The Conference Site and Venue
The conference venue is the David Intercontinental Hotel and the Dan Panorama Hotel, which are adjacent to each other and located in the picturesque and historical city of Tel Aviv – Jaffa. The hotels overlook the ancient Jaffa Harbor and the "white city" of Tel Aviv, proclaimed a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO for its special "Bauhaus" architectural style.

The hotels are just a 30 minute drive from Ben-Gurion International Airport, an hour drive from Jerusalem, and couple of hours drive from the Dead Sea and from the Sea of Galilee (all are interesting historical and religious sites that may be visited).

Tel-Aviv is the 2nd largest city of Israel. As an exciting and cosmopolitan mix of leisure activities, Tel-Aviv offers something for everyone – to be fully enjoyed in its ideal Mediterranean climate: outdoor cafes, ethnic restaurants, historic sites, open oriental markets and of course, the Mediterranean coast and its golden beaches.

Language
The ICIL 08 conference will be conducted in English.

Travel to Israel
The best way to travel to Israel is by air. There are regular flights from most major cities in Europe and North America to Tel Aviv, Ben-Gurion International Airport.

Visas
Participants from most countries do not require an entry visa to Israel. Individuals from countries without diplomatic relations with Israel should write up to 3 months in advance to the Secretariat, giving their full name, date and place of birth, passport number and date of issue, time of arrival and flight number. The secretariat will arrange for a visa to be issued at the airport upon arrival.

Travel, Tours and Accommodation
The Organizing Committee has appointed Ortra Ltd., a registered travel agent, as the official organizer and travel agent for the conference.
Rooms have been reserved at the Dan Panorama hotel (4 stars), which are offered to the conference participants at special reduced rates when booked through Ortra. Double and single occupancy rooms are available.
For further information see the Travel, Tours and Accommodation section.

Pre and Post Conference Tours
Pre- and post-conference tours will be arranged for those interested in touring Israel. For further information see the Travel, Tours and Accommodation section.

Climate & Clothing
March is the end of winter in Israel, with temperatures usually ranging between
10-22°C. Rain to be expected. Jerusalem and the Galilee are colder than Tel Aviv.
Dress will be informal throughout the conference.

Currency
The unit of currency in Israel is the New Israeli Shekel (NIS), commonly known as the Shekel. The Shekel consists of 100 Agorot.
US$1 = approximately NIS 3.69 (as of January 2008).
Exchange rates are fluctuating - Please check updated exchange rates.

Electricity
Electricity in Israel is supplied at 220V, 50Hz and has a three-pin connecting plug.

Value Added Tax Reimbursement
According to the Value Added Tax (VAT) Law, a foreign tourist is able to benefit from a zero rate of VAT on a vast array of services obtained during a stay in Israel. In addition, a special arrangement exists whereby a tourist may also request a VAT refund on purchases made during a stay. For more details please visit the official website of the Ministry of Finance, Israeli Department of Customs and VAT.

More Information about Israel on the Internet see the following web sites:
Ministry of Tourism
Jerusalem’s Official Site
Tel Aviv "White City" website
Ministry of Foreign Affairs