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The Israel Tax Authority.

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The Israel Tax Authority.
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Israel Tax Authority – Rashut HaMisim.

The Israel Tax Authority – רשות המיסים is responsible for collecting personal income tax, V.A.T and customs taxes.

Income Tax for New Immigrants (Olim) & Returning Residents (Toshavim Hozrim)

The main income tax benefits for new immigrants and returning residents who became Israeli citizens from January 1st 2007 and thereafter, are as follows:

  • 10 years exemption from paying tax on foreign-source income (i.e., income derived outside of Israel).
  • 10 years exemption from declaring on foreign-source income which are exempted.
  • 10 years exclusion from definition as an Israeli company resident – for a company established abroad and owned by an “Oleh” or a “Senior Returning Resident”.
  • Option to be considered a foreign resident for taxation purposes, for one year from arrival.
  • 3.5 years of entitlement to tax credit, with options of extension.

V.A.T – Value Added Tax

The current V.A.T rate in Israel is 17%

If you are self-employed and listed as an “Osek Patur” (a business with a tax exemption) and have declared earnings of less than NIS 79,482 (as of 1/2015) in any business year, your are not required to charge VAT. At the same time an Osek Patur may not reclaim Ma’am on business purchases. Read more…

Customs & Purchase Tax

The Customs and Purchase Tax Tariff is set by the Israel Tax Authority.  The correct classification of goods is key to determining  the precise customs and purchase tax rates.  If you are importing goods for commercial purposes, or items that do not fit into the ‘personal imports‘ category, the Israel Tax Authority recommends using the services of a Customs Broker (Amil Meches – עמיל מכס) to handle the various aspects of the import.

Contact Information

ISRAEL TAX AUTHORITY
Hotline Countrywide
providing information by phone +972-2-5656400 or *4954
From 8:15 to 16:00

Email addresses here: https://taxes.gov.il/Pages/TaxesMoked.aspx

Price Check: Purim

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Price Check: Purim
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Purim in Israel – Price Check

purim outfits

Anglo-list’s price checks and comparisons have helped our immigrant community make important financial decisions and build their Aliyah budget.  Grocery and food items, holiday packages and cost of living are just some of the price checks and comparisons we’ve done in the past.  Purim gift giving (mishloach manot), fancy dress costumes and charitable contributions can add up to large sums of money. We hope this price comparison and tips will make for a pleasant, stress-free Purim this year.

Purim Costumes

Purim falls during the month of Adar in the Hebrew calendar.  As you amble along the streets, at least one month before the festival of Purim, you will see shops in Israel stocked up with fancy-dress costumes and accessories for adults and children, for both the religious and secular communities.

Creative parents have probably already come up with a unique and affordable Purim costume idea, but many Israeli children will want to dress up like their favorite superhero, a character from a movie or popular children’s television program or perhaps something more traditional like Queen Esther or a High Priest.

Kindergartens and day care centers, in Israel, encourage the children to start playing dress-up games a few weeks before so that when the big day comes, they don’t get stage fright and refuse to dress up at all.

One of the local Israeli suppliers we contacted, offers a selection of some 350 different ready-to-wear costumes but that does not include all the accessories that go with the perfect Purim outfit; wigs, masks, make-up, crowns, hats and other items.  Purim is big business in Israel and competition is rife.

Shop Prices

At Toys-R-Us masks, wigs and other accessories are priced at less than 50 shekels.  Costumes (from their on-line catalog) start at 120NIS for a toddlers outfit and their most expensive outfit was a Ninja costume retailing at 299NIS. You can purchase online or have it delivered directly to your home. Toys-R-Us also offer an in-store pickup.  Allow 10 days for delivery.  Orders of less than 200NIS come with a 30NIS delivery fee.

The Stock chain, our favorite dollar shop,  has a selection of Purim costumes for boys and girls of all ages as well as adults.  Best of all, they have inexpensive Purim accessories.  If you prefer ready-to-wear, Stock has toddler outfits for 50 shekels, children’s costumes for around 150 shekels. Adult costumes start at 120 shekels.

If you can do-it-yourself you might consider making a hammentaschen (oznei hamman) from cardboard, Sponge-Bob, a remote control, colorful butterfly wings which would set you back less than 50 shekels.  Make-up, face paints, colored hair spray can be bought cheaply and so can body accessories like Hamman’s ears (or maybe they are Mr. Spock’s), Pinocchio’s nose or oversized rubber feet.

