Going to à TEL AVIV: Formalities and administrative steps

Organize your stay à TEL AVIV

Money Money à TEL AVIV

In Israel, the unit of currency is the new shekel (abbreviation: NIS, ISO code ILS). One shekel consists of 100 agorot. There are notes of 200, 100, 50 and 20 shekels, coins of 10, 5, 2 and 1 shekel (s) and of 50 and 10 agorots.
Exchange rates (September 2021):
1 € = 3.80 NIS; 100 NIS = 26.28 €.
1 CHF = 3.50 NIS; 100 NIS = 28.55 CHF.
1 CAD = 2.54 NIS; 100 NIS = 39.28 CAD.

Budget & Tips Budget & Tips à TEL AVIV

Tight budget to small budget: you can live for 200 NIS (about €50) a day by staying in youth hostels, eating falafels and travelling by bus. Count at least 250 NIS (about 60 €) for a little more comfort.

Average budget: count between 300 and 450 NIS (between 70 and 110 €) per person for one night in a small hotel, a small restaurant in the evening. If you can afford it, the ideal would be to rent a car, as it is an excellent way to criss-cross the country and visit places inaccessible by bus. To do so, add 200 NIS to the budget.

Big budget: from 800 NIS (about 200 €) per person (night in a charming hotel, meal in a good restaurant, car, etc.).

Passport and visas Passport and visas à TEL AVIV

Citizens of the European Union, as well as Canadians and Swiss nationals, may enter Israel for a tourist visit without a visa for a maximum of three months. Their passports must still be valid for more than six months. Please note that the stamps of previously visited countries will be given special attention by the airport control services.

Driver's license Driver's license à TEL AVIV

You can absolutely rent a car with your French, Swiss or Canadian driver's license and your Israeli ID. For a car rental, you must be at least 21 to 30 years old depending on the category of vehicle chosen. Please also be aware that drivers under 24 years of age pay an additional tax.

Health Health à TEL AVIV

In Israel, the main medicines are available in the numerous pharmacies present everywhere in the big cities (Tel Aviv, Jerusalem). Therefore, bring the prescriptions issued by your doctor and ask him to specify the essential chemical components. For the rest, don't hesitate to consult a doctor if the need arises.

A reflex in case of illness: contact the French consulate. They will help you, accompany you and provide you with a list of French-speaking doctors. In the event of a serious problem, the consulate will also inform the family and decide on repatriation. To find out about emergencies and establishments that meet international standards, consult the websites www.diplomatie.gouv.fr and www.pasteur.fr

In case of an accident, it is advisable to call: Israeli ambulances: 101/police: 100/firemen: 102.

Mandatory vaccination Mandatory vaccination à TEL AVIV

No vaccinations are necessary or even mandatory for travel to Israel. And if you should happen to have a health concern on the spot, you should know that the health facilities are of a comparable - and sometimes even higher - level than those we encounter in Europe.

Security Security à TEL AVIV

Although fewer than in previous years, terrorist acts may occur at any time. Unfortunately, there are no specific instructions to guard against them. If you notice a passenger in a bus behaving suspiciously, report it immediately to the driver.

During your stay, you cannot ignore the Israelis' stringent security measures. For example, your bag will be searched at the entrance to a train station, shopping centre, museum, and sometimes even a market. Respect the orders of the police and military. Do not leave your luggage in a public place; when you return, you may not find it again, either because it has been stolen or because the police have blown it up, as they do with any suspicious package.

At the airport, never agree to take a stranger's luggage with you: the police officers who question you when you leave the country (sometimes even when you arrive) will also ask you if you have packed all your luggage yourself, in case a terrorist "friend" has slipped a bomb in your bag as a souvenir. Don't take it badly, it's the same procedure for everyone... Be careful, if you are carrying a laptop, be aware that the hard drive can be examined for security reasons

Theft exists in Israel, as it does elsewhere, and the same basic tips apply: don't leave valuables in your car or hotel room (leave them in the trunk or at the reception desk), avoid conspicuously displaying signs of wealth, and beware of pickpockets, especially in tourist areas or places where crowds are compact (markets, etc.). It is also wise to keep a photocopy of your passport.

Time difference Time difference à TEL AVIV

One hour ahead of France, in winter as in summer. You get over it quickly! When it's 8pm in Paris, it's 9pm in Tel Aviv.

Spoken languages Spoken languages à TEL AVIV

The languages spoken in Israel are Hebrew and Arabic and to a lesser extent Russian. English is understood almost everywhere, and French is quite common in Tel Aviv. Unless you are particularly good at learning languages, it will be difficult for you to go beyond a few polite words if you have never studied Hebrew or Arabic. At least try to say "hello", "goodbye" and "thank you", this effort will please your interlocutors.

Communication Communication à TEL AVIV

If you are going to be in the country for a while, the best option is probably to buy a local prepaid SIM card (check before you leave that your mobile is "unlocked", that you have the "International" option and, most importantly, that it is a brand compatible with the Israeli network). These and top-ups are on sale in mobile phone shops, some newsstands, some Internet cafes, some supermarkets... A mobile phone without a subscription can also be bought locally for around 20 euros. Menus and voice mailboxes are generally in Hebrew, Arabic, English and Russian

Since June 2017, roaming charges no longer exist in Europe. Some telephone operators have extended this measure to Israel. Find out if this is the case with your package!

