“This world is huge; it is majestic; it is worth exploring just for the sake of knowing it.”
- Tsh Oxenreider | At Home in the World: Reflections of Belonging While Wandering the Globe
- Tsh Oxenreider | At Home in the World: Reflections of Belonging While Wandering the Globe
The world only knows of what they hear about Israel in the news, sad to say; it's usually about the war and the tumultuous region of Gaza. People often wonder, is it even safe to visit Israel? For us, worrying about safety does not scare us in visiting or perhaps moving to a country. We have lived in Djibouti; the country borders Somalia and Sudan. We have lived in Qatar; currently having problems with their neighboring Gulf countries. We have lived in South Korea; the country borders North Korea, and we were just an hour away from the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone). We have lived in the United States, thinking you are in a safe place since its home, but then you hear on the news that a rogue man shot people at your local grocery store. The point is accidents, or attacks happen everywhere even in your very own backyard.
So, is it safe? Yes, the country is surprisingly safe. Like in any other countries, you want to be on the side of caution and avoid sketchy areas. In Israel, try to avoid going to the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Since we moved to Israel, a lot of people have been asking us questions about a myriad of things before visiting. Finally, here is our comprehensive guide:
So, is it safe? Yes, the country is surprisingly safe. Like in any other countries, you want to be on the side of caution and avoid sketchy areas. In Israel, try to avoid going to the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Since we moved to Israel, a lot of people have been asking us questions about a myriad of things before visiting. Finally, here is our comprehensive guide:
GETTING TO ISRAEL
Ben Gurion International Airport is the gateway to Israel. If you are flying from the US: United Airlines, El Al, and Delta. If you are flying from Asia: Cathay Pacific, El Al, Thai Airways fly directly from Bangkok. From Europe, you can use Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa and other European low-cost airlines like EasyJet, Wizz Air, Ryanair, Aegean fly to Tel Aviv.
HOW TO GET FROM THE AIRPORT TO TEL AVIV
- Airport Shuttle
Using WithFlo.com is one of the cheapest ways to get from the airport to Tel Aviv (starting at $15+). For more information, please visit their website. We used their Private Transfer Service when we arrived here with our three dogs. We made sure to bring a bigger car to be able to fit the dog crates and our extra luggage. The flight landed a bit early, and we waited for them for a few minutes, but other than that, the service went smoothly, and we were dropped off at our apartment in Tel Aviv.
- Taxi
This the most expensive way to and from the airport. They usually charge at least $40 for a one-way trip. If you are in a rush or have no choice but to ride a taxi or you just simply find it more comfortable to ride a taxi by all means you are welcome to do it. You will see taxis waiting outside the airport, just follow the signs.
- Train
We recommend doing this if your hotel is near a train station. However, the train station in Tel Aviv is usually on the outskirts, and you still have to take a taxi to get to your hotel. For more information about Israel Railways, click here. We usually take the train to go to the airport, but first we take a taxi to get to the nearest station, for instance, the nearest station to us is the one in Azrieli Center, and from there we take the train to the airport.
- Car Rental
At any airport around the world, you will always see Car Rental kiosks but you can always book a car in advance for peace of mind. Driving around Israel, especially Tel Aviv is quite stressful. Oftentimes, parking is difficult to find. We recommend to rent a car from Jerusalem and drive the car to outskirts of Israel but not in Tel Aviv.
Local Tip: Download Waze App for directions to drive around Israel. Google Maps works too, but Waze works better.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Before going to Israel, download the Moovit App, this will be your best friend while using the bus to go around Israel. It directs you from which bus stop you need to go, and it even tells you when to go down. It's awesome! We have been using this faithfully while living here and so far it hasn't failed us yet. If you are in a rush and buses don't run because of Shabbat (some buses don't run during the weekend/day of rest), download the Get Taxi App so you can use a taxi to get around the city. Both apps work amazingly well for us, and we love it. It makes our life very easy here in Tel Aviv. We also feel very safe riding their buses.
