Palestine is a fascinating place to visit, offering a rich history, vibrant culture, and powerful landscapes. If you’re planning a trip here, it’s essential to prepare well, as traveling through the region requires some specific know-how.
1. Be Respectful of Cultural Customs
Palestine is a conservative society. You should dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites in cities like Jerusalem, Hebron, and Bethlehem. For men, long pants are preferable. For women, keep your shoulders and knees covered. A light scarf can also come in handy for covering your head when visiting mosques or conservative areas.
It’s polite to avoid public displays of affection, particularly in rural areas. Always ask for permission before taking someone’s picture, especially in smaller towns or refugee camps. The locals appreciate respectful behavior.
2. Learn a Few Words in Arabic
Most people in Palestine speak Arabic, though English is also commonly understood in tourist areas. Learning basic phrases like “Shukran” for thank you or “Salaam” for hello will go a long way. It’ll help you connect with locals on a deeper level and show that you respect their language.
If you visit outside major tourist areas, having some Arabic phrases ready can make getting around easier. You don’t need to worry if you’re unsure about pronunciation—the locals will appreciate your effort.
3. Getting Around: Transportation Options
Public Transport
The most common forms of transportation in Palestine are shared taxis called “servis” and city buses. Servis taxis follow fixed routes and are relatively inexpensive. They’re efficient for getting between cities and even for local trips within cities.
Public buses are less frequent, and schedules can be unpredictable, especially in rural areas. If you’re short on time, stick to servis taxis—they’re faster and more predictable.
Car Rentals
Renting a car is an option if you want more freedom to explore. However, certain roads in Palestine are controlled by the Israeli military, so it might not be straightforward to reach all destinations. It’s best to ask locals or your accommodation for guidance on routes.
Make sure you understand the regional restrictions on driving rented vehicles. Some rental companies may have specific policies regarding crossing between Israeli and Palestinian territories.
Taxis
Regular taxis are also available. Always agree on the fare before getting in, or make sure the meter is running to avoid surprises. Tipping taxi drivers is not mandatory, though rounding up the fare is appreciated.
4. Understand the Checkpoints
One unique aspect of travel in Palestine is navigating the Israeli checkpoints. You will come across these checkpoints, particularly when entering or leaving cities like Bethlehem, Ramallah, and Hebron. Be patient and have your passport ready.
These checkpoints can sometimes cause long delays. When planning any journey, give yourself extra time in case you get held up. Keep in mind you might also encounter inter-Palestinian checkpoints, especially in the West Bank.
5. Plan for Safety
Palestine is generally safe for travelers, especially in areas like Ramallah and Bethlehem. Major troubles tend to occur in more politically sensitive regions, so it’s wise to stay updated on any potential tensions.
Always check local news before visiting a new area. Avoid protests, and check if there are travel advisories for particular regions. Remember that your embassy can be a valuable resource in offering up-to-date safety recommendations.
6. Currency and Money Tips
Palestine uses the Israeli Shekel (ILS), although in some areas, US dollars and Jordanian dinars are accepted. Make sure to carry enough cash because ATMs are not always available in smaller towns, and many shops don’t accept credit cards.
Familiarize yourself with the exchange rates ahead of time. Currency exchanges are commonly found in larger cities like Ramallah and Jerusalem. There are no major scams associated with money exchange, but be mindful of small differences in rates.
7. How to Save Money
Palestine is not that expensive when compared with Western Europe or the US, but knowing how to save money will make a difference on a budget trip.
Street food is both cheap and delicious. Dishes like falafel, shawarma, and hummus can be found everywhere, and prices are usually very reasonable. Local markets (souks) are a great place to grab fresh, affordable food.
For accommodations, choosing family-run guesthouses or hostels will save you money. Airbnb is also available, particularly in Bethlehem, Ramallah, and East Jerusalem. It’s a good option for those looking for a homier vibe.
8. Religious Sites Etiquette
Religious sites are important in Palestine. Whether visiting a church, mosque, or synagogue, always dress appropriately and act respectfully. Turn off your phone, keep voices low, and avoid photographing worshippers without permission.
Men should remove their hats when entering Christian churches, but women are expected to cover their heads in mosques. In Jewish religious sites like the Western Wall, men need to cover their heads with a kippah, which is usually provided at the entrance.
9. Avoid Political Discussions
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is an extremely sensitive topic. While many locals may share their views with you, try to remain neutral in conversations unless you’re very familiar with the historical context. Tourist discussions can sometimes unintentionally cause offense.
Stick to general inquiries when asking about life in the region. Showing empathy and understanding without pushing for personal opinions is a generally safe approach.
10. Visiting Refugee Camps
If you want to visit a Palestinian refugee camp, do so with a local guide. While it’s possible to visit on your own, a guide will help you understand the history and significance of each camp while making sure you’re respectful to the residents.
People in the camps are often welcoming, but remember that these are impoverished areas with complex histories, so it’s important to show sensitivity and respect during your visit.
11. Tipping Culture
Tipping is appreciated in Palestine, but it’s not mandatory. In restaurants, you can leave a 10-15% tip for good service. For taxis, you might round up. Tipping hotel staff, roadside guides, and other service personnel is customary for exceptional service, but there is no strict rule.
12. Internet and Wi-Fi Access
Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels and cafes in cities like Bethlehem, Jericho, and Ramallah. If you’re staying in a guesthouse or rural area, the connection might not be as reliable, so consider buying a local SIM card for data.
You can get a SIM card from most telecom shops. Excel, Jawwal, and Ooredoo are the major telecom companies offering prepaid options for visitors, and prices are reasonable.
13. Travel Insurance is a Must
Unexpected things can happen on any trip, and Palestine is no exception. Make sure your travel insurance covers you for potential issues such as medical emergencies, theft, or trip cancellations.
Also, check if the coverage includes incidents related to political unrest. It’s better to be safe and fully covered to avoid unnecessary expenses.
14. Experience the Local Hospitality
Palestinians are famous for their hospitality. You’ll often be invited in for tea or coffee, especially in rural areas, even if the host has never met you before. Accepting this hospitality is considered polite.
Bring small gifts from your home country if you’re staying with families or want to thank someone particularly generous. Chocolates, postcards, or souvenirs are well-received.
15. Stay Open-Minded
Palestine is a place filled with strong emotions, incredible stories, and complex histories. While you’re here, take the opportunity to learn as much as possible from the people you meet.
Everyone, from the market seller in Ramallah to the taxi driver in Hebron, has something to teach. Keep an open mind and be ready to learn about Palestine from a local perspective, which might be very different from what you expect.
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