Tel Aviv is a connected city. You will find free wi-fi everywhere, in all hotels, restaurants and cafes. The mayor of the city has decreed that Internet access for all will be a priority during his term of office. He kept his word and the start-up city is now connected to free wifi in several places (more than 80 hotspots).

Electricity and measurements Electricity and measurements à TEL AVIV

In Israel, the electricity supply is 220 volts, as in Europe. Most power outlets are compatible with European standards, but if the plugs in your laptop's socket, for example, are too big for the socket in your hotel room, there is no need to force them. It's best to ask for an adapter at the reception desk.

Luggage Luggage à TEL AVIV

If it's just a matter of going to the beach, a bathing suit and a towel will do the trick. Don't forget sunglasses, headgear and sunscreen. But Tel Aviv is above all a city where it is good to see and be seen. So don't forget to take your trendy or stylish clothes with you when you go out and make an impression. Otherwise, stick to a casual wardrobe, no one will blame you - and you don't need to be dressed up to go anywhere.

Daily life à TEL AVIV

Hello? Hello? à TEL AVIV

To call from Israel to France, dial + 33 followed by the number of your correspondent without the 0

To call from France to Israel, dial 00 + 972 + area code without zero + the 7 digits of the local number. For example, to call Tel Aviv: 00 + 972 + 3 + 647 2453.

To call within Israel: area code with zero + the 7 digits of the local number. For example, to call Tel Aviv: 03 + 647 2453

If you want to keep your French package, you will have to activate the international option (usually free) before leaving by calling your operator's customer service.

Since June 2017, roaming charges no longer exist in Europe. Some phone operators have extended this to Israel. Find out if this is the case for your package!

Accessibility Accessibility à TEL AVIV

Tourists in wheelchairs will find Tel Aviv quite accessible. It is quite flat in places, but it is possible to get around easily in a wheelchair. A number of tours have been designed specifically for wheelchair tourists.

Public transport is also adapted for people with reduced mobility. The local buses have a ramp for access and exit.

Some beaches have disabled parking facilities and adapted toilets.

Hotels in Tel Aviv and Israel must comply with current laws and regulations regarding accessibility.

Health Health à TEL AVIV

No vaccinations are necessary or even mandatory to travel to Israel. And if by any chance, you should have a health problem in Israel, you should know that the health care facilities are of a comparable level - and sometimes even superior - to those we encounter in Europe.

Emergency numbers Emergency numbers à TEL AVIV

In case of an accident, it is advisable to call

: Israeli ambulances: 101.

Police: 100.

Fire brigade: 102

.

Securty Securty à TEL AVIV

In general, respect the specific customs of different religions in places of worship or pilgrimage.

Theft exists in Israel, as in any developed country, and the same basic advice applies: do not leave valuables in your car or in your hotel room (leave them in the safe at the reception desk), avoid ostentatious signs of wealth and beware of pickpockets, especially in tourist areas or in places where the crowds are large (metro, etc.).

In Israel, the latest attacks are a reminder that, despite the decrease in the number of attacks compared to previous years, terrorist acts can occur at any time. Unfortunately, there are no special instructions to protect yourself. If you notice a passenger behaving suspiciously on a bus, report it immediately to the driver.

During your stay, you cannot ignore the draconian security measures of the Israelis. Your bag will be searched at the entrance of a train station, a shopping mall, a museum, but also at a bar, a restaurant or a market.

Security also requires that you follow a few rules. Respect the orders of the police and military. Do not leave luggage in a public place; when you come back, you might not find it, either because it has been stolen or because the police have detonated it, as they do with any suspicious package.

At the airport, never accept to take a stranger's luggage: the police officers who question you when you leave the country (sometimes even when you arrive) will also ask you if you have packed your luggage yourself, in case a terrorist "friend" has slipped a bomb into your bag as a souvenir

.

Be aware that if you bring a laptop computer with you, the hard drive may be examined for security reasons. In a few cases, this examination has caused data to disappear.

For the latest information on local security, consult the "Travel advice" section of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website: www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/voyageurs. Be aware, however, that the site provides an exhaustive list of potential dangers and that this sometimes gives a somewhat alarmist picture of the real situation in the country.

Single women are not particularly at risk in Israel. As a matriarchal society, Israelis have kept a deep respect for women, who are used to travelling alone. Another aspect is that Israelis are adventurers who can be found on all the roads of the country, even in the Negev. A real solidarity has been created. If you encounter a problem on the way, you will be surprised to see people stopping to help you.

LGBTQ LGBTQ à TEL AVIV

Israel, a land of paradoxes... If Tel Aviv has become a gay friendly destination par excellence, one should not expect the same welcome in Jerusalem or in the rest of the country. Tel Aviv is known to be very friendly and more: it is a flagship destination for homosexuals from all over the world. No problem to show your love identity: several bars, restaurants, clubs claim their "friendly-ity", and the community even has a dedicated beach. It is often in these places that the party is in full swing when, in the streets of the White City, locals and tourists walk hand in hand.

Mail Mail à TEL AVIV

Sometimes variable, the opening hours of post offices are generally as follows: from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday; and from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Fridays. All post offices are closed on Sabbath (Saturday) and on religious holidays. Mailboxes are yellow for mail within the same area, and red for the rest of the country and abroad. A stamp for France will cost you at least 4 NIS depending on the weight of the shipment (for example for a postcard).