Buying Online

If you are an online shopping addict, we found a few websites to order from.  Better hurry though!

For out American readers, Buycostumes.com has a range of approximately 4,000 costumes to choose from.  The most expensive costume we found on this website was for a Star Wars Black Shadow Trooper priced at $1,319 (a whopping 4,000 shekels).  Accessories start at $5.  Amazon is selling the same costume for $799 and they will ship it to Israel.

Amazon is selling baby and toddler outfits starting from $1.  An adult’s cosplay princess gown and cloak will set you back $80. Remember personal imports about $75 are subject to duty in Israel.

AliExpress is selling a much cheaper version of the Star Wars Black Shadow Trooper for around 100NIS. The Cosplay Darth Vader Costume is selling for 235NIS.  Allow 2-6 weeks for delivery.

LightInTheBox have some nice-looking adult costumes like Cleopatra, Gatsby, Medieval and an Audrey Hepburn outfit.  Starting at around 100NIS, their most expensive ladies Gothic Rococo gown sells for 650NIS. For men there is a kilt on sale for 140NIS.

Make your own Purim Costume

Here are 4 great ideas:

  1. Collect leaves and branches from the garden and fashion them into a headgear (a hot glue gun will come in handy).  A piece of brown fabric, tailored to resemble the bark and hey presto, you are now a ‘tree’.
  2. The hat of the cat from The Cat in the Hat, is an easy one to make; all you need is some stiff, white cardboard, red paint and a few staples to put it together.
  3. Remember Love Hearts – those sherbet sweets you ate when you were a child? You can make your own.  Cut a large circle from a piece or colored cardboard (Heb: bristol), draw a heart in the same color and print your special message.  You can go with something traditional like “I’m Yours”,  “You’re Cute”, or something more modern like “YOLO” or “Text Me”. Thread a ribbon in a matching color  to go around your neck
  4. DIY Minions can be put together with an inexpensive, yellow T-Shirt, glue on some plastic eyes (bought at a craft or dollar shop) and draw in the facial expression of your choice with a colored marker.  Emojis can be made in the same way.

Swap

One of our readers suggested shopping for Purim at second hand stores and she recommended Meshumashehu, in Misgav, near Karmiel (see below).  If Karmiel is far or similar shops are not accessible, swap Purim outfits with friends.  You might want to consider posting on one of the many Buy, Sell & Swap groups on Facebook. You will save a bundle.

Safety First

According to the European standard, children’s fancy dress costumes fall under the category of toys and as there is a ‘play hazard’ whilst wearing them and they must conform to laid out standards.  Before granting the local safety seal of approval (Hebrew: Tav Teken – תו תקן), the Standards Institution of Israel, tests toys for the following:

  • Heavy metals
  • Fire hazard (wigs, fabrics, colored hair sprays all present a safety hazard)
  • Choking hazard
  • Loose parts (eyes, buttons, badges that could fall off)
  • Sharp edges
  • Durability

Some 10% of toys imported into Israel, do not pass the Israel Standards Institution testing.  Before you buy, check that the items carry an Israel, American or European safety seal of approval especially if you are buying a heavily discounted item.

Here are examples of a few safety seals, you might look out for on local or imported toys.

tav taken CEMark toy mark certification2 340x363 iso
Israel Safety Seal   European Union Safety Seal
 German Safety Seal  International Safety Seal – ISO

Not only should an item carry a recognized safety seal of approval, like the examples above, the item should be clearly labeled and any hazard warning should be listed.   The importer’s details should also be clearly marked.

Hammentaschen (Oznei Hamman)

What would Purim be without Oznei Hamman? Indulge yourself! Oznei Hamman with a selection of fillings like poppy seed, chocolate, halva and dates have been on supermarket shelves and in bakeries since Tu B’Shvat .

How much do they cost?

Rami Levi Online Not available
Shufersal Online 43 shekels/kg – reduced from 52 shekels
Make your own 75 – 100 shekels for a large batch, depending on the fillings you choose.  Our recipe, yields about 50 pieces. You will need at least 4 hours of uninterrupted prep time.  Flavor wise, there is nothing to beat homemade.

