Tel Aviv has a very unique system of business hours, based on Jewish religious tradition. Most Jews observe the Shabbat (also known as the Sabbath) which starts at sundown on Friday and continues until sundown on Saturday. According to their religion you should not do any work on the Shabbat, so most Jewish businesses are closed during this time, including the public buses. However, many nonkosher restaurants may remain open. Many businesses close for a 2 to 3 hour siesta between 13:00 and 16:00.

Post Offices: 08:30 to 17:30, Monday to Friday
Department Stores and Shops: 09:00 to 12:30 and 16:00 to 19:00, daily
Museums: 10:00 to 18:00, Sunday to Thursday.
Business Offices: 08:30 to 19:00, Sunday to Friday.
Banks: 08:30 to 12:30 and 16:00 to 17:30. Most banks are closed during the afternoon and all day on Saturday, except in Muslim areas, where they are closed on Friday. In Christian areas, banks are open Saturday morning, but closed Sunday.

Tel Aviv is not your average city and has its own special safety issues as a result of the ongoing Palestinian Intifada. However, with the exception of suicide bombers, Tel Aviv is actually a very peaceful and safe city to visit. Most of the time you’ll see Arabs and Jews interacting peacefully and travelling around the country should pose no major problems.

As in any city, take caution when driving or walking in isolated areas late at night. The beaches may seem like a tranquil place for a late night stroll, but they often become the sites of crime. Be alert for pickpockets and thieves, especially at the beaches, where your valuables can sometimes go missing while you’re out for a swim. Tel Aviv has its share of touts and people recommending hotels, restaurants and shops. These men can often be quite aggressive in their approach and usually don’t offer much in the way of a positive experience. It’s easy to avoid them by saying you’re waiting for a relative or friend.

As you’ll quickly notice, the police presence is strong and obvious in Israel; and for good reason. Tensions between the Palestinians and Israelis remain at dangerously high levels and Tel Aviv is a major target for suicide bombers. Although foreigners are rarely the targets of these campaigns, you can easily get caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. Tel Aviv is an ideal target since it is full of rich Israeli tourists and represents a lot of the excess which some Palestinians resent. Buses have been particular targets in the past, as well as popular seaside restaurants. The current situation should not necessarily deter you from visiting this country, but you should be extra aware of your surroundings and take evasive actions should anything suspicious happen.

Visitors should also be careful not to take photographs of any military or police personnel or their buildings. Indecent exposure or lewd behavior will not be tolerated and could land you in jail. Possession of any weapon, even a small pocket knife is an offence in Israel. 

Electricity: 220V, 50Hz

There are no special health concerns for travellers to Israel. Although the tap water is generally treated and usually safe, it’s still recommended that you drink bottled water. Take care when you buy food from street stalls as the meat may have been undercooked or unrefrigerated and pose a health risk. Medical facilities in Tel Aviv are excellent but can be very expensive, so it’s essential that visitors have full travellers insurance. 

The sun in Tel Aviv can be quite strong for some people, especially during the summer months. Dehydration sets in quickly, even if you aren’t exerting yourself. Always wear sunscreen and a hat when you are outside for long periods and drink plenty of water throughout the day. 

Pharmacies are available everywhere and most of them speak English. The Jerusalem Post lists the names and addresses of pharmacies that stay open later than usual or are open on Shabbat. 

Police Emergency: 100
Medical Emergency : 101
Fire Emergency: 102
Medical Help for Tourists: 177/022 9110 

Assuta Hospital
62 Jabotinsky Street Tel Aviv 62748
Telephone +972 3 520 1508/8
Fax +972 3 5201422
Email: INFO@ASSUTA.COM

The official languages of Israel are Hebrew and Arabic. However, most of the population speaks fluent English, especially in Tel Aviv. Signs are often written in both Hebrew and English. Israelis like to use hand gestures when they speak, so don’t be alarmed if someone makes a gesture that seems strange to you.

Israel uses the New Israel Shekel (NIS) as its currency. One shekel can be divided into 100 agorot. Both paper bills and coins are used. A 10-shekel and 5-shekel coin is about the size of an American quarter and a one-shekel coin is about the size of an American dime. Paper bills come in 20, 50, 100 and 200-shekel denominations.

