Tel Aviv, Israel Report of what it's like to live there - 09/19/08
Personal Experiences from Tel Aviv, Israel
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
We have lived in Mexico as well.
2. How long have you lived here?
3 years.
3. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Government.
4. Travel time and best routes to this city from Europe or the US:
10 1/2 hours to NY.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Houses in Herzliya, north of Tel Aviv are very nice and have yards. The commute is probably 20-25 minutes in the morning.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Somewhat more expensive than in the U.S.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Swiss Miss Lite. That's it.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
KFC, Burger King, Mcdonalds. But why bother with them when the local food is so good?Humus, falafel, schwarma, etc.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
We use APO.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
About US$12 an hour. Plenty of help available.
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?
Very accessible.
4. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Everything.
5. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Jerusalem Post, Herald Tribune/Haaretz and more.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
It's useful to know some Hebrew though English is ubiquitous and people REALLY want to use it so you don't get much practice with Hebrew. But I can't imagine being in another country for years and not learning any of the native language. What's the point?
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Transportation:
1. Do you drive on the right hand side of the road or the left?
It's often hard to tell but usually the right.
2. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
We are not allowed to use public transportation but taxis are quite affordable.
3. 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?
I didn't want to bring a minivan because of the lack of parking and narrow streets but I see that many people do drive them.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Of course available. My husband pays that bill.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Cell phone usage is quite inexpensive - you don't pay for incoming calls as you do in the U.S. But the phone itself is quite expensive.
3. What is the best way to make phone calls back home?
Vonage.
Pets:
1. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Not really. Plus salaries are lower.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
That's an interesting subject - Israeli women dress stylishly but rather scantily. Even those who perhaps should not be baring so much skin do so. And it's not always a pretty sight.
Health & Safety:
1. Pollution index (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy, or Very Unhealthy)?
Moderate.
2. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Big question. Terrorist attacks are always in the back of people's minds here. However, in Tel Aviv nothing has happened in the time we have been here. Guards check bags at entrances to all restaurants, malls, concert halls, etc. Although they don't always appear to be with it, they apparently do serve as a deterrent. We feel very safe here and our children are very independent.
3. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Great medical care - use all private doctors, all English speaking
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Mostly sunny, very occasional rain in winter.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Large but not cohesive in Tel Aviv. More Americans in Jerusalem.
2. Morale among expats:
Excellent. This is a fun post to be at.
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Local restaurants are plentiful and excellent.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Great for everyone - no limit to bars, restaurants, theaters, great beach hangouts, etc. Truly a 24-hour city.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Apparently very good.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
I have experienced none.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Many city tours available to old city of Jaffa, and old parts of Tel Aviv. The Yarkon Park has a sportek with a climbing wall, trampolines, skateboard area with ramps, tennis courts, baseball and soccer fields, Israeli folk dancing on Saturday night, yoga also....The old port has a wooden boardwalk for skating and bicycles, lots of great cafes and restaurants.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Jewelry, olive-wood crafts, t-shirts, Armenian pottery, etc.
9. Can you save money?
Not really.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Absolutely. In a heartbeat.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Impatience, polite driving, warm clothing, umbrellas. Rains less and less every year.
3. But don't forget your:
Sunscreen and patience.
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
6. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
7. Do you have any other comments?
Israelis are somewhat pushy etc. like many other nationalities. I read this same comment often in reviews of other societies. This is not the U.S (though Israelis often make the comparison) nor is it England South Africa or Australia. This is the MIDDLE EAST. Scratch the surface of this advanced high tech society and that's what you get. That said, people can be very helpful and warm . Just don't get in the way when they are on the road.
