Local Info

Participants from most EU countries and the USA do not need visas to Israel. For participants from other countries, we suggest you check with your travel agent, local Israeli embassy, or consulate.

All visitors to Israel must hold a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date they enter the country. Please contact the conference secretariat if a letter of invitation is needed to assist in applying for a visa.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs website contains information on how to obtain a visa for those traveling to Israel.

The site also includes contact information for the Israeli embassies and consulates worldwide. Because regulations for visa authorization tend to change periodically, we recommend that you verify the information on the web site with the relevant embassy or consulate.

For visa support letters, please send all requests to supportletters@acm.org as instructed here.

Participants are advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance coverage. The conference organizers shall not be liable for any loss or damage to property belonging to conference participants nor for personal injuries sustained during or as a result of the SYSTOR Conference.

Ben Gurion International Airport is the main international gateway to and from Israel. It is situated approximately 50km (31 miles) west of Jerusalem.

It is summer in Israel in June. Average temperatures: 18°C – 28°C (64°F – 82°F). Casual dress is appropriate for all conference occasions. Sunscreen, a sun hat, and sunglasses are essential items throughout the year.

The voltage in Israel is 220-240 volt AC.

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.

Banks are open Sunday through Thursday 08:30-12:00 and on some afternoons. Hours vary by branch. All banks are closed on Fridays and Saturdays.

The New Israeli Shekel (NIS) 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. Most if not all establishments that accept credit cards will honor cards issued outside of Israel. These cards will also work in most ATMs to withdraw NIS or $US.

• Lonely Planet: Top Things to do in Haifa
• PlanetWare: 14 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Haifa
• The Visit Haifa tourism guide
• The InIsrael guide to Haifa
• Israel21c: 18 cool things to do in Haifa