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A tutorial on How on Settle in Israel
All you need to know upon your arrival to Israel! If you need a point of reference to any
bureaucratic arrangement, places of leisure and entertainment, and even Pubic
transportation - this is what you need to read!
1
Setting up the Internet ................................................................................................................ 3
Setting up a Telephone line ............................................................................................................ 4
Arnona ..................................................................................................................................... 8
HealthCare ................................................................................................................................................ 10
Driving in Israel...................................................................................................................................... 11
Public Transportation....................................................................................................................... 11
Newspapers ............................................................................................................................................. 14
Laundry ....................................................................................................................................................... 15
Food Guide............................................................................................................................................... 15
Close supermarkets .......................................................................................................... 15
Ordering- In ........................................................................................................................ 16
Glossary ...................................................................................................................................................... 21
2
Setting up the Internet
To set up a home Internet connection in Israel, you need two
providers: an infrastructure provider (the modem and telephone line) and
a service provider (the user-name and password provider). It is easy to
make the mistake of getting one provider and not the other, therefore
make sure you know which company is providing what.
Tip: Internet companies can be flexible in determining monthly payments, so dont hesitate to
bargain and do mention you are a student!
Another thing to consider is that Internet infrastructure provider companies (See below) often
provide what they call a bundle package. This is where you are given a single monthly price for
the services of both providers (infrastructure and service). Again, dont hesitate to ask if this
option is available.
Note that typical packages supplied by these companies will feature a minimal contractual period
of 12 months or more. You will be charged a monthly fee whether your use the Internet or not
for the duration of your contract.
3
Tip: If you will be absent from your apartment for a long period of time, such as summer
vacation, it is worthwhile to call your provider and see if they can freeze your line for the time you
are gone and reopen it when you return. It may be in their interest to help you if you are planning
on extending your contract and you may be able to save some money in the long run!
Tip: If you are planning on installing a landline for the sole purpose of using the Internet, make
sure to specify this when you call the provider. Sometimes, this type of line will be cheaper!
4
Setting up Cable/ Satellite TV
Israel has two main satellite and cable providers that offer several program
packages including a wide range of international and English-speaking
channels, in addition there is another option which has a more narrow range
of possibilities but is relatively cheaper. Check out their Internet sites to see
which package would be best for you! These three providers are:
You should note that even without one of the above you should be able to receive Israels basic
public access channels: 1, 2, and 10 (all Hebrew speaking) if you buy an Idan+ box (single
payment) . For more info: http://idanplus.tv/ (Hebrew).
In Israel, there is mandatory television tax if you own a digital cable box. The television tax or
"Agra", in Hebrew, is paid to the Israeli Broadcasting Association and usually amounts to an annual
fee of approximately 400 NIS. For more information on the Agra fee go to: www.iba.org.il/gvia/
Tip: If you are an "Oleh Chadash" or someone with Oleh rights you may deserve a certain
discount! Also, dont forget to mention that you are a student for more favorable prices!
5
Tip: Certain web-sites are available which allow you to pay most of your bills, including Arnona or
even parking tickets, using your credit card, free of commission! In this way you can pay all your
bills at once without having to leave your house! (NOT including Vaad Bayit)
Visit www.mybills.co.il or www.citypay.co.il for this service. You might also want to consider your
online bank account if you have one, there will usually be an option for online bill payments.
Water
In Israel, every municipality has its own way of administrating water consumption and billing for its
water and sewage services. In some cities the water bill is paid as part of the municipal taxes,
otherwise known as "Arnona", to the municipality itself, or in some cases, water is paid to an
independent company. Therefore, dont be surprised if you get a separate water bill or
alternatively, if you dont get a water bill, as you can be sure it is in your Arnona! The water bill
should arrive every two months!
If you are renting an apartment in Herzliya, you should transfer the bill to your name at city hall or
"Iriya", in Hebrew. This typically requires bringing your lease agreement with you for approval. The
process of transferring the water bill to your name is different in every city, therefore, it is
recommended to check online at the citys website. Note This paragraph is not relevant for
those living in IDC housing!
You should note that in Israel a "dud shemesh", or solar-heated tank, is used for heating water.
This tank is located on the roof of your building. In order to have hot water on a cloudy day or in
the winter, make sure you turn the boiler on 15-30 minutes before needed. Note- Don't forget
to turn OFF the boiler when you're done!
Paying your water bill is rather easy. You may select the payment method best for you from
the following options:
Standing bank order Rather than paying the bill manually every time, you may request to
have the sum deducted directly from your account. Check the bill for further instructions.
