We are very excited to welcome you to the University of Haifa International School. Below you will find useful information to help you prepare for your trip to Haifa.
1. How to Arrive From Ben Gurion Airport: Step by Step Guide
2. Banking and Money Matters
3. Assistance Upon Arrival
4. Tips on What to Bring
5. Visa Information
6. Tourist Information
7. Contact Information
The best and most cost effective way to arrive to the University of Haifa is via train. Please see the following information below for arrival by train as well as other available modes of transportation:
Please see the information below regarding the Amal Taxi Service (shared taxis) from the airport to Haifa and fees (in NIS):
Service taxis to Haifa and the surrounding regions depart from the service post on Level G, next to Gates 01-03. There are signs directing to the post.
The service operates 24 hours a day.
Telephone: 04-8662324
Fees:
|
Destination |
Central Alighting Destination |
Price to Central Alighting Destination |
Service fee to passenger's address |
|
Haifa, Nesher, Tivon, Rechasim, Yoqneam, Tirat Ha'Carmel |
"Ha'Mifratz" Central Bus Station or the "Haifa Government Quarter" |
77 |
119 |
For those of you wishing to take the shared taxi to "Merkazit Ha Mifrats CBS (Central Bus Station)" and not directly to the University of Haifa, you will be able to take either of the following busses:
141: Departs from platform 13
146: Departs from platform 23
You will want to get off at the last stop on campus: "Meonot Universitat Haifa."
For all bus times, please see the following link: https://mslworld.egged.co.il/?language=en&state=#/origindestination/1/0
Please be sure to insert the following information below for origin and destination:
Origin: Haifa Merkazit ha-Mifrats CBS
Destination: Haifa University : Ha-Carmel Park
For information regarding private taxis directly to the University, as well as a fare calculator for your trip, please see below:
For your convenience there are licensed taxi stands located along the sidewalk on the ground floor level at the Gate 03 exit, And on level 2 at the gate 21 exit.
Please note, there are reduced rate for taxis on level 2, to destinations in the price list.
The public is kindly requested to use licensed taxis only.
**Upon arrival to Ben Gurion Airport, we strongly suggest you convert a minimum of $100 to NIS (New Israeli Shekel) for transportation and food. When exiting the baggage claim you will see a "Bank Ha Poalim" money exchange booth next to the main exit to the train station.**
The easiest way to obtain cash while in Israel is to use your bank/ATM card from your bank in your home country. Be sure to check with your bank ahead of time to find out if your card can be used internationally and if any extra fees apply. Also, if your card requires a password, be sure to bring it with you. There is a branch of Bank Yahav on campus with ATM machines that accept international cards.
You are encouraged to notify your bank ahead of time of the dates you will be abroad and where you will be traveling. This will prevent them from freezing your bank card due to what they may consider suspicious activity if they don't know you're abroad.
Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in Israel, and many places will also accept Diner's Club and American Express. Credit cards can be used for purchases in stores, restaurants, movies, and for various services. In addition, your credit card can often provide you with a cash advance.
You are encouraged to notify your credit card company ahead of time of the dates you will be abroad and where you will be traveling. This will prevent them from freezing your credit card due to what they may consider suspicious activity if they don't know you're abroad.
Dress in Israel tends to be casual, and what you wear at your home university is probably what you will want to wear at the University of Haifa. In addition to your basic clothing, we suggest you bring the following items:
* It is mandatory for all semester/academic year/ MA students to bring an unlocked/SIM free phone with them for the duration of their program, as all such students will need to register for an Israeli phone plan and obtain an Israeli phone number for general contact and emergency purposes.
If you will be living in the dormitories on campus, please note: we strongly suggest, you bring sheets and blankets (for a single bed) with you from home. For those that do not have, we will be able to provide you, but keep in mind that they are used but washed. The dormitories will provide you with a hotplate and a refrigerator in your dorms. Any other appliances and utensils can be brought with you, or purchased during your first week in Haifa.
It should be noted that most American and European brands of toiletries can be purchased in Israel, and that Israel offers many comparable brands, so there is no need to bring a large supply of toiletries. Some items, such as batteries and reading material, are very expensive in Israel, so you may want to bring enough to last you through your stay.
The electrical current in Israel is 220 volts, 50 cycles (as opposed to the 110 volts and 60 cycles in the USA). Therefore, if you choose to bring any electrical equipment, you will need to purchase a transformer. Some appliances, such as hair-dryers and shavers, may be dual-voltage, and for these you will need adapter plugs that are convertible to the Middle East.
Israeli visa requirements vary based on your country of citizenship. It is your responsibility to verify with the Israeli Embassy closest to you what the specific requirements are for a person with your citizenship. All students must receive their proper visa before coming to Israel.
Please note: if you have Israeli citizenship or if you have a parent with Israeli citizenship, special rules apply to you. These rules are explained below.*
Student Visa: A student visa is a multiple-entry visa valid for one year during which time you can leave and re-enter Israel a number of times within the period of validation without having to secure a new visa. Student visas are renewable after one year both in Israel and abroad. Students participating in the semester or year programs must arrange for a student visa before their arrival to Israel. If, under extenuating circumstances, you are unable to attain the visa before arrival, please inform us of the situation as soon as possible.
To apply for a student visa you must apply to the closest Israeli consulate/embassy in your area. The Israeli Consulate will inform you as to which type of documents you will need. We recommend calling the consulate first in order to obtain the most accurate and current information. You can find more information on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
Most likely you will need to submit the following items with your application:
If you do not live near an Israeli Consulate, please contact the closest consulate by phone. If arrangements are made far enough in advance, a visa can usually be attained by mail.
*Students who were born in Israel and/or whose parents are or were Israeli citizens are generally not permitted to enter Israel on a tourist visa, but instead need Israeli travel documents. Due to frequent changes in regulations these students should consult the Israeli consulate in their area to clarify their status and complete any necessary steps before arrival.
As the rules and regulations vary from country to country, it is upon you to contact the Israeli Embassy/Consulate closest to you regarding what type of visa is needed for your program. In many instances a tourist visa will be enough if the program is under 90 days, however you must check with the proper authorities.
Additional information on Study Abroad In Israel
Pre-Arrival Information Kit - Graduate
