Some public telephones are coin operated. Most, however, take Israeli telephone cards, available in a number of denominations, and international telephone cards. Israeli cards are easily available from any post office and at various shops. International calls can be made from phone card telephones, or from special telephone company offices in Israel's major cities. Major telephone companies have toll-free Israeli phone numbers.
Telephone books are available in English as well as in Hebrew.
Most shops, restaurants and hotels accept credit cards. Climatic Comfort Anyone packing for a trip to Israel, should take the country's climate into consideration. Israeli winters begin around the middle of November and end in April at the very latest. Even in the North of the country, winter rainfall occurs fewer than 70 days a year - less, the farther south one travels. Nevertheless, when traveling to Israel in winter it would be advisable to take along rainwear and warm clothing.