Money can be changed at any of the small exchange bureaus which are usually found along the main streets, in banks and at hotels. Ha-Yarkon and Ben Yehuda Streets have the largest concentration of exchange offices. Their exchange rates are comparable to the banks and they are open later and are much quicker to use. Tel Aviv has its share of shady moneychangers hanging around certain parts of town, but avoid them at all cost. 

ATMs are prevalent throughout the city and are linked with the American banking system. Visa, Cirrus and NYCE cards are typically accepted in most ATMs. Major credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, as are travellers cheques, although the commission rate on these can be rather high. American Express has an office on Ben Yehuda Street to assist with any problems or needs.

Visitors arriving by air to Israel will have the chance to declare any goods they are bringing in. Goods which require declaration include large amounts of alcohol and cigarettes, brand new electronic devices and anything considered highly valuable. You are allowed to import 250 cigarettes, 2 litres of wine, 1 litre of spirits, gifts totally no more than $200 and up to 1kg of food, as long as it is not fresh meat.

Israel is highly conscious of security at their airports and passengers are subject to random searches of both their luggage and their body. Visitors should check with their nearest Israeli embassy for up-to-date information on customs regulations. Some personal items that are of a high value, especially professional video and computer equipment, may be subject to a deposit upon entry which is refundable on departure.

In contrast to many cultures around the globe, the citizens of Tel Aviv tend to give their opinions quickly and frankly. While this may put off many people who take a more reserved approach to discussing certain issues, Israelis simply love to discuss and debate. So be prepared to have at least one or two lively conversations if you feel like being sociable. The advantage of this characteristic is that visitors will have no problem asking questions about any subject and will easily feel welcomed and comfortable as a guest in this city. If you are lucky enough to be invited to an Israeli home, it’s customary to bring a small gift. Do not be offended if your hosts ask you personal questions about your religion or family, as this is normal. Physical contact between friends is common, but public displays of affection between couples are considered bad form in the conservative parts of the city. However, since Tel Aviv is such a progressive, cosmopolitan city, the conservative social rules that govern most of Israel don’t apply as strictly here.

People in Tel Aviv like to dress casual and comfortable. This is partially due to the year round hot weather but also to their love of fashion and socializing. To the outsider, the locals may appear to look under-dressed but this is just their style. 

In the highly informal Israeli society, etiquette is not a high priority. There are many traditions in Jewish society, but few rules. Visitors to ultra-Orthodox Jewish quarters, especially women, should always dress modestly. Local women always keep their knees and elbows covered and don’t wear pants. Married women cover their heads as well, so keep a head scarf handy. Visitors will feel more comfortable if they observe these social dress codes, but it’s essential if you want to enter a synagogue or other important religious site. Even men should consider wearing a head covering in religious buildings. Ultra-Orthodox Jews, who can be distinguished by their black clothing, do not shake hands or socially interact with members of the opposite sex.

Muslims will be insulted is a guest in their home refuses a drink, which is usually coffee or soda. Like all religious Jews, Muslims do not eat pork. They don’t drink alcohol either. If you want to visit a mosque, you must remove your shoes and women must always cover their hair. Also, in Muslim society, it is considered rude to shake hands or pick up food with your left hand.

Dining Etiquette
People in Tel Aviv are very social creatures and go out to social events almost every night. The rule of thumb is that each person pays their way. If you visit a Muslim household, always accept the drink which will invariably be offered to you. It would be very impolite if you refuse.

Visitors from most countries do not need a visa to enter Israel, with the exception of India and Singapore as well as some South American, African and ex-Soviet republic countries. Most visitors who arrive by air are granted a three-month stay, while overland arrivals are more commonly granted one-month stays. Visitors are required to have a return ticket and money to support them during their stay. Citizens of the US, Canada and the UK only need a passport to enter Israel for a stay of up to 90 days. Visitors from other countries need to contact their local Israeli embassy for more information on specific visa requirements. It should be noted that some Middle Eastern countries will refuse entry to anyone with an Israeli entry stamp in their passports. If you plan to visit other regional nations (especially those who don’t recognise Israel as a state) you should ask the immigration officer to issue your tourist visa on a separate piece of paper.

The Tel Aviv Tourist Information Office is located at the Central Bus Station on Levinsky Street on the 6th floor. Their telephone number is +972 3 639 5660 and their fax number is +972 3 639 5659. The office is open Sunday through Thursday from 09:00 to 17:00 and on Friday from 09:00 to 13:00. 

There is also a tourist bureau at Ben-Gurion International Airport which is open 24 hours a day.