1. Currency Exchange



Foreign currency can be exchanged at the Ben Gurion Airport, but it is not recommended! Charges will be much lower in non-commission exchange shops, local banks and post offices. Israeli Shekels can be withdrawn from the Automated Teller Machine (“Kaspomat”) adjacent to most banks. Major credit cards are accepted by most ATMs.

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Find here the currency exchange rates for Shekel/Euro, Shekel/$ and others.



2. Ben Gurion Airport



Do not leave the airport until you are satisfied that any missing bags have been reported to the appropriate authority. You will find the following link for Ben Gurion Airport most useful:

http://www.iaa.gov.il/Rashat/en-US/Airports/BenGurion



3. Transportation to Haifa



The Ben Gurion Airport link will provide you with information on transportation from the airport to Haifa. Should you choose to take the train, make sure to get off at the Hof
HaCarmel station, where you will be able to find a taxi to take you to the Technion. The taxi driver should not charge more than 70 NIS. The Central Bus Station is adjacent to the train station. You can take bus nr. 11.



Click here to find information on the buses.

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You may also take a “sherut” – a shared taxi –directly from the airport. It will take you to the Technion campus. Sheruts from the airport to Haifa are operated by the “Amal” Taxi company: +972-4-867-6444.

Please note that intercity public transportation stops before sunset on Fridays and holiday eves, and resumes after sunset on Saturdays and holidays.



4. Finding the Technion



The Technion is situated adjacent to the Neve Sha’anan residential neighborhood, on Mount Carmel. The city of Haifa is at the end of the Carmel range, where the mountain projects into Haifa Bay. The city is divided into three distinct levels: the Lower City (encompassing the port and commercial center); Hadar, with its residential and commercial centers; and Har HaCarmel, which is mostly residential.

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Shabbat

Just as Sunday is the day of rest for Christianity, so Saturday (Shabbat) is the day of rest for Jews. Most shops and transportation services close down from before sundown on Friday until after sunset on Saturday. The same applies for Jewish holidays. By contrast,

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Sunday is a normal working day in Israel, and public services and shops are open. In Israel, students study Sunday - Thursday (sometimes Friday) and the weekend is from Friday to Saturday.