Mishloach Manot (Purim Hampers)

Parents, if this is your first Purim in Israel, you will be expected to provide one small hamper for each of your children to take to school to be swapped with classmates.

  • Small hampers for children, can be bought from the supermarket from around 15 shekels.
  • Ready-made family hampers can cost anywhere between 50 – 200 shekels each at the supermarket.
  • Buy online for family and friends abroad.
  • Make your own.  Supermarkets have stocks of 5 shekel items that you can use to fill your hamper.  Buy hamper items in the shuk and save!  Your local dollar shop has a selection of inexpensive baskets and gift bags for your Purim hampers.

Chag Sameach!

Attractions, sighteeing & things to do in Eilat.

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Attractions, sighteeing & things to do in Eilat.
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Top attractions & things to do in Eilat 

SAM 1779

Warm weather, beautiful beaches and reefs make Eilat a popular holiday destination for locals and tourists.  Accommodation from a basic hostel to 5 star luxury hotels, time sharing and self-catering holiday apartments range from less than 100 shekels per night and run into the thousands for super-luxury suites.  Last minute 3 day holiday packages, midweek or weekend come relatively cheaply and some include flights as well.  January and February are low season.

A flight to Eilat takes about one hour and now the new Ilan & Assaf Ramon International Airport, just a few kilometers outside the town, make Eilat accessible and an even more popular destination for tourists from abroad.  Overseas investors can purchase a magnificent home or apartment with spectacular views and vistas of the mountains; Egypt to the west, Akaba in Jordan a short distance away and Saudi Arabia on the distant horizon.

SAM 1792
One of Eilat’s suburbs overlooking Akaba

Once you are in Eilat you can choose to relax on one of the magnificent beaches and soak up the rays, or take advantage of other attractions

The Promenade

The Promenade (Heb: Tayelet) is a hub of activity.  Lots of restaurants and fast food joints to choose from. An amusement park with activities for small children and adventurous adults.  Participate in folk dancing or zumba classes too. Inexpensive beach wear, sunglasses, children’s toys, cheap jewelry and souvenirs can be bought at the flea market on the promenade.

Bar Hopping

Lots of pubs and happy hours starting from 3 p.m. on the promenade. Enjoy singers, local and international bands and informal jam sessions or perhaps you prefer to ‘down a pint’ and watch a sporting event on a giant TV screen.

The Eilat Fountain

Israel’s largest musical fountain and spectacular audio-visual show, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturday evenings.  Free entrance at Eilat Central Park.

The Eilat Museum

Three exhibition halls with displays depicting  the history and establishment of Eilat.  Did you know that prior to being called ‘Eilat’ the name of the town was Um RashRash? The museum displays hundreds of photographs and multimedia shows on 9 screens.  A ten shekel entrance fee and open on Monday – Thursday from 10:00 – 20:00, Friday from 10:00 – 14:00 and from 12:00 – 20:00 on Saturday.

The Bird Watching Park

Often described as the ‘jewel in the crown’ by Israeli bird watching enthusiasts. The Eilat bird watching park is the place to learn about desert and other native birds.

Beaches

If you are not staying at one of the luxury hotels that has  its own private beach, you can still enjoy the many other public beaches. HaShchafim Beach screens films, the romantic HaZahav Beach or the Papaya Beach with an exotic vibe. Head to the Dolphin Reef if you want to swim and cavort with dolphins or to the Coral Beach for snorkeling, scuba diving and best views of underwater gardens.

Water Sports

Adults and children can enjoy extreme water sport activities such as jet skiing, water skiing, banana boats, tubing, parasailing and more.  In addition, you can rent small motor boats and kayaks and enjoy the the coastal waters.

The Aquarium & Underwater Observatory

Coral World Eilat.  The Gulf of Eilat is part of the 180km Gulf of Akaba. The gulf water temperature varies between 19º in winter to 26º in summer. A wide range of fish (about 1350 different species) and hard and soft corals (approximately 300 species) are found in the Red Sea. 

You might want to check out the ‘Life in the Dark’ exhibition – A display of mesmerizing jelly fish, illuminated fish, glowing corals, cuttle-fish and sea urchins that live in the deep waters.

The Shark and Invertebrates Pool where you can see the “kings of the ocean”; sharks, manta rays and stingrays in their full splendor.

