Tel Aviv, Israel Report of what it's like to live there - 02/27/09
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?
Experienced expat.
2. How long have you lived here?
Over 1 year.
3. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Affiliated with the American Embassy.
4. Travel time and best routes to this city from Europe or the US:
Direct daily flights to NY/Newark/Atlanta (approx. 12 hours), regular flights direct to LA (15 hours). Daily flights to all over Europe.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Embassy housing can vary. The closer you are to the embassy, the smaller your housing. Some places do not have closets (literally, no closets). In Tel Aviv, all housing is between 5-25 minutes walking, many colleagues ride bikes to work or walk. Ramat Aviv in far northern Tel Aviv is about 5 miles from the embassy, most people drive from there. If coming from Herzlia, there is an embassy shuttle, or about a 15-20 minute commute by car (without traffic).
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Everything is available here, but be prepared that things cost 2-3x what they would in the states. There are a few grocery chains that specialize in international food choices.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Barbecue grill, consumables. Everything is available here, but very expensive.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
There is excellent food here- Tel Aviv has a huge cafe-culture, and plenty of choices from casual to fancy. There are plenty of 'ethnic' food options, although if you're a huge fan of Mexican or Asian (aside from sushi) you'll be sorely disappointed. The usual McDonalds, KFC, Dominos are here. The price for eating out varies from dirt cheap (hummus, salads, pitas) to really expensive. The pace of a meal is much slower than what you're used to in the US- service can be slow and once you're at the table, if you want to sit there all night, you're welcome to it!
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Nothing.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
We use the APO and Pouch for most items- APO takes between 5-7 days.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Help is available, costs about US$10/hour. If the help is a third country national, you need to sponsor the help, so if you leave post and haven't found them a new family to work for, you're on the hook for their return ticket home.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Next to the Embassy is a large, well equipped gym, plus free outdoor gyms along the promenade and in the park. Many of the buildings have fitness centers.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
If you're going into a store, no problem using credit cards. Many of the little kiosks or simple food shops and the market only take cash.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Ha-Aretz/International Herald Tribune and the Jerusalem Post. There are 2 cable companies here which have all the major international channels (BBC, Sky, CNN)
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
In Tel Aviv, not much, most people speak some English. Outside of Tel Aviv Hebrew is very helpful to completely necessary.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes- pavement and curbs are uneven, there aren't typically ramps, crosswalks few and far between.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Taxis are plentiful and pretty cheap. AmCit embassy employees are not allowed to take buses or trains.
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?
Gas is expensive here and typically Israelis drive small cars (VW golf-size). You'll see every make and model on the road. If you're planning on bringing a car, come to grips with the fact it will get dinged, scratched, sideswiped while here. Driving is erratic at best and for most fender-benders, drivers won't stop.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, it's about US$20 a month.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Prepaid SIM cards are available everywhere.
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?
No.
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
This is a very pet-friendly place. Great vets and pet-care options. Dog walkers are pretty easy to find, but doggy-day care hasn't caught on here yet.
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?
Recently, the government of Israel began enforcing its bilateral work agreement with the U.S., meaning you can now get a work permit as the spouse of an American diplomat (whereas before it took 1 year+). Wages are lower here than they are in the US and the tax rate is much higher. That being said, there are many high tech, medical jobs out there. Many jobs, however, require some knowledge of Hebrew
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Tel Aviv is VERY casual. Work is typically business casual- men rarely wear a suit and tie.
Health & Safety:
1. Pollution index (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy, or Very Unhealthy)?
For most of the year, the pollution is relatively low, but we have our share of very, very smoggy days.
2. What immunizations are required each year?
3. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Aside from the big-picture security concerns, Tel Aviv is a safe city where I don't worry about walking alone at night. Just like everywhere, take the usual precautions.
4. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Medical care is excellent.
5. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Winter is mild, with lows into the 40s, highs typically in the 60s, although we have had a few freak 80+ days this winter. Rain is a possibility from about November to March, with heavy storms coming off the Mediterranean lasting a few days. Summer is very humid, with highs in the 80s and 90s.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
There is an American school about 30 minutes north of the Embassy- it has a new campus, with great facilities.
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?
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Between diplomats and expats who have immigrated to Israel, it's huge. Herzlia and Ra'anana have large anglo populations.
2. Morale among expats:
High- the quality of life here is fantastic, the weather is wonderful and there are lots of opportunities to travel around the country.
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?
Clubs, music, bars, restaurants, sports- This is a first-world city with everything.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
This is a great city for everyone
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Yes.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
This IS Israel. Within Tel Aviv, however, people generally get along.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
The city itself has a wonderful network of paths, including a huge promenade along the Mediterranean where you can walk, run, bike, etc. There is also a large park that cuts across the city with outdoor gyms, tennis and basketball courts, a climbing wall, etc. along with a paved trail leading for miles. Within two hours of Tel Aviv you have access to Jerusalem, Dead Sea, the Golan Heights, lots of great wineries, hiking spots, etc.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Weavings, pottery, local wine
9. Can you save money?
Yes, if you can live without American products.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Absolutely- our time here has been terrific!
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Winter weather gear, expectancy that people will wait their turn.
3. But don't forget your:
Patience, sun screen, sports gear.
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:
Walk on Water, James' Journey to Jerusalem, The Syrian Bride.
7. Do you have any other comments?
Tel Aviv really is great, but living here can be frustrating at times, particularly with the political situation in flux. Israelis can be very pushy and brusque, it's hard when you first get here not to get worked up about this.