Cash via post office Go to the nearest post office branch (visit www.israelpost.co.il for
branch map) and simply pay the cash amount.
Note: Dont forget that Israel is in the midst of a water crisis and cannot afford to waste any water.
Please be responsible with your water consumption!
Gas
Gas can be used to power your stove and/or as a heating mechanism in your apartment. Israel has
three main gas companies. Ask the landlord or wait to receive your first bill to determine which
company has hooked up your gas.
6
PazGas: www.pazgas.co.il *9636
Emergency line: 1-800-667-788
The gas bill is bi-monthly and can be paid in the following methods:
Credit card transaction See bill for further instructions or pay online via the companys
website.
Cash via branch or post office Depending on the gas provider you may either pay your
bill in cash at the post office, or at the nearest gas company branch to you.
Attention: If you suspect a gas leak in your apartment, call your companys emergency line
immediately, open the windows, and leave your apartment as soon as possible!
Electricity
Israel has one main electricity provider nationwide. If you dont live in IDC housing and are
moving into a new apartment, it is advisable to transfer the bill to your name.
You should note that your electricity bill is also bi-monthly. You can pay it through the following
methods:
Credit card transaction Online on www.iec.co.il or by phone- dial 103 (24 hours service)
7
Cash via post office Visit your nearest branch.
"Arnona"
Note: If you live in IDC Housing your sublease includes Arnona and Vaad Bayit fees, therefore this
section is not relevant for you!
Arnona is the term for municipal taxes in Israel. The price of the Arnona varies in accordance with
the size of your property and its location.
The Arnona bill is bi-monthly. In the case that you move into a new apartment it is essential that you
transfer the Arnona bill to your name, in order to avoid paying for the previous tenants debts. To
do so you must visit your local municipality. Make sure you bring your leasing agreement with
you!
Tip: You may apply for a student discount on your Arnona payments at City Hall. Applications
are accepted from January 1st - August. The Student Union at IDC provides assistance with this
process.
Vaad Bayit
Vaad Bayit refers to the maintenance fees of an apartment building. This includes: cleaning the
stairway, elevator maintenance, gardening fees, etc. If you are renting an apartment you will be
expected to pay Vaad Bayit.
Each building has a Vaad Bayit committee that handles the buildings maintenance based on the
fees that the tenants pay. These fees are typically paid in checks or cash in monthly installments
directly to the Vaad Bayit committee or to the landlord, depending on whats stated in your
contract or has been agreed upon.
8
Opening a Bank Account
Opening a bank account is a rather simple process. All you must do is choose
the bank you would like to join, visit the nearest branch, and create an
account! You should know that most banks offer student accounts that have favorable benefits
and rates for students. In order to open a student account you must provide an acceptance letter
from IDC or student ID, so come equipped with one!
Tip: If you have "Oleh Chadash rights" and deserve the absorption basket, make sure to open a
bank account as soon as possible in order to receive these monetary benefits.
A representative will assist you in choosing your plan, which is typically based on a set quantity of
minutes and text messages (SMS) and/or data plan. Most companies offer affordable plans which
include unlimited local calls, SMS, and internet usage. Note: once again that a student plan may
be available. In order to receive the student plan or a student discount you must show your
student ID or letter of acceptance.
Prefix:
Orange - 054 www.orange.co.il
Cellcom- 052 www.cellcom.co.il
Pelephone- 050 www.pelephone.co.il
012mobile - 054 http://www.012mobile.co.il/
HOT Mobile 053 https://www.hotmobile.co.il/pages/default.aspx
Golan- 058 https://www.golantelecom.co.il/web/
Talk and save- http://www.talknsave.net/
Israel Phones- http://www.israelphones.com/ K
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Tip: Some contracts may last for a specific time period. Longer contracts may offer better plans
but you will be responsible for payments throughout the duration of the contract even if you leave
Israel.
Healthcare
Healthcare is a vital aspect of living anywhere. It is mandatory for all IDC students to have health
insurance coverage throughout the entire duration of studies.
Kupat Holim
According to the National Health Insurance law, every resident of Israel, including new immigrants
and temporary residents (depending on the status), is entitled to health insurance coverage. This
insurance coverage allows for a membership to one of Israels four health funds called Kupot
Holim in Hebrew. This insurance is carried out through the monthly payment of premiums to the
National Insurance Institute. If you are an Israeli national, a returning Israeli, an oleh chadash, or a
temporary (A/1) resident, you are entitled to such insurance.