Head down to the underwater observatory 6 meters below sea level for a window into the Red Sea.  You can also board a glass bottomed boat which sails over the coral reserve.

Experience the Desert

The Aravah valley – or dry region – forms part of the border between Israel and Jordan. In Biblical times, the Arava was a center of copper production; King Solomon is believed to have had mines here. 

The Timna Valley Park – 20 minutes out of Eilat – with some of the oldest copper mines in the world, amazing rock formations and a convoluted cliff called King Solomon’s Pillars.

The Eilat Mountains or Harei Eilat offer breathtaking views and spectacular desert trails. This large mountain range is known for its stunning beauty. Marvel over the rich yellow, red and brown rocky landscape. Over time erosion has resulted in narrow canyon only one or two meters wide, but hundreds of meters high. The area is home to animals like the Striped Hyena, Golden Jackal, and Dorcas Gazelle. Explore the mountains on foot or in a jeep safari tour. Camel safaris are another option.

Eilat Shopping

Eilat is a VAT free zone but we do suggest that you do price checks before your shopping expedition. 

Eilat’s promenade has a wide selection of designer and upmarket stores where you can buy clothes, shoes and other apparel, high-end jewelry and other luxury items.

The Ice-Mall, a standard Israeli shopping mall has a 150 stores and eateries on 2 levels.  There is also a selection of stands in an exclusive section called the “Mall Market”. The Ice Mall’s biggest attraction is an 1,800 square meter ice rink.  Ice shows, acrobatic shows, ice skating competitions and  even lessons can be watched from every corner of the mall.

Mall HaYam, is classed as one of the city’s major attractions for residents, visitors and tourists and is located on the shores of the North Beach close to the city center, hotels and other attractions. You will find a variety of fashion, accessories, shoe shops, perfume and beauty products, jewelry and electronic stores, a food-court and a variety of cafes.

Plan your next outing or vacation in Israel using our resources and recommendations.

The Law of Return

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The Law of Return

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Israel’s Law of Return.

Hebrew: חֹוק הַשְׁבוּת

law of return
Image credit: Unsplash – Jerusalem from the Mt. of Olives

The Law of Return (Hok HaShvut) was passed on 20th Tammuz, 5710 corresponding to the 5th July, 1950.

In a nutshell, the law gives Jews the right to return to, and the right to live in Israel and gain Israeli citizenship (to make Aliyah).  Since 1950 there have been a few small amendments but in 1970, the right of entry and settlement was also extended to people with one Jewish grandparent or people married to a Jew, although they were not considered Jewish under Jewish law (Halacha)

Since 1970 the law applies to those born as Jews (having a Jewish mother or maternal grandmother), those with Jewish ancestry (having a Jewish father or grandfather) and converts to Judaism (Orthodox, Reform, or Conservative denominations—not secular—though Reform and Conservative conversions must take place outside the state, similar to civil marriages).

The entire law is published, in English, on the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs website

More about Israel, facts, figures and information

The Israel Ministry of Aliyah & Integration

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The Israel Ministry of Aliyah & Integration
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The Ministry of Aliyah & Integration in Israel –  Misrad HaAliyah VeHaKlitah

Hebrew: משרד העלייה והקליטה

 

General Services

The Ministry of Aliyah and Integration is responsible for assisting new immigrants and returning residents as outlined by the State of Israel.  They are responsible for encouraging aliyah and the absorption procedures prior to and after immigration (aliyah) to Israel.  In the immigrant population they also promote entrepreneurship, provide employment assistance, promote Hebrew learning, promote higher education and assisting at-risk immigrant youth.

The Ministry of Aliyah and Integration works in conjunction with the Ministry of Construction and Housing and the Ministry of Finance to provide assistance with housing for eligible immigrants.

Financial assistance to new immigrants is provided in the following ways:

1. Sal Klitah – The Absorption Basket

The Absorption Basket is financial assistance designed to help immigrants during the initial stages of aliyah with living expenses during ulpan study (6 months) as well as  rental assistance for their first twelve months in Israel

2. Income Insurance – Bituach Leumi

Immigrants who cannot work to support themselves are entitled to receive income insurance – Bituach Leumi.  Income insurance is also provided for those immigrants who cannot be considered ’employment seekers’ for special reasons.