Local Tip: You can also rent bikes around Tel Aviv. You get the first 20 minutes free! Our advice: if you plan your route well and drop the bike off before the time expires, you can use the bike for free!
Local Tip: You can also rent bikes around Tel Aviv. You get the first 20 minutes free! Our advice: if you plan your route well and drop the bike off before the time expires, you can use the bike for free!
BEST TIME TO VISIT ISRAEL
People always ask us about this. Summer months (June to September) is hot and humid, especially July and August. We recommend going during Fall/Spring months. Winter here in Tel Aviv is mild, but in the northern part of Israel, it snows sometimes.
WHERE TO STAY IN ISRAEL
People who are touring around Israel, usually use Jerusalem as their base, since there's a lot to see there. It's also a good base for day tripping around the nearby areas like Masada and The Dead Sea. For a budget-friendly option, you can stay at Abraham Hostel in Jerusalem.
On the other hand, if you decided to stay in Tel Aviv, for a budget-friendly option, Abraham Hostel (yes, again!) has another hostel in Tel Aviv! For a boutique hotel experience, book the Brown Hotel or The Rothschild Hotel and if you are feeling fancy, The Norman Hotel.
Local Tip: If you wanted a neat and cozy hotel by the beach in the heart of Tel Aviv, book Hotel TLV 88.
On the other hand, if you decided to stay in Tel Aviv, for a budget-friendly option, Abraham Hostel (yes, again!) has another hostel in Tel Aviv! For a boutique hotel experience, book the Brown Hotel or The Rothschild Hotel and if you are feeling fancy, The Norman Hotel.
Local Tip: If you wanted a neat and cozy hotel by the beach in the heart of Tel Aviv, book Hotel TLV 88.
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION THAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
- Shabbat
It is important to understand that in Israel, the Sabbath Day (a day of rest) is followed faithfully most especially in Jerusalem. Typically, Friday afternoon the stores, malls, cafes, restaurants, and establishments close their business to observe the Sabbath Day. Some businesses resume their services on Saturday night. However, Tel Aviv is a different story. You can still find restaurants, cafes, and grocery stores that are open. While planning your trip, take Shabbat into consideration. This is the best time to relax on your trip and take it easy - lay on the beach or go to a park.
Local Tip: The northern beaches in Tel Aviv are less touristy. If you have a car, drive to the outskirts of Tel Aviv like Herzliya or Netanya or Caesarea for a much more local beach vibe.
- Clothing
People have asked us a lot of times if they can wear shorts while visiting Israel. Tel Aviv is very progressive and modern. Tel Aviv is very relaxed and casual. However, while visiting religious sites, you do not want to insult your host culture by not being modest. Women need to cover their shoulder and legs. Bring a scarf, just in case, so you can also use that as a head scarf. Some sites, you need that too. You know what they say, "when in Rome do what Romans do."
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- Food and Tipping
The food here in Israel is Middle Eastern like hummus, shawarma, grilled meats with Middle Eastern flavors. On the other hand, international cuisine is readily available here, whatever tickles your fancy Tel Aviv will have it. While visiting in Israel, try to go to brunch and eat the Israeli breakfast. Brunch is a huge thing here in Israel! Don't skip it. A lot of the restaurants here are kosher, but some restaurants are non-kosher. For vegetarians, luckily, you are visiting the right country. There's a lot of vegetarian restaurants here in Israel, and restaurants often have ample vegetarian options. Tipping is typically 12-15% of your bill. If you are using a credit card, you have to tell the waiter to add the tip before they swipe your card.
Local Tip: Eat at Carmel Market while in Tel Aviv. We will put up a list of our favorite restaurants in a different post. You can always e-mail us to ask before going so you can book reservations.
Since we moved here, every weekend we plan day trips and concentrate on spending more time in soaking one city at a time. So far, it has been a moving experience to see the most of the Holy Sites that we thought we'd only read from the Bible. Not only that, we were able to see amazing natural wonders and stunning landscapes around here. With such a short time, undeniably, we have fallen in love with Israel. After all, what's not to love?
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