If you leave Israel from a departure point other than Ben-Gurion Airport, the refund will be mailed to your foreign address, with no charge. Note that no VAT is charged on items purchased in Eilat, which is a free trade zone. For information on large purchases, consult the Ministry of Tourism. EMERGENCY NUMBERS. These emergency numbers can be dialed from anywhere in Israel. Police: «100. Emergency: «101. Fire: «102. The situation in Israel and the Palestinian territories is extremely volatile. Ongoing vio- lence has caused considerable civilian death and injury, including to some tour- ists. At press time, the US State Department warns all US citizens to defer travel to the region. If you do choose to visit, you should stay on top of current events so that you know where and when the risks are highest. Several web pages have up- to-date information, including the pages of the US Embassy in Israel and the US State Department . BLENDING IN. Tourists are particularly vulnerable because they often carry large amounts of cash and are not as street sawy as locals. Luckily, Israel has a very large immigrant population and many foreign students, so not speaking Hebrew doesn't automatically scream "tourist." To avoid unwanted attention, try to blend in as much as possible. Respecting local customs may placate would-be hecklers. This is particularly tricky in Israel because the dress code and attitudes vary so signifi- cantly by region. In brief, cities covered in this book fall into three major catego- TRAVEL ADVISORIES.The following government offices provide travel information and advisories by telephone, by fax, or via the web: Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade : In Canada and the US Call for their free booklet, Bon Voyage...But. New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs: html. United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth Office: US Department of State: ries: modest and religious ; immodest, secular, and down-right sexy , where baggy jeans and a t-shirt might attract more attention than a mini-skirt and mesh tank top; and somewhere in between . Familiarize yourself with your surroundings before setting out; if you must check a map on the street, duck into a cafe or shop. Also, carry yourself with con- fidence, as an obviously bewildered bodybuilder is more likely to be harassed than a stern and confident 98-pound weakling. If you are traveling alone, be sure that someone at home knows your itinerary and never admit that you're traveling alone. EXPLORING. Extra vigilance is always wise, but there is no need for panic when exploring a new city or region. Find out about unsafe areas from tourist offices, from the manager of your hotel or hostel, or from a local whom you trust. You may want to carry a whistle to scare off attackers or attract attention. Whenever possi- ble, Let's Go warns of unsafe neighborhoods and areas, but there are some good general tips to follow.