3. Additional Financial Assistance

Additional financial assistance is given to needy immigrants, refugee immigrants, complementary income to low-salary immigrants, loans for entrepreneurs, scholarships, grants to soldiers and other sectors of the community as outlined in current laws and regulations.

On-line Services

We always hear horror stories from new immigrants when they are forced to venture into any of the government offices.  Misrad HaKlitah is no exception.  Fortunately, you can now access your immigrant file online and enjoy the following online services:-

  1. Find your position in the public housing waiting list.​
  2. Update your address in Israel
  3. Verify the payments you have received from Misrad HaKlitah
  4. Verify new immigrant and returning resident entitlements
  5. Apply for employment assistance
  6. Download forms
  7. Apply for business advice prior to and after Aliyah

Contact Information

Information center Public Inquiries Fax Website
03-973-0 03-5209127

 

02-6752765

04-8631124

 03-5209161 https://www.moia.gov.il/English/Pages/default.aspx

Call Center

The Ministry of Aliyah and Immigrant Absorption has recently opened a call center for information on a variety of topics.  Here is the call center contact information

Learn Hebrew

The Israel Poison Information Center

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The Israel Poison Information Center

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The Israel Poison Information Center at Rambam Hospital – 24/7.

Hebrew:  המרכז הארצי למידע בהרעלות

Israel Poison Information Center Hotline
The Israel Poison Information Center of the Ministry of Health, is the National Poison Center of Israel and the only service of its kind in the country.  Located at Rambam Health Care Campus  in Haifa, expert advice on poisonings is available to the general public via a telephone hotline which operates 24/7.  Not only will they advise on poison-related issues, but they will also answer questions on different drugs, their effects, and allergic reactions.

Mom and Dad – do not underestimate the ability of young children to reach medicines or chemicals. Keep all poisons, especially things you use daily, such as medicines, drain cleaners, oven or grill cleaners, bleach, and dishwasher machine powder, well out of reach of children.

If your child has swallowed any of these or you are concerned about the effects of various drugs during pregnancy and lactation, the Israel Poison Information Center will be able to answer your questions.

Nurses, with an extensive background in emergency medicine and intensive care, under the supervision of the center’s clinical toxicologists and physicians, consult with the public on all matters relating to drug interactions, poison, and chemicals.ot only will they given advice for poison related issues, they also answer question on different drugs,  their effects and allergic reactions.

The telephone number for the Israel Poison Information Center Hotline

04-7771900 (24/7)

Signs and symptoms of poisonings

  • drowsiness
  • sudden change in behavior
  • unusual odor
  • pill fragments on the lips or clothes
  • excessive drooling
  • vomiting
  • a confused mental state
  • listlessness

These common household items can be poisonous for children

  • cosmetics and personal care products
  • cleaning substances and laundry products
  • pain medicine and antihistamines
  • topical preparations
  • vitamins
  • pesticides
  • plants
  • antimicrobials

Adult poisonings

Most adult poisonings are caused by:

Top tips for preventing a tragic accident

Remember that child-resistant packaging does not mean childproof packaging.

  • Never tell your children that medicine tastes like candy or sweets
  • Keep all medications out of the reach of children
  • Read package inserts carefully.  Package inserts in Israel, are now mostly written in Hebrew, English, Russian, Arabic and Amharic

Medical Terminology

Learn Hebrew with our free word-sheet. Hebrew, English & transliterated medical terms.

English Transliteration Hebrew
Allergic reaction Tguva alergit תגובה אלרגית
Chemical Kimikal, chomer kimi כִימִיקָל, חומר כימי
Emergency situation Matzav hirum מצב חירום
First aid Ezra rishona עֶזְרָה רִאשׁוֹנָה
Medicine Troofa תְּרוּפָה
Poison Ra’al רַעַל
Pregnant Beherayon בהריון
Sting Akatz עָקַץ
Swallowed Balah בָּלַע
Unconscious Chasar hakarah חֲסַר הַכָּרָה
Venom Ehres אֶרֶס
Vomiting Haka’a הקאה

Hebrew English: Snow

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Learn Hebrew words and phrases for ‘snow’.

