Tip of the Week
Street Hebrew Tip #10 – Eating Out in Israel
Dec 15th
Eating Out in Israel
Did you know that restaurants and coffee shops in Israel usually offer customers a “business lunch” or “breakfast” deal? Good to bear in mind if you are eating out in Israel.
These “deals” often work out cheaper than standard items on the menu and may include a free coffee, soft drink or the like. Don’t be shy to ask your server if they have “specials” that are not on the menu.
It should be noted that waiters/waitresses oftentimes don’t receive an official salary but rely solely on tips. If the service is good a 10-20% tip is the accepted More >
Street Hebrew Tip #9 – Asking for a Discount in Israel
Dec 15th
Asking for a discount in Israel
Did you know that as well as being commonplace, asking for a discount in Israel is actually expected?
Although in the USA,UK one wouldn’t necessarily ask for a discount, it is an accepted cultural norm to do so in Israel, even in large retail chain stores.
One should be aware that an inflated price is often “worked in” to a product to make people feel that they are getting a reduction. Israeli salespeople are experts in this and should not be underestimated.
Here are a few tips that should help when trying to achieve the best price in More >Street Hebrew Tip #8 – Gas/Petrol Station
Dec 15th
Did you know that gas prices in Israel vary in many different ways?
Firstly prices vary from place to place with more remote gas stations being less expensive generally than those in cities.
Attendants often ask customers if they want their oil and water checked. This should only be done if absolutely necessary as products such as oil and windscreen wash tend to be much more expensive at roadside locations.
One advantage in Israel is that gas prices only change once a month as opposed to the USA/UK etc. So customers do have an idea of what they are looking at for that More >
Street Hebrew Tip #7 – Grocery Shopping
Dec 15th
Did you know that prices of grocery items in Israel vary depending on where you buy them?
For example, groceries in a makolet (grocery store/mini-market) are usually more expensive than groceries sold in a sooper (supermarket chain) and items purchased in a kiosk (smaller that a makolet) are usually the most expensive.
Furthermore, prices can vary according to region. For instance, items sold in the “sooper” chain “Yesh” are cheaper in Ramle than in Beit Shemesh.
It is generally worth checking the price of individual items to ensure you are getting the best value for your money as well as shopping around for More >
Street Hebrew Tip #6 – Annual car test
Dec 15th
Did you know that car owners in Israel are required to take their vehicle for an annual safety inspection, known as a “test” at an authorized test station.
In the first instance the renewal car license (not to be confused with driving license) is sent by post to the owner of the car before the due test date. The fee can be paid for by cash or cheque at the post office or online.
The license then needs to be taken to an authorized test centre where the vehicle is checked for emissions, indicators, lights, brakes, leaks etc. The test is then More >
Street Hebrew Tip #5 – Taking a Taxi
Dec 8th
Did you know that there are 2 different tariffs (rates) when traveling in taxis in Israel? Tariffs 1 & 2.
Tariff 1 runs from 6am-9pm and Tariff 2 from 9pm-6am. Tariff 2 is roughly 20-25% more than tariff 1.
Also, did you know that Taxi drivers MUST activate the meter in the taxi on request? It is illegal not to and carries a heavy penalty for the offending driver. This is unless a price has been verbally agreed by the driver and passenger, in which case the meter is not required.
Finally, some taxi companies in Israel charge an extra fee if the More >
Street Hebrew Tip #4 – Arnona discount
Dec 8th
Did you know that new immigrants are entitled to a 70-90% discount on their Arnona bill (Municipal/council tax) ?
It should be made clear though, that this applies to dwellings up to 100sqm (1076sq.ft.)
In many cases the water/waste water charges will come along with the Arnona bill, charged separately and in many cases for differing periods (i.e. Arnona charge for months 7/8 and water charges for months 5-6
Usually the discount is given for 1 year but must be taken during the first 2 years of Aliyah.
The discount can be applied for at your local Arnona office. Documentation you will need to More >
Street Hebrew Tip #3 – Travelling Abroad
Dec 8th
Did you know that new immigrants are only permitted to travel abroad from Israel using their foreign passport during the first three months following their Aliyah date with their Aliyah visa inside?
After you have been in Israel for 3 months you are required to travel abroad using an Israeli travel document called a “teudat ma’avar”. An Israeli passport will only be issued after you have lived in Israel for 1 year. Even when traveling with an Israeli travel document, it is always recommended to bring your foreign passport with you.
You can apply for your Israeli travel documents at your local More >
Street Hebrew Tip #2 – Driving License
Dec 8th
Did you know that new immigrants are allowed to drive in Israel on a valid foreign license for 1 year from their date of entry into Israel. Until this time there is no need to obtain an Israeli driver’s license.
To be able to continue driving in Israel after a year a foreign license must be converted to an Israeli one. An oleh has a maximum of 3 years in which to convert their license, so after the first year until the end of the third year of Aliyah an oleh may not drive on their foreign license. If an oleh More >
Street Hebrew Tip #1 – At the Butchers
Dec 8th
Did you know that cuts of beef in Israel are numbered 1-19 depending on the part of the cow the meat is from. It is commonly found in the frozen section at most supermarkets. Fresh meat is also avaliable by number and any reputable butcher would know these numbers by heart. Here is a sample list of the first 3, including differences, where applicable, between U.S.A & U.K cuts.
#1 Entrecote, Steak Ayin, Vered Hatzela
Good for steaks and roast beef, suitable for roasting and grilling.
Known in the U.S.A as-rib, rib eye, delmonico
Known in the U.K as- forerib
.
#2 Rifaan, Tzlaot
Suitable for slow-roasting, More >