If you do not fall under one of these categories you will need to provide your own private health
insurance or otherwise check your entitlement with the authorities.
You can find all the important information about your medical services in the "Harel-
Yedidim" booklet that youll receive with your magnetic card.
10
Driving in Israel
In Israel, a foreign drivers license is valid for only one year from the date of
entry into Israel. This is true for temporary residents, new immigrants, and returning residents.
The period during which one may convert his drivers license into an Israeli one varies according to
his official status. New immigrants may convert their overseas drivers license within three years
from their aliyah date; nonetheless driving with such a license is legal for only one year.
Temporary and returning residents may only convert their foreign drivers license within one year
from arrival. Returning residents may convert their foreign drivers license given they have resided
abroad for a minimum of six months, while the license must have been issued at least six months
before arriving at Israel.
Train
Israel Railways has nation-wide coverage and provides transport to most major cities. To check at
which cities the trains come by, and to view the timetables to all routes visit: www.rail.co.il
alternatively you can SMS your question to 5757.
Tip: Israel Railways offers a student ticket for a lower fee if you display your student ID at the
cashier.
Bus
There are several bus companies that provide service around the country. These are some of
Israels main bus companies:
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Name Info # Primary Routes
For a print-out page with all of the stations and hours (English), go to
http://www.myidc.org.il/_Uploads/dbsAttachedFiles/bus_line_347_full_eng.pdf
All companies use an electronic Rav-Kav card which can be recharged on the bus. Look for a Rav
Kav stand during orientation week or visit one of the central bus stations in order to issue one.
Make sure you have your student card with you, as students receive a 33% discount on rides. As
well as the student discount, there are multiple other options such as monthly, semester or yearly
passes.
12
CamBUS
The Student Union operates shuttle services between the train station and the IDC.
Active service starts from 7:45 AM to 21:00 PM. The hours of the shuttles are according to the
arrivals of the trains, which are according to the timetable of the Israel Railways Association. The
shuttle bus is free of cost for IDC students. For more concrete information and eventual changes
of schedules and as such you can contact the Student Union.
Learning Hebrew
Learning Hebrew is a process that takes time, but with some dedication and perseverance you
could speak the language within months! There are several ulpan options close to you, and even in
IDC itself. Here is a list of the ulpan options relevant for you:
Ulpan classes at IDC: IDC offers RRIS students ulpan classes that fit into students timetables and
for which they are examined at the end of the semester. There are several ulpan levels, therefore
students are tested to see which level they belong to.
* In regards to the IDC Ulpan- there will be On-line exams at the beginning of the school year that
will determine your level. According to these tests you will be divided into different classes.
IDC summer ulpan: In the summer months IDC offers a more intensive ulpan at a fee,
which is open for students as well as tourists and olim chadashim.
Ulpan Gordon: One of the more popular ulpanim situated in Tel Aviv, Gordon runs both in
the morning and in the evenings. 03-522-3095.
Ulpan Or: With branches in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, Ulpan Or offers 1-2 week sessions as
well as longer ones, depending on your needs. 03-566-1493.
13
Newspapers
In Israel it is particularly important to be up-to-date with the news. You will notice numerous
complimentary newspapers stacked at the gates of IDC, as well as free newspaper stands
scattered around the city. Nonetheless if you like your newspaper delivered to you in the
mornings, or need your news with more depth than the complementary newspaper may provide,
below is a list of popular newspapers in Israel.
English Newspapers
Hebrew Newspapers
Yediot Achronot:
www.ynet.co.il or call *3778 to subscribe
Maariv:
www.nrg.co.il or call *6200 to subscribe
Shaar Lamatchil (Beginners Hebrew):
Call 1-800-38-91-91 to subscribe
Laundry
Being away from home does not mean youve got to wear the same clothes all week You can
use the laundry services around Herzeliya, some even make delivery to your door. Also, you might
consider buying a washing machine. They are relatively cheap, especially second hand ones.
Laundry & Co Laundry services, ironing, and dry cleaning. Pick-up and delivery services.
Sokolov 7, Herzeliya. 1-800-40-40-80. Idan 050-6916673, Tzachi 054-9408023.
Crazy Laundry 09-9504541. Does free delivery from and to your house and has a discount for
IDC students.
Clean Shop 09-7696400. The biggest brand of dry cleaning and laundry in Gush Dan.
www.cleanshop.co.il
Michbeset Tifferet 09-95032359. 43 Sokolov St (City Center).
