Relocating to Israel presents a unique blend of challenges. Whether you're making Aliyah, joining family, pursuing professional opportunities, or simply seeking a new adventure, adapting to life in Israel requires understanding its distinctive systems and cultural nuances. This guide provides essential practical information to help smooth your transition across key aspects of daily life, from finding housing and employment to navigating healthcare and transportation systems.
Housing Guide by Region
Tel Aviv offers vibrant urban living with proximity to beaches and a thriving tech scene, but at Israel's highest housing costs (averaging ₪7,000-10,000 monthly for a 2-bedroom apartment).
Jerusalem provides more affordable options in its outskirts, while the center remains expensive, with greater religious and cultural diversity across neighborhoods.
Haifa presents a more relaxed atmosphere with significantly lower costs (₪4,000-6,000 for similar accommodations) and beautiful Carmel Mountain views.
Beer Sheva and the Negev region offer the most affordable housing in the country with growing job opportunities, particularly around Ben-Gurion University.
Consider renting for a short-term months to experience different neighborhoods, and work with agents familiar with immigrant needs who can navigate Hebrew-language listings and contracts.
Job Market Navigation
Israel's job market strongly favors high-tech professionals. Tel Aviv and its surrounding "Silicon Wadi", as well as other hi-tech job centers across the country are hosting numerous startups and international tech companies offering competitive salaries.
Healthcare professionals, particularly doctors and nurses, are in steady demand but typically require credential recognition processes.
English-language jobs exist in customer service, technical writing, translation, and international business development.
There are some tourism and hospitality opportunities around Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Eilat, but are less common these days.
Networking is crucial in Israeli job hunting. It is recommended to attend industry meetups and leverage platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook groups specific to newcomers (“Olim Chadashim”).
Banking & Financial Systems
Israeli banking revolves around several major banks including Bank Leumi, Bank Hapoalim, and Discount Bank, with increasing competition from digital banks like Pepper.
Olim Chadashim receive special benefits including fee waivers for several years, preferential exchange rates, and sometimes higher interest on deposits. To open an account, bring your immigration documents, passport, Israeli ID (if available), and proof of address. Israeli banking features robust mobile apps but also bureaucratic paperwork requirements. Credit cards function differently than in some Western countries—they're typically debit-like with monthly payment plans.
Important financial adjustments include understanding “Arnona” – a municipal property tax, which varies significantly by location. New immigrants may receive discounts for limited periods depending on their status and municipality.
Healthcare System Overview
Israel's healthcare system operates through four kupot cholim (health funds): Clalit, Maccabi, Meuhedet, and Leumit. All legal residents must join one, with services funded through income-based health tax withholdings. Each fund offers different supplementary insurance tiers for services beyond the standard basket of care.
New immigrants should register within 90 days of arrival to avoid waiting periods. Health funds maintain their own networks of clinics, specialists, and affiliated hospitals, with each having regional strengths (Clalit has the broadest nationwide coverage, while Maccabi is particularly strong in the center).
Most services require modest copayments. Digital apps enable appointment scheduling, test results viewing, and prescription renewals. English-speaking medical professionals are widely available in major cities, though less common in peripheral areas.
Language
While English proficiency is widespread in business, technology, and tourism sectors, daily interactions in shops, government offices, and healthcare facilities often require basic Hebrew. Learning Hebrew presents a challenge for most immigrants, with its right-to-left script and Semitic language structure.
The government provides free or heavily subsidized Hebrew courses (“Ulpan”) for new immigrants, ranging from intensive five-month programs to part-time evening classes compatible with work schedules.
Many immigrants develop a practical approach: learning essential Hebrew phrases immediately upon arrival while gradually building vocabulary through daily interactions. Digital tools like Hebrew keyboard layouts, translation apps, and language learning platforms provide crucial support during the transition.
Arabic is Israel's second official language and commonly spoken in certain regions. Russian is also very common in certain areas.
Education System
The Israeli education system comprises several tracks: state secular, state religious, independent religious (mostly Orthodox), and various international schools. Public education is free, but parents typically cover extracurricular activities and school supplies through annual payments. Children usually attend schools in their residential catchment area. International and bilingual private school options exist primarily in larger cities, offering curricula like American, British, or International Baccalaureate at premium prices.
Higher education includes world-renowned institutions like Hebrew University, Tel Aviv University, and the Technion, with special preparatory programs (mechina) helping immigrants bridge knowledge gaps.
New immigrant students receive significant assistance including Hebrew ulpan, tuition subsidies, and testing accommodations. For families with younger children, preschool is heavily subsidized from age 3, though spots in quality programs fill quickly.
Transportation Guide
Public transportation in Israel centers on an extensive bus network complemented by growing rail service. The Rav-Kav smart card works across all public transit and offers significant discounts compared to single-ride tickets. Tel Aviv has recently added light rail to its transportation options, while Jerusalem's light rail system continues expanding.
Intercity trains connect major population centers with comfortable, reliable service, though they don't reach all areas. Driving requires adjustment to assertive local driving styles and dense traffic in urban centers. Converting a foreign license to an Israeli one must typically be done within one year of arrival. The process varies by country of origin, with some requiring only paperwork while others mandate actual driving tests. Taxis are widely available through apps like Gett, and electric scooters and bike-sharing programs have become popular urban transit options. Note that public transportation generally doesn't operate on Shabbat (Friday evening through Saturday night).
Shopping & Consumer Culture
Israeli shopping combines traditional markets (shuks) offering fresh produce, spices, and household goods with modern malls and chain stores. Online shopping has grown significantly, though shipping costs and customs fees can be substantial for overseas purchases.
The kosher certification system affects product availability and restaurant options, with varying levels of observance across regions.
Shopping hours typically include late afternoons and evenings, with many stores closed Friday afternoon through Saturday for Shabbat (especially in more religious areas).
Climate Adjustment
Israel's Mediterranean climate features long, hot, dry summers (June-September) with temperatures regularly exceeding 30°C (86°F) and high humidity along the coast. Winters (December-February) are mild and rainy, with Jerusalem occasionally seeing snow.
The climate varies significantly by region: Tel Aviv and the coastal plain experience high humidity, Jerusalem enjoys cooler temperatures due to its elevation, the Negev desert has dramatic day-night temperature fluctuations, and the north offers the most moderate climate.
Most buildings feature effective air conditioning but may have less adequate heating for the brief winter.