Hebrew, English & Transliterated Words & Phrases

Snow – שלג


English
Transliteration
Hebrew
AvalancheMapolet shlagimמַפֹּלֶת שְׁלָגִים
BlizzardSufat shelegסוּפַת שֶׁלֶ
FrostKforכְּפוֹר
GlacierKarchonקַרְחוֹן
GlovesKfafotכפפות
IceKerachקֶרַח
Jacket/coatMe’ilמְעִיל
Shovel (noun)Eitאֵת
Shovel snowTafles shelegתפלס שלג
SkatingHachlakaהַחְלָקָה
SkiSkiסְקִי
Ski equipmentTziyud skiציוד סקי
Ski liftMaalit haskiמעלית הסקי
Ski/snow suitHalifat Ski a.k.a Hermonit (army issue)חליפת סקי
SleetGeshem-shelegגשם-שלג
SnowShelegשלג
SnowflakesPetitei shelegפְּתִיתֵי שֶׁלֶג
Snow manIsh shelegאִישׁ שֶׁלֶג
Snow ploughMachresha shelegמחרשה שלג
 
Maybe now is a good time to read that all-time favorite to your little ones:
Snow White & the 7 DwarvesShilgia veshivat hagamidimשלגיה ושבעת הגמדים

More words & phrases, by topic….

Fun Fact:  A Hermonit – חרמונית – is an army issue snow-suit.  So called as it is issued to soldiers serving in the Golan Heights – on or close to Mt. Hermon where it snows in the winter.  The Hermonit is a must-have for soldiers on night-time guard duty.

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Hebrew English ‘Rain’ Words.

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Hebrew English ‘Rain’ Words.

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Learn new Hebrew words for rain and rainy days.

Free word-sheet with Hebrew, English & transliterations.

Did you know that the highest annual rainfall ever recorded, in Israel, was at Meron (Upper Galilee) – 1673mm during the rainfall season of 1968/1969? The highest monthly rainfall ever recorded was also at Meron – 744mm in January 1969 – source Israel Meteorological Service.

Hebrew English rain

English Transliteration Hebrew
Acid rain  Geshem Humtzi גשם חומצי
Average rainfall  Kamuyot geshamin memutza’ot כמויות גשמים ממוצעות
Cloudburst  Shever anan שֶׁבֶר עָנָן
Cloudy  Me’unan מְעֻנָּן
Condensation  Ibui עִבּוּי
Drizzle  Tiftoof טִפְטוּף
Flood  Shitafon שִׁטָּפוֹן
Hail  Barad ברד
Lightning  Barak ברק
Partly cloudy  Me’unan helkit מעונן חלקית
Rain  Geshem גשם
Rainbow  Keshet קשת
Rain gauge  Mud geshem  מַד-גֶּשֶׁם
Stormy  So’er  סוֹעֵר
Struck/electrocuted by lightning Hitchashmel al yedai barak התחשמל על ידי ברק
Thunder Ra’am  רַעַם

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Israel Transport Tariff Reform

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Israel Transport Tariff Reform

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Israel Transport Tariff Reform

Hebrew: רפורמת התעריפים בתחבורה הציבורית במטרופולינים

The Basics of the Reform

transport tariff

As of  1 January 2016. passengers using public transport will be able to use a new pricing method which applies  to all modes of public transport (as defined by the Ministry of Transport)  in the metropolitan areas and any combination thereof.  Until now you had to pay separately for the various modes of transport however as of 1 January, 2016 you can load your RAV KAV (multi-transport ticket) with a new ‘Travel-Pass’.  This new travel-pass allows you to travel on the bus, by train, metrobus and the light rail, separately or combined within a given metropolitan area (subject to the limitations of the selected pass).

In August 2015 Anglo-list petitioned the Haifa Municipality & The Ministry of Transport to have the Carmelit included in the transport tariff reform.  Even though we had more than 1,500 signatures from Haifa residents who regularly use the Carmelit, our petition was initially rejected on the basis that The Ministry of Transport does not recognize the Carmelit as public transport.

IMPORTANT UPDATE: On May 17th, 2016, it was announced that the Carmelit has  been recognized as public transport and will be incorporated into the new Travel Pass thereby lowering the cost to the public.

This came into effect in January 2017.