14
Food Guide
In the following pages you will be able to find information on where to buy your
groceries in Herzeliya and how to order-in. The information is specific for
Herzeliya but may also be relevant to other areas as well.
Close Supermarkets
Herzeliya City Centre
Mega Bair 97 Sokolov Street
8 Shivat Hakochavim blvd. (inside the shopping mall)
Shefa Shuk - Ben Gurion St. 2 (Near Caf Caf in the passageway)
Fresh-Market - Hanadiv St. 71
Tip Tov Asher Barash 31
Golomb 38
Super Express - Bnei Benyamin St. 23
Tiv Ta'am- Ben Gurion St. NOT KOSHER!
Herzeliya Pituach
Supersal Deal - HaMenofim St. 9
Stop Market - HaMenofim St. 4
Teva Castle (Organic Foods Market) - HaMenofim St. 9
Yeinot Bitan Hachoshlim 3
Ordering- In
In Herzeliya and its neighboring cities you can order food deliveries from most restaurants by
phone or through the internet. Most restaurants deliver for a small fee and display their entire
menu online for your convenience. Note that it is common for restaurants to have a required
minimum to accept an order for delivery.
15
Going-Out
Top 10 Restaurants in Herzeliya
1. Moses Chef-burger bar. Open daily from 10:00AM till 04:00AM. We recommend you to eat
the Art Burger. It's even better at 3:00AM after a good party Shenkar 14, Herzelya Pituach.
2. Giraffe The most popular Asian Noodles Bar. We recommend you to order the Afganic Dish.
HaSadnaot 9, Herzelya Pituach.
3. Agadir Chef Burger Bar. We recommend you to take the Onion Bread as a side-dish. Put some
ketchup and Mayo and it's perfect! HaManofim 9, Herzelya Pituach.
4. Zozobra Asian Noodle Bar. Great business lunch. Everyone sits together on long benches and
tables. Shenkar 7, Herzelya Pituach
5. Japanika Fast-food sushi. Very popular among students. Sadnaod 10, Herzelya Pituach.
6. Max Brenner The famous Israeli chocolate bar and restaurant. Great place for first dates.
HaManofim 8, Herzelya Pituach.
7. Sebastian Bistro and a Brassiere. You got to try the Schnitzel! Maskit 33, Herzelya Pituach.
8. Benedict 24/7 Breakfast. Fantastic. HaEtzel 1, Herzelya.
9. Joya Italian Restaurant with great Pasta and Pizza. Shenkar 9, Herzelya.
10. Olive The Ultimate Sandwich Bar. We recommend you to eat the Roast-beef Sandwich.
Aba Even 12, Herzelya.
Notice: Most of these places have more branches in Tel-Aviv and the area.
1. Temple Bar Cool Irish Pub. Age 22+, Cinema City. 03-6995536
2. Uptown cool dance bar on the roof of the "Shivat Hakochavim" (7 stars) mall in Herzliya. Open
on weekends. 050-692-2228
3. Yam Bar - A cool beach-pub, great for sunsets! Reggae on Monday's. 100 Ramat Yam st. (a few
meters north to Dan Accadia Hotel) 09-9597102
5. Nine Beach Bar and a restaurant near the beach. Open even on winter days. Zvulun Beach,
Ramot Yam 12. 1-700-50-55-95
16
6. Shenkin- A really nice student bar. On weekends they have fun dance parties. Hyetzira 5,
Raanana. 09-7400050.
9. Dolly Parton- has live shows and parties. Ben Gurion 22, Herzliya, 09-766-0016
Vaad Bait: a bar in one of the coolest areas in Tel Aviv, Rothschild Boulevards (in south-central
Tel Aviv). Open from 8 pm until the last consumer. o Address: Rothschild 64 o Phone number:
777-4452494
Rothschild 12: another nice bar on Rothschild boulevard. Opening hours are 7 pm until 3
pm. The caf-bar is located along the historic southern stretch of Rothschild Boulevard in
an unassuming building that, despite its slightly rundown appearance, exudes a
great amount of charm. o Address: Rothschild 12 o Phone number: 03-5106430
Mikes place: American bar specializing in American Food, Beer, Nightlife, Free Live Music,
Sports and an overall International Atmosphere.
o Tayelet: 86 Herbert Samuel (next to American embassy)
03-5106392 o Dizingoff 342
03-6024526 o Ramat Ha'Hayal: Raoul
Wallenberg 24 (Ziv tower)
03-6494901
Dizzy Frishdon: cool caf-lounge bar in the heart of Tel Aviv. Open every day from 9 pm
until the last costumer.
o Address: Dizingoff 121 o Phone number: 03-5234111
English Pub: European themed bar in the fun area of Allenby Tel Aviv. Beers from all over
the world, and big-screen sports events. Open every day from 8 pm until sunrise (Friday
opens at 10 pm) o Address: Allenby 16 o Phone number: 054-3112950
Clara: beach front lounge located on the border between the old city of Jaffa and Tel Aviv.
