Jerusalem, Israel Report of what it's like to live there - 05/13/15
Personal Experiences from Jerusalem, Israel
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
No, we lived in England for three years before this.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
Newark. To Jerusalem it was about 10-11 hours. Flying back to the States could take anywhere from 12-14 hours.
3. How long have you lived here?
3 years
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Husband's work
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
When we stayed here, we lived in a very tiny apartment. The apartments we visited were average sized.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Everything here seemed really expensive. I saw a box of cereal for about US$12. Fresh fruit and veggies depending on the kind and can be relatively inexpensive unless they are shipped in. The butchers are awesome and chicken and beef are fairly priced. You will have a larger grocery bill no matter what though - so be prepared..:)
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Bacon, no just kidding...Not really sure on this because you can find pretty much anything if you know where to look. Toothpicks and Qtips are a MUST! You will not find any quality ones there!
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
The food here is again "AMAZING!" There are some fast food places, McDonald's (kosher), Dominos (the sauce is different from the States so the taste is a lot different as well) and maybe another one or two but they are really not worth it. If you are going to do it, do it right and find the good places to eat! Facasia's was our favorite and was open on Shabbat. Eating out is pretty pricey. For two people to eat someplace nice it was around US$100.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Not really any. Some ants in apartments; sometimes and flies but other than that no real issues.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO and Pouch; things take a little while so don't think one week will cut it when ordering things.
2. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
I never used them but I know they are available. Not sure of the cost.
3. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
We used ATM all the time with no problems. Not all places take credit cards so it is just easier to carry cash.
4. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
You don't really NEED to know any but it would get you farther if you did. The people here can be really mean if you don't know Hebrew. I have had people get downright nasty with me when I told them I could not speak Hebrew!
5. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
I would think they would - yes. The sidewalks are not always great and traffic is chaos.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Taxis are fine but we never really used anything else. They are not too expensive either.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
Do not take a new car if you can help it. We had a small (think old Kia sportage) 4 wheel drive that was perfect. The only problems you will find is that the heat will really get to the cars. Drivers here are all over and don't seem to pay too much attention. They park wherever and don't seem to be too concerned with little knicks and bumps.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes it is..not sure of costs but I do not believe it was much.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
Pet care is pretty good. Our dog did not have to be quarantined. The vet we took her to was awesome!
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Normal dress for public.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Just keep an eye out like you do in the States. I felt pretty safe here, even with my children. I walked at night by myself in well-lit areas and never felt threatened. I know there are some places that are not as safe as others. You learn where they are pretty quickly.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
I was told not to go in the water without Hep A shots..:) Other than that I was not concerned at all. Medical care was pretty good. We did not have a doctor at the consulate at that time so we used doctors on the economy and they were very nice.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
The air quality seemed pretty good. There were sandstorms on occasion so if you have allergies you may just want to come prepared.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Climate felt like a normal four season year for the most part. We had a sort of spring, definitely summer, cooler fall and some snow in winter. When it was warm, it was very warm. Not too humid though. We saw snow in winter but it never stayed too long.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
There were only two available that we know of and only used one. Our son was not thrilled with the school and I am not sure if I was either. The classrooms were small which was nice but it seemed like he was bringing more work home to learn than he was doing at school.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
None that I am aware of.
3. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
There are but you will have a hard time outside the schools finding English speaking ones. At least we really did.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Eh this is a tough one....the size was medium. Morale could use a little work. People either seemed happy here or were just ready to get out. A majority did not like it here.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Picnics in the park, there are socials for wives and there was a wonderful Expat group that was amazing to be a part of. There are plenty of bars and dance clubs if you are into that kind of thing.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
It can be a good city for any/all I suppose but I know a lot of the families were not happy here. We were not real happy here either. The city for all its wonderful attributes is not a welcoming place to outsiders. Nor does it offer enough to keep one occupied for three + years. Two years would be great here. I have heard great things about the nightlife for singles, though.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Not sure they would mind as long as it was not overly advertised.
5. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Oh yeah, there are definite prejudices here. You will hear all about it from perfect strangers.
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Seeing things I thought I would only ever hear about. Visiting and floating in the Dead Sea, The Old City, the museums here hold some amazing items that can only be seen here. Visiting outside the city. Traveling to Jordan. The beaches..:)
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
They have an awesome zoo that we spent a lot of time in. Restaurants! They may be expensive here but the food is amazing! The fountains are great for the kids to cool off in hot weather. If you get the chance to just wander in the city...do it, you can find all kinds of cute little nooks and crannies here.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Oh my what can't you get! Olive wood carvings, tiles, pottery, scarves, jewelry, glassware, you can find something new almost everywhere! Hookahs! You have to get a Hookah!
9. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Lots to do in and out of the city. There always seemed to be something going on and the history alone will keep you busy.
10. Can you save money?
I guess you could...but again everything is expensive!
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
If the tour was shorter maybe...but thinking about it now, no.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Winter gear for the most part. Hunger for most things non kosher....
3. But don't forget your:
Good attitude because you are going to need it...:) Sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, beach gear...anything warm weather related!