Metropolitan Areas

There are 4 Metropolitan areas that are included in the Transport Tariff Reform and they are Haifa, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Be’er Sheva. Within each metropolitan area there are three zones or ‘bands’ – Hebrew” Tabaot – within the metropolitan boundary.  As long as you remain within this boundary you can combine different modes of transport with the new Travel-Pass

In each metropolitan area, each zone or band has a central band – Band No. 1, and 2 outer bands, Band 2 and Band 3

  • Band 1 – includes the city center and surrounding neighborhoods (most of your transport requirements will take place in Band 1)
  • Band 2 – areas that are further out and beyond the central band.  Band 2 has sub-zones as well.
  • Band 3 – are areas further out and beyond Band 2.  Band 3 also has sub-zones.

To travel from one Band to another, you need to select and purchase a Travel-Pass and fare combination that covers those areas.

Fare Options

  • A single-ride ticket option is still available, this can be loaded onto you Rav Kav or you can buy a single paper ticket.  If loaded onto your Rav Kav you have a 90 minute window in which you can transfer to another bus to another.  There is NO 90 minute window nor a transfer option with a single paper ticket.
  • Now, the new Travel-Pass incorporates 3 additional  types of fare options, which have come into effect

1. Daily Pass

  • The Daily Pass is valid on the date of purchase only. The pass is valid on buses, trains, light-rail and metrobuses, depending on the area selected at purchase
  • Daily Pass fares start at NIS 16 ( Band 1) and up to 44 NIS  (Band 3) – the entire Metropolitan area

2. Weekly Pass

  • The Weekly Pass is valid for 7 days from the date of purchases and allows you unlimited travel
  • The Weekly Pass is to be purchases from the transport operator or at a train station
  • Weekly Pass starts at NIS 75 ( Band 1) and up to 190 NIS (Band 3) – the entire Metropolitan area

3. Monthly Pass

  • The Monthly Pass is valid for one month and it can be purchased either from the Transport Operator or at the train station.
  • Monthly Passes purchased via  the public transport operators are valid for one calendar month (from the 1st of the month to the last day of the month) and can can be purchased from the 25th of the previous month.
  • Monthly Passes purchased at the train stations are valid for 30 days from the date of purchase.
  • Monthly Pass starts at NIS 250 ( Band 1) and up to 495 NIS  (Band 3) – the entire Metropolitan area

Route Combinations

There are 7 different zones and sub-zones in Tel Aviv and 8 in Haifa, Jerusalem and Beer Sheva.  The are numerous route combinations within these zones and each available combination, has its own fare.  Each fare has a ‘sharing code’ and when you purchase your ticket, you must be sure that you purchase it according to the ‘sharing code’.  In Haifa, Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Beer Sheva there are 12, 14, 16 and 15 sharing codes respectively.  So in total, there are 57 different ticket rout/pricing options.  The route maps can be accessed on the Transport Reform website at www.trans-reform.co.il/.   Please note that when you click on the English option, you will be required to download a PDF file with all the information.

If we understand this new system correctly, here is an example of what can be done using the various transport options within Band 1 in the Haifa Metropolitan area:

You can get on a train in Haifa at Hof HaCarmel, get off at the Merkazit HaMifratz train station adjacent to the Cimemall,  take in a movie, hop on a bus to the Druze Villages (Usufiya & Daliat El Carmel) then catch a bus to the Hadar where you can go to the Shuk then hop on a Metronit, get off in the German Colony, take in the view of the Bahai Temple on Ben Gurion Blvd., get on the Metronit again, stop at the Egged train station, hop on the next train and get off at Hof HaCarmel  all for cost of the 16 shekel Daily Pass,

If you were to do this on the old system, this day’s worth of transport would cost around 45 NIS.  Now that’s a cool saving!!

Loading the Travel Pass onto the Rav Kav

Travel passes can be loaded by bus drivers, at “Al-Hakav” centers, charging stations all over Israel, bus company ticket offices, train stations, and on the Rav Kav website – ravkavonline.co.il.  You have to register on the Rav Kav website and then you can proceed to load or refill your Rav Kav.  The website is in Hebrew.

Any discounts you are entitled too; students, pensioners etc., will be programmed into your Travel Pass on the Rav Kav.

