Digital Nomad Life in Israel
Summary: Israel is a popular destination for digital nomads. The most popular cities for digital nomads in Israel are Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa. Digital nomads like living in Israel because of its vibrant culture, excellent food, and great weather. A digital nomad can live on a monthly budget of around $2,000 in Israel. This budget should cover accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment. The culture of Israel is a mix of Middle Eastern and Western influences. It is a very diverse country with a rich history and culture. There are many cultural attractions to explore, such as museums, galleries, and historical sites. The country is also known for its vibrant nightlife and excellent cuisine.
How do I meet people in Israel?
When we asked people living in Israel about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:
"Expats in Israel often join clubs and activities such as language classes, sports teams, and cultural events. Expats can also meet people through work, school, or religious organizations. Additionally, many expats join social media groups or attend meetups to connect with other expats living in Israel. Finally, expats can also meet people through volunteering or attending local festivals and events," explained one expat living in Israel.
"I highly recommend a small French restaurant in downtown Jerusalem called "Cavaliere". They offer a great selection of wines from all over the world as well as great food. It's a bit pricey but a special business lunch menu is available. Also I recommend "Sakura" restaurant for Japanese cousine lovers. It's a small place but offers a great selection of sushi, maki etc as well as salads and other lapanese dishes. In my opinion this is the most authentic japanese restaurant in Jerusalem," said one person in Jerusalem.
What is life like in Israel?
When we asked people living in Israel what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:
"Life for expats and digital nomads in Israel is generally quite pleasant. The country is known for its vibrant culture, delicious food, and stunning landscapes. Expats and digital nomads can find plenty of opportunities to explore the country's many attractions, from its ancient cities to its modern metropolises. The cost of living is relatively low, and the country is home to a large number of tech startups, making it an attractive destination for digital nomads. The country is also known for its welcoming attitude towards foreigners, making it a great place to settle down and make new friends," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Israel.
"60% of the population is very religious and places close on Sabath (on Friday around 3 pm till Saturday's sunset). You may not be able to find a grocery store that is open around this time, so buy food before Sabath," explained one person living in Jerusalem, Israel.
Expats interested in International Health Insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.
Expats interested in International Health Insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.
Where should I live in Israel?
We asked digital nomads and expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:
"One of the best ways to find a place to live in Israel is to use online resources such as websites and classifieds. Websites such as Yad2, Nefesh B'Nefesh, and Zoopla are great resources for finding apartments, houses, and other rental properties. Additionally, classifieds such as Craigslist and Gumtree can be used to find rental properties. Additionally, it is possible to find a place to live in Israel by networking with friends, family, and colleagues who may know of available rental properties. Finally, it is possible to find a place to live in Israel by contacting real estate agents who specialize in rental properties," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Israel.
"I found an amazing relocation service through a guy named Rani. He found me accomodation and a job and helped me with everything, including opening a bank account, acquiring a credit balance, access to free medical aid, he even took me to the grocery store to familiarize me with all the products. Then he had referred me to a 5 hour Hebrew training crash course where I learned basic Hebrew," explained one person living in Tel Aviv, Israel.
What do I need to know before moving to Israel?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Israel, they said:
"Get used to very poor shopping opportunities, rude people and places closing on Sabath," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Jerusalem.
"Before retiring in Israel, expats should familiarize themselves with the country's tax system and residency requirements. It is important to understand the cost of living in Israel, as well as the availability of healthcare and other services. Expats should also research the different types of visas available and the process for obtaining them. Additionally, expats should consider the language barrier and the cultural differences between their home country and Israel. Finally, expats should research the different neighborhoods and cities in Israel to find the best place to retire," explained one person living in Israel.
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What do people appreciate most about the culture in Israel?
"The people here are so warm. They will not trust you at first, but when you prove to them you are a nice person, they will open up to you. Most people have learned English from an early age here, and are often eager to speak to you in English. This was so helpful and crucial when I first came here," said one person in Kfar Saba.
