Health Tips

As when visiting any foreign country, there are often some adjustments your body will need to make to the new environment. Newcomers to Israel may suffer from an initial sensitivity to tap water, and at the same time should also be acutely aware of the high risk of dehydration, especially during the summer months. Bottled water is recommended for those with sensitive stomachs, especially at the beginning of their stay in Israel.

The sun in Israel is extremely strong, much stronger than in many temperate-climate countries. If you plan on being outside for even 20 minutes, you should wear some form of sun protection. If you will be at the beach all day, you will need to reapply sunscreen regularly. You may want to bring a sufficient supply of your favorite sunscreen, as it may not be available in Israel or may be significantly more expensive. Wearing a hat when out in the sun is highly recommended.

If you are taking prescription medication, you should bring a supply to last the entire time you are in Israel. It is also recommended that you bring a typewritten, generic prescription for your medication, should you need to have it refilled. Since not all medicines in Israel are available under the same brand names as in your country, it is essential that a generic name be provided for reference by a local doctor or pharmacist. In the event that you are sent an additional supply of medication by mail, you may be required to present a prescription to the Israel Customs Office before the medication will be released. Finally, please keep in mind that while many drugs may be purchased over the counter in your home country, they may not be available as such in Israel.