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Everyday life
Everyday lifeHow is the weather in Tel Aviv? Please see our special page about Tel Aviv Weather What is Israel’s currency ? How do I exchange money? Israel's currency is the New Israeli Shekel (NIS). You can exchange money (cash and travelers’ checks) at banks, post offices, licensed exchange agencies and at some hotels. If you hold an international credit card, you can also withdraw money from the many ATM machines. Which credit cards are accepted in Israel? Major credit cards - American Express, Diners, Visa, Mastercard/Access/Eurocard, are widely accepted in Israel. When do you leave a tip? In restaurants it is customary to leave between 10% and 12%, if the bill does not include service. Taxi drivers are generally not tipped. What transportation options are available in Tel Aviv? A fine intra- and inter-urban bus service operates. Buses run until around 1:00am. After that there are some private bus services (“sherut”), which cost the same and serve the main bus routes within Tel Aviv. Thousands of taxis are available throughout the city, available by flagging them down anywhere. Finding one is normally quite quick and easy. Renting a car is also possible; be sure to have a valid international driver’s license. An excellent and frequent rail service exists to some other cities, including to the airport. Cellular phones in Israel Three convenient options - your own cellular phone if your service provider supports roaming in Israel; or buy a local SIM card, “load” it with a specific amount of money, and use it with your phone; or rent a local phone at the airport on arrival. Usually, the minimum amount of money to load into the SIM is 50 NIS (around 11 USD or 9 euro). What is the time zone in Israel? Standard time is UTC/GMT +2, and +1 hour in summer daylight saving time. Click here to see the current time in Israel: http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/city.html?n=676 What primary languages are spoken in Israel? Hebrew is the main language, but almost everyone also speaks English. French, Arabic and Russian are frequently heard. Does one need a visa to enter Israel? The following information is for guidance only. Please check with the nearest Israeli Embassy or Consulate for definitive up-to-date information. Citizens of the following countries will be issued tourist visas free of charge at every port of entry, and will not need to issue one prior to arrival: Europe: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, Germany (Persons born after 1.1.28), Gibraltar, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland. Asia & Oceania: Australia, Fiji Islands, Japan, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Philippines, South Korea Africa: Central African Republic, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, South Africa, Swaziland The Americas: Argentina, Barbados, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Ecuador, Guatemala, Haiti, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, St. Kitts, & Nevis, Surinam, Trinidad, & Tobago, The Bahamas, The Dominican Republic, Uruguay, U.S.A. For a list of Israeli Embassies and Consulates abroad, please visit this link. What type of electricity is used? The electric current in Israel is 220 volts AC, single phase, 50 Hertz. Most Israeli sockets are of the three-pronged variety but many can accept some European two-pronged plugs as well. Out and aboutAt what time do you usually go out in Tel Aviv? Meeting for coffee is a 24 hour a day activity. Choose a cafe, sit down, and enjoy great coffee while you check out the passing hunks. Bars/pubs open in the evening, but most people arrive after 22:00 If you're in the mood for clubbing, doors usually open between 23:00 and midnight, but you should probably not get there before 1:00. On special occasions (usually around holidays), you should get there a bit earlier (24:30) to avoid waiting in line. Where should I book my accommodation? Staying near the beach (Ha'Yarkon Street) is probably a good idea; you can simply walk out and enjoy the beaches with no hassle. Staying on Ha'Yarkon Street near Allenby Street, will enable you to walk to most of the gay places (20 min. walk). If not, a 5 minute taxi ride will get you there easily... Additional popular places to stay are near Dizengoff Street and Rothschild Blvd. Is Israel safe? Israel is an extremely safe country to visit and to tour. In 2008, three million tourists came to Israel, an all-time record, and all three million went home again safe and sound. You can safely walk around Tel Aviv at all hours of the day and night. As in any country, sensible precautions are always a good idea. At night, try to avoid the area around the "Old Central Bus Station". Why is Tel Aviv so geographically special? Tel Aviv is in the center of Israel, a perfect starting point for traveling to all of Israel's special attractions, like Jerusalem, Massada, The Dead Sea, and more. Within 1-2 hours drive you can be in magical tourist sites during the day, and easily return to Tel Aviv to catch a party at night. Gay infoHow gay-friendly is Tel Aviv? Very much so. We would even say extremely gay-friendly. A walk down any street, but especially Rothschild Blvd, Shenkin or Dizengoff streets, will reveal gay couples holding hands, kissing, or just enjoying each other’s company. Tel Aviv does not really have any gay-only restaurants or gay-only areas, because they are unnecessary. All places are gay friendly, and you can literally find and meet gay people everywhere. When does the gay pride parade take place? Tel Aviv's pride parade is hosted every year in June. Other pride parades are held in Haifa, Jerusalem and Eilat. For more information see our gay pride page. Can gay couples marry in Israel? Israel recognizes same-sex marriages from outside of Israel, but does not yet allow legal same-sex marriages. Many couples nevertheless hold ceremonies celebrating their union. Can a gay couple adopt children in Israel? Recent Supreme Court rulings have paved the way for adoptions abroad to be recognized in Israel, and for single-sex couples to adopt each others biological (and very recently – also non-biological) children. The situation is constantly evolving in favor of the gay community, and in spite of religious intolerance. |