Visitors coming from North America will have to prepare a few things before visiting Israel. Israel uses 220V 50Hz rated power whereas, in North America, power is rated at 110V 60Hz with a different style of plug and outlet. These differences in the voltage (110V vs 220V),
hertz (60Hz vs 50Hz), and plugs/outlets need to be considered.
Differences in voltage are handled automatically by most modern portable electronics. Laptops, cell phone chargers, tablet chargers, e-reader chargers, and similar devices with a battery in the device can usually switch between 100V and 220V without issues. Please refer to the manufacturer’s documentation to determine if the device is fully compatible. For hair dryers, curling irons, and other devices without a battery, most of these items sold in North America are not rated for both 110V and 220V. You must check each of these devices to ensure they are compatible with 220V. Transformers can be used in some cases to overcome the difference in voltage, but not in devices with a heating element.
Differences in the hertz do not normally cause issues but they may with some devices that use analog timers like an old analog plug-in clock. This difference can cause the clock to be inaccurate. With these devices, we recommend leaving them at home.
To overcome the difference in plugs/outlets, we recommend using a Type C or Type H plug adapter. If you are purchasing a new plug adapter, we recommend you purchase 2 or 3 Type C plug adapters as they are more universally reusable in other parts of the world like Europe. We also recommend putting some red tape or nail polish on your adapter as it is all too easy to leave your adapter behind in your hotel.