Club-lounge bar with a very international feeling.
o Address: Dolphinarium, Tel Aviv (the end of Herbert Samuel street, right before
Jaffa)
o Phone number:054-740-6024
Valium: great parties and alcohol on Ben Yehuda St. (ben Yehuda 1).
17
Discounts for students:
***Students receive a discount for movies tickets at the movie theatre "Cinema City" (Take bus
501 from Herzliya and ask driver to let you off at Cinema City). 03-6991619.
***The movie theatre in the Raanana mall gives you a 50% discount.
Address: Hataasia 2, Raanana. 09 7417894.
You can either take 2 busses. (The 501 from Herzliya and ask driver to let you off at the first
stop on Ahuza street and then from there take bus number 16 to the mall. Or you can take a
taxi.)
***Top Shop clothing store at the Arena mall in Herzliya Pituach has a discount for IDC students.
(You can take bus number 29)
Important numbers
Police - 100
Fire department- 101
Ambulance - 102
Municipality - 106
Radio Stations
Station name Frequency description
Galgalatz 91.8/107 FM The most popular radio
station in Israel for
contemporary music. For
anyone who wants to keep
up with the hottest hits and
listen to good music that
varies 24 hours a day. Pop
and mainstream, alternative
and rock music to
Mediterranean- Galgalatz is
the station for you.
18
Eco 99 FM This station also plays
popular music (like
Galgalatz). However, in
addition it transmits not only
the content of music, but talk
shows, such as sports
programs, current affairs,
entertainment, morning,
evening and night shows
etc...
88 FM 88 FM Looking for an alternative to
mainstream? Tired of
"contemporary" hits? 88FM
is the station for anyone
looking to listen to a
different kind of music.
Radius 100 FM Radius is refreshing,
19
Kol Hai (*H) 93 FM A religious- Orthodox station,
established 10 years ago. Kol
Hai Radio broadcasts 24
hours a day different
programs and Hasidic Jewish
music, news segments,
current events and politics,
religious classes, with
constant Q&A with rabbai's,
special programs on holidays
and for children.
20
Radio's Lelo Hafsaka (*H) 103 FM Radio Lelo-Hafsaka is
constantly broadcasting
current affair programs
called "Talk radio", and is a
verbal station engaged in a
variety of topics: humor and
satire, health care,
relationships, culture,
politics, and any other topics
you think of.
Reshet Bet (*H) 95/95.5 FM Station broadcasting news
and current affairs as well as
sports coverage. There are
news bulletins every hour in
Hebrew.
Glossary
Agra Television tax
Autobos Bus
Bayit House
Bayit Merkachat Pharmacy
Bayit Cholim Hospital
Bituach Insurance
Bituach Leumi Social Insurance
Chashmal Electricity
Cheshbon Bill
Chimom merkazi Central heating
Chozeh Contract
Dira Apartment
Dud Shemesh Solar water heating
Ganan Gardener
Gagg Roof
Gaz Gas
Hatkana Installation
Hadbara Bug extermination
Hitchayvut Commitment
Horaat Keva Standing bank order
Instelator Plumber
Iriyah Municipality
Kartis Ashrai Credit card
Kidomet Prefix
Koma Floor (level)
21
Kupat Cholim Health clinic
Kvalim Cable TV
Maalit Elevator
Manui Membership
Maiim Water
Minhal Hastudentim Student Authority
Misada Restaurant
Mishloach Delivery
Misrad HaRishui Licensing Bureau
Moneh Taxi meter
Monit Taxi
Mas Tax
Nikayon Cleaning
Rechov Street
Risus Bug extermination
Rishayon Nehiga Driving License
Rofeh Doctor
Shchuna Neighbourhood
Tashlom Chodshi Monthly payement
Tashlom Du chodshi - Bi-monthly payment
Tashlomim Payments
Vaad Bayit Maintenance fees
22