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Living in Israel

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Entry slip

The entry slip to the country (blue paper card that you've received upon entering migrations at the airport) is something that must be kept until one year after leaving the country. This slip is a proof of entry to Israel, just like a stamp in your passport (Notice that you do not get you passport stamped). Same thing applies to the pink slip you will receive upon exiting the country.

 

Electrical Appliances

The power supply in Israel is single phase 220 volts at 50 Hertz. Although most power sockets have three pin holes, many will work with European double-pin plugs. If you bring electrical appliances with you, you may need adaptor plugs. Such adaptors can be purchased in various shops around the city.

Electric Boiler
The water heater (an electrical water heater) is meant to be used to warm water for taking a shower, it only needs to be on for 20 minutes before use. Leaving the boiler on for more than the required time is DANGEROUS!

Air Conditioning
TURN OFF ALL electrical appliances when you leave the room, including water heater, A/C, TV, etc. Failing to do so will lead to an unnecessary waste and might damage the appliance.

Kettle
Israel has a high percentage of hard water, leading to a buildup of scale after some time of using the kettle. Every now and then, you should clean the kettle, by using special solutions that are sold in any supermarkets, or with citric acid (or vinegar). Boil the kettle with a spoon of citric acid, wait a few minutes until the scale is degraded, and then wash the kettle with regular fresh water. You can repeat the action several times until you get the desired result.

Light in the toilet
For those who aren't used to it, sometimes the light switch is inside the room!

 

Currency & Changing Money

Israel’s currency is the New Israeli Shekel (NIS) or shekel for short (pluralized as shkalim in Hebrew or shekels in English).

Changing money
Foreign currency of all kinds may be exchanged at the airport, banks, post offices, most hotels or licensed exchange agencies. A passport is required when exchanging travelers' checks. It's recommended to change the money at the post office where you pay no commission.

Cash Withdrawal
Most ATMs accepts foreign cards and automatically switch to English on the instructions screen once they recognize a foreign card. There are ATMs outside most banks. There are also ATMs in some of the grocery shops which charge higher commission.
There is an ATM available on campus.

Exchange Rates
Bank of Israel
Yahoo currency converter

 

WIFI

The Tel Aviv Municipality launched a citywide free Wi-Fi network that provides 80 free Internet “hot spots” across the city. Allowing citizens and visitors to log on at dozens of spots around the city, such as the beach, old Jaffa, Ibn Gabirol Street and main boulevards.

Network name: free_tlv

There's a support center which operates 24/7, tel: 072-2009060.

 

Cellular Companies

Israel has many cell providers. You can check the following website to find out where you can get an Israeli SIM.

You can also consult other participants of the program to find out which providers offer the best deals suited to your needs. Some providers offer discounted rates for international calls.

Israel's international dialing code is +972.

 

Grocery Shopping

It's recommended to shop at the big supermarket chains: Shufersal, Mega, Rami Levi etc. These supermarkets are all kosher. There are also smaller, more specialized supermarkets which are more expensive than the warehouses and super-stores of the same chain. Most of the grocery stores are closed on Shabbat.

The most expensive stores are the ones that are open 24/7 such as AM-PM, Super Yudah, Tiv Taam, and is recommended to buy products on these stores only when there's no other choice. Another possibility to save some money and get good and fresh products is to shop at the markets (Shuk). At the markets, you can find great discounts and have a unique and fun shopping experience. It is advised to check several stalls before you buy anything, because some suppliers might try to charge more for the same goods.

Tel Aviv Food's Market

 

Holidays and Festivals

Israel is a Jewish state, and Jewish holidays are part of the national calendar. Israeli law states nine official holidays during the year: Some days of Passover (Pesach), Shavuot, Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur and Sukkot, are all holidays with banks, businesses and offices closed. Other holidays are celebrated throughout the year, but do not infulence businesses.

Tel Aviv, Israel’s largest metropolitan area, serves as a hub for innovation, culture and creativity. “Tel Aviv Nonstop City” is more than just a slogan. With the city’s beautiful beaches, diverse cultural scene, top-notch cuisine, and vibrant nightlife, there’s always something to see and do here. The city serves as a meeting point between old and new, reflecting tradition and history while embracing innovation, pluralism and diversity. Here you can be whoever you want to be - whether you’re a party-goer, culture enthusiast, or just like to chill - Tel Aviv has a place for you.

Activities | Events | Holiday Dates | Municipality

 

 

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