Learn these new Hebrew Words & Phrases

English Transliteration Hebrew
Area/zone Ezor עזור
Bus Otobus אוטובוס
Bus driver Nehag Otobus נהג אוטובוס
Combined ticket Kartis meshulav קרטיס משולב
Daily pass/ticket Kartis yomi קרטיס יומי
Discount Hanacha הנחה
Monthly pass/ticket Kartis hodshi קרטיס חודשי
Multi-ride ticket Kartisiya קרטיסיה
Passengers Nosim נושעים
Pay for a ticket LeShalem avur kartis לשלם עבור  הקרטיס
Reform Reforma רפורמה
Route Maslul מסלול
Single ride Nisiya bodedet נסיעה בודדת
Tariff Tarif תעריף
Train Rakevet רכבת
Transport Tachbura תחבורה
Weekly pass/ticket Kartis Shvu’i קרטיס שבועי

Call *8787 for more info (no promises for an English speaking customer service rep)

Online Shopping in Israel

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Online Shopping in Israel

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Convenient online shopping in Israel.

Hebrew: קניות באינטרנט בארץ ובחו”ל

shopping online

Click, click, click! Israelis love to shop online.

Local, online supermarket shopping sites like Mega, Shufersal and Rami Levi are ideal options for career minded families who work long hours and never seem make it to the store.  Buying clothes online from shopping sites is more popular than ever. In February 2018 it was announced that as a result in the surge of online shopping, retail clothing stores, in Israel, reported an 18 percent drop in sales.

Local Israeli websites let you purchase fruit, vegetables, local and imported groceries, alcohol, furniture, airline tickets, vacation packages and even car insurance are plentiful. A quick Google search will get you results.  Compare prices of electronics and appliances on websites like Zap.  Be careful of auction sites and group purchasing sites.  Make sure you read the fine print, customer ratings and reviews.  The washing machine at a greatly reduced price, may be refurbished, last years model or a showroom item.

Online Purchases from Chinese Sites

Remember when ordering clothing from Chinese sites especially, their clothing sizes are different.  Chinese sizes are much smaller and many local consumers have landed up with merchandise they can only dream of fitting into.

Luxury Items and Electronics

Shopping sites selling brand name watches at low prices – beware, these are probably knock-offs.

Mobile phones are often reconditioned.  Check guarantees.

Fashion Knock-offs from China

Despite claims of authenticity, those Adidas sport shoes, the Diesel jeans for $30 and the Ralph Lauren polo shirts are most likely knock-offs too.

Shipping charges

While some sites offer international, worldwide shipping, not all of them deliver to Israel. Some sites offer free shipping to Israel and delivery charges may be levied by some vendors.

Import charges, taxes and VAT

As at November 2014, the Israel Tax Authority allows you to bring in items with the following restrictions

  1. Personal imports up to $75 – there are no taxes
  2. Personal imports from $75 – $500, no customs tax will be levied but VAT and Purchase Tax may apply
  3. Any personal imports over $500 are subject to all taxes, customs, VAT and purchase tax.
  4. Any import with a value of more than $1,000 will require the services of an import agent

Customs & Handling Fees

Having your purchases delivered by regular, snail mail, can be tedious and you may be tempted to have your purchases shipped by courier services like Fedex, DHL and UPS.  Beware! There is a good chance that your parcel will be opened for a spot-check and if it is, you will be charged a handling fee and of course any taxes that might be owing. Often the handling fee is more than the value of the item.

Buy what you need and not what you want

Like all well managed shopping and spending habits, make a list and buy what you need.  Don’t act on impulse and buy whatever you want.  Women tend to fall victim to the kitchen accessories department. The magnetic baking pan, the plaited bread mold, the ‘smiley’ crepe pan and the embossed rolling pin are likely to lay in the cupboard, unopened for years.

Paying for your Purchase

There are many online payment processors like PayPal, Venmo and Google Wallet. If you have a PayPal or similar account, use it.  It’s easier to solve a dispute via PayPal than via local credit card companies. If you are using your credit card, you might be asked if you would like the system to save your details. Best not to allow that option.  You don’t want to be charged month after month for an item purchased just because an unscrupulous vendor has your credit card details.

Tips for Buying Groceries Online

  • There are no online grocery shopping websites in Israel that are in English.  Ask a friend to help with your first few orders on Hebrew websites.  You’ll get the hang of it quickly and at the same time, learn new Hebrew words.
  • When purchasing your groceries online, compare prices based on weight (per 100g), per volume (per 100ml) or even per length (per meter).  A pack of 36 rolls of toilet paper maybe more expensive than a pack of 24 when you compare the price per meter.

More on shopping in Israel and consumer related issues

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