Tel Aviv, Israel Report of what it's like to live there - 04/10/13
Personal Experiences from Tel Aviv, Israel
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
This is our third overseas country as US Embassy personnel, and our fifth including military overeseas assignments.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
DC, about a 12-hour flight.
3. How long have you lived here?
Two years.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
U.S. Embassy.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
The homes are small --- think Tokyo small. The homes in the suburbs for families are larger, and many have nice yards.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Expensive: 2 times more then Europe. The only food item that I could not find has been canned soup.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Soup, steak sauce, makeup, lotions and face creams, bar soap, hair ties, and brushes.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
All kinds.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
A few roaches, ants, and other minor insects. Nothing like what you find in some of the other countries we have seen.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Available but fairly expensive,. 8 hours of work costs $100-$150.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Some of the apartments have really good amenities. There are also gyms all over the place.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
No issues for us so far.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Yes.
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Jeruslem Post. HOT or YES cable costs 50-70 dollars monthly. This also includes internet.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
You should always try and learn a few phrases. Many people speak English in Tel Aviv. Farther south, not so much.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Many. This is not a handicap-friendly country.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Trains are okay to use as are the Sheruts (small buses). No regular buses are allowed for US Embassy employees or their family members.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
Bring small, old, and ugly car. It will roll out of here dinged, dented, and looking small, old,, and ugly.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
I have a work one, so I am not sure.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
No.
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
AMAZING! This is a pet-friendly area. Expensive but good. People even take their pets into some of the cafes.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
There are some jobs but not very high-paying ones.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Casual to very casual.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Missile attacks are still a threat, as are bus bombings. That being said, there is nowhere else that I have lived where I have felt safe walking my dog late at night as I do here.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Some dust in the air. Medical facilities are clean, and the doctors are pretty good. I opted to have surgery here instead of in London. It really is that good.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Moderate. Many people seem to be affected by the dust in the air.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Beautiful hot summers, light rain in the winter.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
WBAIS is a pretty demanding school, almost like a Harvard prep school.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
Not many.
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
Many are available.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Large to huge.
2. Morale among expats:
Mostly high.
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Many bars, clubs, restaurants. You need to make your own fun sometimes.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
This city is good for all families.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Yes, very friendly and accepting.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Most people here are Jewish. There seem to be some underlying issues that rarely come to the light. But they are there, just below the surface.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
The dead sea is amazing. Visiting some of the places that I heard about in bible studies. The local wine is great.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Beaches, travel, wine and cheese tastings, shouk, walking or biking down the beach bike paths, eating out. You just need to get out and do things.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Olive wood, hand-made jewelery, pottery.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
The amazing history, beaches, shouks. The weather is wonderful. However, this is not a money-saving post --- unless you skip all of the perks, do not travel, and eat raman noodles every day.
11. Can you save money?
This post is expensive, but (like anywhere) you can save money if you try. If you never go out to lunch with your coworkers, dinner with friends, don't drink alcohol, eat only pasta, (veggies are pricey), don't drive a car, and do no traveling --- sure, you can save plenty.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes, this really is a pretty country. Some of the people are rude (think New York), but I love it here---as does my teenager.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
fancy car, winter gear, and half of your belongings. Apartments are small.
3. But don't forget your:
sense of adventure and your patience.
