Language

Israel’s official languages are Hebrew and Arabic. Most Israelis speak English, and most of the signposts are also in English.
The official language of the Symposium is English.

Weather and Clothing

July is summer in Israel. Temperatures in Tel Aviv range between 25-33°C 77-91°F.
Dress will be informal throughout Symposium.

Currency

The unit of currency in Israel is the New Israeli Shekel (NIS), commonly known as the Shekel. The Shekel consists of 100 Agorot.
As of January 2014
1 US$ = approximately NIS 3.5
1 EUR = approximately NIS 4.8

Exchange rates are fluctuating daily.

Electricity

Electricity in Israel is supplied at 220V, 50Hz and has a three-pin connecting plug.

Value Added Tax Reimbursement

According to the Value Added Tax (VAT) Law, a foreign tourist is able to benefit from a zero rate of VAT on a vast array of services obtained during a stay in Israel. In addition, a special arrangement exists whereby a tourist may also request a VAT refund on purchases made during a stay. For more details please visit the official website of the Ministry of Finance, Israeli Department of Customs and VAT.

Tourist Visas

All visitors to Israel must hold a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date they enter the country. Individuals holding national passports of the following countries are not required to obtain a visa prior to their arrival at Israel:

Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea (south), Latvia, Mexico, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russian Federation, Serbia, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom and the United States of America.

(Note: this is a partial list, compiled from the list of countries from which the Symposium web-site was visited; for a complete list of the countries with visa exemption agreements with Israel, please look here).

Letters of invitations will be issued by the Symposium Secretariat to bona fide participants only. Requests should be sent on the official letterhead of the Applicants Company / organization.

Individuals from countries without diplomatic relations with Israel, should write to the Symposium Secretariat issw30@ortra.com, no later than three months prior to the Symposium, giving their full name, date and place of birth, passport number, date of issue and expiry, date of arrival and flight details. The Symposium Secretariat will do its best efforts to arrange for a visa to be issued at the airport upon arrival; however, granting of such requests is at the discretion of the authorities in Israel.

Important note for tourists continuing from Israel on to Arab countries (Except Egypt and Jordan): It is recommended that you request that an Israeli stamp does not appear on your passport. You must notify the clerk at the passport control of your request before your documents are stamped.

Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travelers are advised to check their entry requirements with the Israeli Embassy/Consulate or with their travel agent.

For any question relating to visas, please contact the Symposium Secretariat at: issw30@ortra.com
More Information about Israel on the Internet in the following web sites: 
Ministry of Tourism
Tel Aviv "White City" 
Jerusalem’s Official Site
Ministry of Foreign Affairs