




                                                            1 April 2001 




Dear Baha'i Friend, 

     Further to our letter of 1 November 2000, we are now able to provide you 
with additional information concerning the events marking the Official Opening 
of the Terraces on Mount Carmel in May 2001. 

Currency and Banking Information 

     While you are in Israel, you will need Israeli sheqels for local 
purchases.  After you arrive, cash or traveller's cheques in the currencies 
listed below can be converted into sheqels at banks and at most post offices 
and hotels.  Sheqels can be obtained using Automatic Teller Machines.  
Currencies other than those listed below CANNOT be converted into sheqels and 
should be exchanged in your own country before you come to Israel:  

     Austrian schillings      Finnish markkaa          Norwegian kroner 
     Australian dollars       French francs            South African rands 
     Belgian francs           German deutsche marks    Spanish pesetas 
     British pounds sterling  Irish punts              Swedish kronor 
     Canadian dollars         Italian lire             Swiss francs 
     Danish kroner            Japanese yen             United States dollars 
     Dutch guilders           New Zealand dollars 

     The United States dollar, British pound sterling, French franc, and 
German deutsche mark are the easiest to exchange in Israel. 

     Banks in Israel are usually open during the following hours:  

     Sunday through Thursday                     09:00 to 13:00 
     Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday afternoons    16:00 to 18:00 
     Friday mornings                             09:00 to 12:00 

     Banks are closed all day Saturday. 

     Major credit cards, i.e., Visa, MasterCard, and American Express, are 
accepted by most restaurants, hotels, and businesses. 





                                        



Additional Information Concerning the                             1 April 2001
  Events Marking the Official Opening of                                Page 2
      the Terraces on Mount Carmel in May 2001 


Bringing Items into Israel 

     Israeli Customs allows tourists to bring in clothing, footwear, personal 
toiletries, as well as other personal items, i.e., jewellery, cameras, musical 
instruments, etc., in acceptable quantities for personal use without having to 
pay duties. 

     Customs will also allow up to US$200 worth of gifts and items not 
mentioned above without charging duties, and you are not required to declare 
such items.  However, Customs requests that any other items are declared when 
entering the country.  You will either be required to pay duties on these items 
at the time of entry or leave a deposit for the full amount of the duties owed.  
The deposit can be left either in cash or through a major credit card.  It will 
then be fully refunded when you demonstrate to Customs that you are taking the 
item with you at the time of your departure from the country. 

     All parcels for the Baha'i World Centre Archives and Library should be 
accompanied by a letter which includes explanations of the source and history 
of the item(s), and the name and address of the person or institution sending 
the item(s). 

     You are reminded that it is not legally permissible to bring into Israel 
any items to be sold in Israel.  For security reasons, if you are bringing a 
gift please make sure the packaging is not sealed. 

Arrival, Important Information 

      When you arrive at Ben Gurion airport you will be greeted by Baha'i 
World Centre staff.  Look for the sign marked "Baha'i" as you enter the baggage 
claim area.  Once you have claimed your luggage, you will be taken by bus to 
your hotel.  This service is provided to those who have made arrangements for 
transportation through Palex Tours.  If you have not made such arrangements, 
you will be assisted to secure alternative transportation to your hotel. 

      When you reach your hotel you will be given a registration package.  
Please read the information provided carefully; it should answer many of the 
questions you may have.  A Baha'i host will remain with your hotel group for 
the duration of your stay in the Holy Land, and it is important that you follow 
his or her directions at all times. 

      In your arrival registration package you will find a name badge.  It is 
extremely important that you wear this badge at all times in order to gain 
entry to events, Baha'i Holy Places, and Baha'i buses.  If you do not have your 
badge, you will not be allowed entry.  There will be no exceptions. 

Registration and Accommodation Form and Flight and Ground Transportation Form 

     Remember that all participants MUST send in a registration form, even if 
they are not securing accommodations through Palex Tours.  This information is 
being used to assist your entry into Israel.  Even if you are not arranging 
accommodations through Palex Tours, please make sure you forward the 
information about your accommodations by filling out the Flight and Ground 
Transportation Form, which was sent to you, and forwarding it to Palex Tours.  
The form and final payments are due no later than 1 April 2001. 





 



Additional Information Concerning the                             1 April 2001
  Events Marking the Official Opening of                                Page 3
      the Terraces on Mount Carmel in May 2001 


Passports and Visas 

     You are reminded to read carefully the section of the "Travel and 
Accommodation Information" brochure regarding passports and visas.  Those who 
are required to obtain visas should make sure that the visa is valid at least 
until the date of your arrival in the Holy Land.  Also, your passport must be 
valid for at least six months after your departure date from the Holy Land.  
Otherwise, you may not be allowed to enter Israel. 

Weather Conditions and Health 

     May in Haifa can be hot during the day and cool at night.  Further, Haifa 
is built on a mountain.  As you will be walking on loose stone paths and 
climbing many stairs, bring comfortable (non-slip) walking shoes and clothing 
you can layer.  A hat, sunglasses, and sun protection are recommended.  Be sure 
to carry with you plenty of any prescribed medication you may need.  

Travel Insurance 

     Make sure that you obtain travel insurance that will provide emergency 
medical and accident benefits. 

Average Costs 

     In order to give you an idea of costs in Haifa, here are some average 
prices.  For a "felafel" or a "shawarma", food that can be purchased from 
street vendors, the average cost is from US$2 to $4.  A meal in a restaurant, 
often big enough to be shared between two people, averages $12 to $15.  A taxi 
ride from the bottom of the Terraces to the Convention Centre averages $8. 

Additional Services 

     Most public telephones operate using a prepaid phone card.  Phone cards 
can be obtained at the airport, at post offices or at your hotel. 

     Palex Tours will be represented at the airport, hotels, and the 
Convention Centre.  Any travel or accommodation related questions or concerns 
should be conveyed to them, and not to your bus host. 

     An early baggage check-in service will be available at the Convention 
Centre.  You may check your bags and clear customs in Haifa 24 hours before 
your flight.  A Palex Tours representative can provide more information about 
this service upon your arrival in Haifa.  

     We are eagerly looking forward to welcoming you on this historic 
occasion. 

                                     With loving Baha'i greetings, 

                                     Inaugural Events Office 





 





 
