Language

Arabic is the main language spoken throughout the Palestinian National Authority (PNA). Hebrew and English are also used by a large number of citizens within the country.

Currency

The PNA currently does not use a national currency. Therefore, there are several different currencies that can be used while traveling here. American dollars and Jordanian dinar are consistently accepted, but the New Israeli shekel (ILS) is the most common form of currency. The easiest currency to exchange travelers’ checks into is US dollars. Credit cards are accepted in some of the major cities, especially when making large shopping purchases, paying for hotel rooms, or at high-end restaurants.

Time

The PNA is two hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time in the summer months, and three hours ahead in the colder months due to daylight savings time (+2 UTC, +3 UTC).

Electricity

The plugs used in the PNA are the same as in Israel. They have two flat prongs and a rounded prong for grounded the electricity. Electricity is 230 Volts at 50 hertz, so American travelers will need to bring both converters and adaptors.

Communications

The international dialing code for the PNA is both +970 and +972, with the later code being used more often. The country is also one of the largest users of the internet in the Arab region. Cafés and internet stations are located in the major cities. Mobile phone coverage in the country is reliable across most regions. However, tourists may have trouble in the northern reaches of the PNA border.

Duty-free

Travelers may bring a limited supply of Duty-Free items into the country. No more than 250 grams of tobacco or 250 cigarettes may be brought into PNA without a charge. Two liters of wine and one liter of spirits can also be carried across the border. However, travelers must be more than 17 years old to carry tobacco products and alcohol into the country. Travelers may bring gift items that are worth US$200 or less.

Tourist Office

Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, Bethlehem: http://www.dach.pna.ps/ or +972-2-274-1581

Embassies in Palestinian National Authority

Australian Consulate, El Bireh: +972-2-242-5301 Chinese Consulate, Ramallah: +972-2-295-1222 Czech Consulate, Ramallah: +972-2-296-5595 Finnish Consulate, Ramallah: +972-2-242-0340 Dutch Consulate, Ramallah: +972-2-240-6639

Emergency

Emergency services: 100