As well as providing useful information in the form of free brochures and maps, Israeli tourist offices are usually able to help with other matters, such as finding accommodation and arranging transport. In smaller towns, or at archaeological sites, the tourist offices are of more limited use, and information is usually confined to the immediate area. The Autonomous Palestinian Territories are also in the process of organizing a network of information bureaux, but for the present, their sole office is in Bethlehem.

In Jordan the only tourist information offices are in the main tourist destinations such as Amman, Petra and Jerash, while in Sinai there are no tourist information offices at all. All three countries have international tourist bureaux, however, which you can use before you leave. The national airline offices can also often help with travel information.

Most of the historic and archaeological sites in Jerusalem and the Holy Land have some kind of admission charge, although some smaller churches and mosques have no fixed fee at all. In these cases a small donation is customary. Prices are generally very reasonable, with most minor sites in Israel charging only a few shekels. Larger places may charge slightly more, with the most expensive site to visit by far being Petra.

In Israel you can purchase a 14–day Green Card for around NIS 120, that gives free access to all sites under the control of the Nature and National Parks Protection Authority. These are mainly natural and more minor archaeological sites, but if you are planning to spend some time sightseeing in Israel, this may be a good investment.

Because of the many religious holidays celebrated in the region (Jewish, Muslim and Christian), opening hours for the many tourist sites and historic monuments can vary greatly. As a general rule, however, sites in Israel are usually open daily, except for Friday, when they keep more restricted hours, and Saturday, when they are closed altogether. Christian sites, other than the churches, are open on Saturdays but closed on Sundays.

In Jordan the main sites (including Petra and Jerash) are open daily, but other, smaller sites, including many of the museums, are closed on Tuesdays. From around October to March (considered the winter season), most sites in the Holy Land close an hour earlier than usual.

When visiting holy sites such as churches, synagogues and mosques, it is essential that you dress appropriately. This means that your arms and legs must be fully covered; shorts or short skirts and sleeveless tops are not acceptable. At certain places cloaks are provided to cover up visitors who are deemed to be immodestly dressed. Shoes must be removed before entering a mosque, and at some Jewish holy sites, such as the Western Wall, heads must also be covered. In such cases a kippah  (skullcap) is provided free of charge.

The time in Israel, Jordan and Egypt is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), and seven hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST). All three countries have daylight saving time which lasts from approximately March to September.

Israel is very aware of the needs of disabled visitors, and many hotels and modern museums are adapted for disabled use. MILBAT  is a useful advisory centre on such matters, while JDC-Israel  is also able to advise on suitable hotel accommodation and site accessibility. The Yad Sarah Organization  lends out wheelchairs and other useful aids free of charge.

Jordan and Sinai make no real provision for the disabled, and as most sites are surrounded by rough terrain, visiting these areas can be very problematic.

In Israel, the presentation of a recognized student card, such as an International Student Identity Card (ISIC), will get the holder a ten per cent discount on bus fares, as well as discounts on most museum and site admissions. The Israel Student Tourist Association (ISSTA)  can arrange cheap flights and accommodation, and provide information on student discounts, as well as arranging its own package holidays. There are no student discounts offered in Jordan, but Egypt offers a 50 per cent concession on most site admissions.

Public toilets are easily found throughout Israel, and are of the standard type found in the West. In Jordan they are much less common and a lot more rudimentary, but still usually clean, as they are tended by caretakers. In Sinai public toilets do not exist at all. It is always wise to have a supply of paper with you, as this is often not provided. All paper should be disposed of using the bins provided, and not put down the toilet, as the local plumbing cannot cope.

The electric current in Israel, Jordan and Sinai is 220V. Plugs in Israel are round-pronged and three-pinned, whereas in Jordan and Sinai they are round-pronged and two-pinned. Adaptors should be bought prior to departure.