FAQs
Question
What kind of weather can I expect?
Answer
Welcome to the sunny Mediterranean! In June temperatures are usually in the high 80's and even into the 90's. The temperature can plunge at night when the sun goes down. Our suggestion: pack layers and bring a hat, sunglasses and sunblock.
Question
What's the deal with Shabbat (Saturday)?
Answer
The workweek in Israel runs from Sunday to Thursday. Please note that there is no public transportation over Shabbat (Friday sundown through Saturday sundown). On Shabbat much of the city will be shut down. That means the big open market, Shuk HaCarmel, will be closed as will many restaurants. Don't fret - there are still tons of great things to do. We suggest going to the beach, visiting the Ilana Goor Museum or Tel Aviv Museum, or just enjoying a leisurely coffee in a cafe.
Question
What do I need to know about security?
Answer
Flights to and from Israel will generally entail greater security measures than in most countries. You should expect to be interviewed about your time in Israel before you are permitted to check in for your flight. You will be asked to open your bag to enter most bus stations, malls, etc. This is normal (it's not just you). You will also see soldiers on the street everywhere, with greater concentration in bus/train stations. They will look like kids and they are! The draft is mandatory at age 18 so nearly every 18-21 year old in the country is serving.
Question
What's the best way to get around?
Answer
Cabs will either charge based on the meter or you can negotiate a flat rate. Unless you consider yourself a pro haggler and expert at Israeli cab drivers, demand the meter. Most cabs do not have credit card readers. Download Gett — it’s the Israeli version of Uber (there is also Uber but it isn’t as reliable) and that way you can add your credit card info and not have to worry about having cash. You can use code GTKAFWB for 30 shekels free credit. Tel Aviv is a city that can explored by foot, and we recommend trying out the Tel-O-Fun public bikes (similar to Citibike in NYC) available across town.
Question
How can I stay connected?
Answer
There is a LOT of free wifi in Tel Aviv, basically any restaurant or cafe will have it, even the beach is blanketed with free wifi! It’s also easy to buy an Israeli SIM card at the airport upon arrival.
Question
Tell me about the $ situation.
Answer
The currency is the shekel (abbreviated NIS for New Israeli Shekel). ATMS are the easiest ways to get cash. Most places (restaurants, museums, stores) will take credit cards, but many cabs and markets and delicious food spots (falafel places, juice stands etc.) are cash only. At a restaurant or cafe, if you want to tip using a credit card you need to tell the wait staff before the transaction is made. Typically people tip 12 to 15 percent.
Question
What is the best way to get to Tel Aviv from the airport?
Answer
The drive between Tel Aviv and Ben Gurion Airport takes around 20 minutes without traffic. Most drivers speak English (most everyone here speaks some English) but in case they don’t take a screenshot on your phone of the address you’re going to written in Hebrew. A cabs from the airport should be around 150-180 shekels (they typically charge extra for each piece of luggage). The train from the airport is fast and fuss-free. The disadvantage is that you’ll need to grab a cab from where it drops you off in Tel Aviv to get to your lodging, so taking a cab the whole way is simpler. Announcements will be in both English and Hebrew. Trains: http://www.rail.co.il/EN/Pages/HomePage.aspx
Question
Tell me about the must-have apps.
Answer
Gett Taxi: A taxi-ordering app. Every cab in the country is on it, and it works great. It’s not private cars, all real taxis (the equivalent of yellow cabs). Use the code GTKAFWB for 30 free shekels. Moovit: A great bus/public transportation app. Buses in Israel are cheap and efficient – Adeena takes them all the time! WhatsApp: Israeli-invented messaging app. No one here texts, everyone WhatsApps – it’s free!
Question
What is the easiest way to make restaurant reservations in Tel Aviv?
Answer
Believe it or not, Facebook! Most restaurants accept restaurant via the messaging function on their Facebook pages and are very responsive (exception: Any Eyal Shani restaurant). :)
Question
How can I rent a cell phone/SIM card in Israel?
Answer
While it's true that there is tons of free Wifi and you can make free calls a multitude of ways (Skype, WhatsApp, Facetime), some of you want to have a cell number and capabilities at all times. It's easy. You want to make sure your cell phone is UNLOCKED (eaning it will work on international GSM) before leaving Israel. You can do this through your carrier, or better yet do it at one of the zillions of cell phone stores in the city where you live. Carriers often have draconian laws about unlocking phones because it opens up a world of affordable cell service to you instead of their pricy plan. You can pre-order a SIM card and pick it up at Ben Gurion airport through 019 Mobile: https://www.019mobile.com/29818_804/1/206417/3/order For most, the $40 plan with unlimited calls and texts to US/UK/Canada plus 10 GB data should be enough. There is also a 20-day/unlimited/20 GB plan for $50; if you're a very heavy data user, opt for this one.
Question
Are the wedding events kosher?
Answer
The events on June 13th and 14th are strictly kosher; the beach event on the 15th is kosher-style but at a non-kosher establishment. There will be kosher beer and soft drinks.
Question
What should I wear for all these parties???
Answer
In short: whatever you want! This is Israel, where anything from a clean t-shirt to a suit or sport-jacket are appropriate wedding wear. We suggest wearing what makes you feel gorgeous and comfortable. Men: if you wear a tie, you will be the most dressed-up person at the wedding (which is awesome).
Question
How about biking in Tel Aviv?
Answer
Tel Aviv is a bikers' city. To get in on the action, you can rent a bike for the day or week. Many people now used electric bikes, which go up to 14 miles per hour and keep you cooler than conventional biking. That being said there are bike lanes everywhere and biking is a GREAT way to get to know the city. Caveat: bike theft IS an issue in Tel Aviv, so make sure to ask your rental company what their policy is. Also you could ask your credit card company of they cover theft (or travel insurance I am sure would). We like Pole Position bikes: they are very professional, speak English and have a good selection of regular and electric bikes. Prices range from about $35/day for Electric to $20/day for a conventional bike. Cheaper by the week, more expensive by the hour. http://www.polepositiontlv.com/en/rent, 972-3-5252134