets to large modern grocery stores. There are several supermarkets within Hebron, some of which have ATMs for withdrawing currency. Whatever you need, it can likely be easily purchased.

Sightseeing in Hebron

There are interesting sights to see while in Hebron, including the Cave of the Patriarchs (known locally as Ibrahimi Mosque) and the Oak of Abraham at Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Monastery. According to tradition, the Oak marks the site where God and three angels appeared to Abraham and announced that his wife, Sarah, would become pregnant. You can explore the miles of ancient souq in the Old City, and you can also visit glassblower, ceramics, and keffiyeh factories in Hebron to watch these traditional products be made before your eyes. 

If you pass through the checkpoint, you can view the Israeli settlement in H2. Be mindful that if you are Muslim or you present as Arab, the soldiers may deny you entrance to H2. Additionally, you may be more comfortable initially exploring H2 with a group. In H2, you can visit the Beit Hadassah Museum, explore the Tomb of Jesse and Ruth, and see Tel Rumeida, an archeological site that goes back to the Bronze Age. Visiting the Old City and the settlement will also give you a strong sense of the impact of the occupation and the political and social realities of the people who live nearby. 

There is something for everyone in Hebron.

Fitness Centers and Gyms 

Hebron has many gyms scattered around the city. There are generic gyms that offer personal trainers and quality equipment, like the Prestige Gym, the Hebron University gym, and Sama Al-khalil, and there are also specialized gyms available if you have specific fitness goals or needs—for example, entire gyms dedicated to pilates, yoga, and intense muscle training. Many gyms are open 12 hours a day, making them very accessible, and normally, female gyms and male gyms are separated.

Safety

Safety in the West Bank

If you are preparing to travel to Palestine, you have likely been asked, “Is it safe?” Understandably, people have concerns about this, given the news coverage of Palestine, but it is important to know that safety concerns are the exception, not the norm. 

Palestinians are very warm and friendly to visitors from all over the world, and they are excited for internationals to visit and hear their stories. In part because of this mentality, street crime is very low—possibly even lower than the towns and cities in your country.

Palestine is considered a medium-safe destination, which is impressive given that it is an occupied zone. Remember that the people most unsafe are Palestinians themselves, followed by Israelis, followed—at a considerable distance— by foreign visitors. Foreign visitors are very rarely in any danger unless they actively go out of their way to put themselves in unsafe situations.

Safety in Hebron

Hebron, specifically, is sometimes perceived as an unsafe destination for international visitors. This perception derives from the presence of Israeli soldiers patrolling the checkpoints in the Old City and because Hebron is a conservative community. In reality, Hebron is a very safe city for internationals to visit, live, and work. 

Though Hebron is a religious and conservative city, that does not make it unsafe for young Western visitors. It does, however, demand that visitors be respectful of the culture in the way that they act and dress.

As an international, the presence of Israeli soldiers in the Old City and the H2 section of Hebron has little or no impact on your daily life. Travel in Palestine is located in a safe area outside of the Old City, which is under the control of the Palestinian Authority.

Friendships and Connections with Palestinians
The Advantages of Volunteering in Palestine

We Welcome You

Living in Palestine is an exceptional opportunity for internationals to meet Palestinian people, experience daily life, learn Palestinian Arabic, and observe the Israeli-Palestinian conflict first-hand. Most importantly, it is an opportunity to grow cross-cultural understanding and see the world from a new perspective.

Living in Hebron is a unique experience. Life is characterized by intensive social interactions, a spontaneous lifestyle where your day rarely goes according to prearranged plans, overwhelming hospitality, and an eagerness to learn and engage with others. It is easy to engage in Palestinian culture.

While some international participants find it difficult to adapt to local culture and daily life, most adapt quickly and report loving many aspects of the culture. Please do not hesitate to talk to Travel to Palestine staff if you experience any difficulties, but keep in mind that we cannot change the culture or habits of Palestinians.

We encourage you to arrive with an open mind, an eagerness to learn, and excitement for the adventure that lies ahead. We are sure you will have a wonderful and unforgettable stay in Palestine.

For answers to any questions, please email Rafat Shantir at: Rafat@excellencenter.org.