The climate is clear anytime of the year. In winter, Jericho is a favorite resort and even the Jerusalem sun can be warm during the day. Winter can be cold, rainy with the possibility of snow in some areas. In summer, the only problem is how to cool off heading for the higher and drier places inland. Spring is definitely the best time to visit, the weather is temperate enough making it enjoyable to travel around.
Currencies used in Palestine include the Jordanian Dinar and the US Dollar, but the most popular is the New Israeli Shekel (NIS). The shekel is divided into 100 Agorot. There are 200, 100, 50, and 20 NIS notes; 10, 5 and 1 NIS coins; and 50 and 10 Agorot coins. There are no restrictions on the amount of currency one can take in and out of the country, nor is one compelled to change any set of amount on arrival. Visitors are advised to have take dollars and euros, but any other major European currency can also be freely changed at banks and money changers.
There is no shortage of places to change money. Not only are there banks and exchange bureau, but many Palestinian shopkeepers double as money changers. There is little variation in rates of exchange on offer, but the best deals are offered by Palestinian money changers in Jerusalem and the specialist exchange bureau, none of which charge commission.
Major credit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club and American Express are all accepted in banks, hotels and restaurants as well as with many ATMs. Travelers cheques are also accepted and visitors will have no trouble getting them cashed. At the end of a visit, Shekels can be exchanged at the airport or at the port in Haifa. Visitors are allowed to freely convert up to US$500 worth of shekels but for anything over that a bank receipt must be produced as proof of the original exchange.
Predominantly Muslim areas like East Jerusalem, the Gaza strip and the West Bank close all day Friday. Christian owned businesses concentrated in Jerusalem Old City, Bethlehem and Ramallah close on Sunday. On Shabbat (Saturday), all Israeli shops, offices and places of entertainment close down. Shabat starts at sundown on Friday and ends at sundown on Saturday. Standard shopping hours are Monday to Thursday 8a.m. – 1pm and 4pm – 7pm or later.