"Expats in Israel appreciate the country's rich history and culture, which is evident in its many archaeological sites, museums, and monuments. They also enjoy the vibrant nightlife, the delicious food, and the warm hospitality of the locals. Additionally, expats appreciate the country's diverse religious and cultural backgrounds, which make it a unique and interesting place to live. Finally, expats enjoy the country's beautiful landscapes, from the Mediterranean Sea to the Negev Desert," said one expat who made the move to Israel.
Expats interested in International Health Insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.
Expats interested in International Health Insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.
What do people find most challenging about the culture in Israel?
"Finding someone that speaks english, you can call anytime if you have questions about anything. Most people here grew up together, so they are not as quick to make new best friends. If you can find a nice group of friends it makes life 1,000 times easier. Also if you don't speak the language, employment can be difficult in more rural parts. Closer to the city, easier to get a job in only english. And not feeling "dumb" because you don't know something. A different country can be a different world," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Kfar Saba.
"Expats in Israel often find the local culture to be quite different from what they are used to, and can find it challenging to adjust to the new environment. Many expats find the language barrier to be a major challenge, as Hebrew is the primary language spoken in Israel. Additionally, the country's religious and cultural norms can be difficult to understand and navigate for those who are not familiar with them. Expats may also find it difficult to adjust to the fast-paced lifestyle in Israel, as well as the country's strict security measures," explained one person living in Israel.
"Inefficiency. Dirtiness. Extremely aggressive rudeness on occasion (ex. bus drivers screaming and threatening you) Cars parking on sidewalks and in the right driving lane--for real," said one expat in Ramat Gan.
What residency documents or visas did I need if I will be in Israel for a while?
"If you plan to stay in Israel for an extended period of time, you will need to apply for a long-term visa. Depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a tourist visa, a student visa, a work visa, or a business visa. You will also need to provide proof of financial stability, such as a bank statement, and a valid passport. Additionally, you may need to provide proof of health insurance, a police clearance certificate, and a valid return ticket," said one person in Israel.
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Expats interested in International Health Insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.
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What cultural blunders should I try to avoid making in Israel?
We asked people in Israel if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. They wrote:
"It is important to be respectful of the culture and customs of Israel. It is considered rude to make negative comments about the country or its people. It is also important to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. It is also important to be aware of the Sabbath, which is observed from sundown on Friday to sundown on Saturday, and to avoid doing any work or using electronic devices during this time. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and to avoid making any comments that could be seen as insensitive or offensive," said one expat in Israel.
"Sometimes I still go to a store on Friday night/Saturday to find it closed for Shabat, or one of the many Israeli/Jewish holidays I was unaware of," remarked one member in Kfar Saba.
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Expats interested in International Health Insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.
Expats interested in International Health Insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.
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What are healthcare services like in Israel?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Israel, they replied:
"Israel has a comprehensive healthcare system that provides a wide range of services to its citizens and foreign residents. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is of high quality. It is available to all citizens and permanent residents, regardless of their income level. Foreign residents are also eligible for public healthcare services, although they may be required to pay a fee. Expats in Israel can use the public healthcare system by registering with the Ministry of Health and obtaining a health insurance card. This card allows them to access the same services as Israeli citizens, including primary care, specialist care, hospitalization, and prescription drugs," wrote one digital nomad living in Israel.
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Expats interested in International Health Insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.
Expats interested in International Health Insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.
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What are the pros and cons of living in Israel?
"Expats and digital nomads living in Israel often appreciate the country's vibrant culture, diverse cuisine, and rich history. They also enjoy the warm climate, beautiful beaches, and outdoor activities. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the cost of living in Israel to be quite high, and the language barrier can be a challenge. Additionally, the political situation in the region can be a source of stress for some," explained one expat living in Israel.
"I came to Israel because I loved it here. My two kids live here (my daughter got married this week!) But life here is so so unnecessarily hard. I'm shocked at the filth and garbage. The constant noise (and I'm a city girl, from NY & Boston). People don't recycle. Dog poop all over. Cost of living is sky high (cheaper outside the center, but the center is where everyone is!) Our wi-fi sucks half the time though that's getting better. The banking laws are medieval. So there ya go. We are out of here soon," said one digital nomad in Tel Aviv.
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Expats interested in International Health Insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.
Expats interested in International Health Insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.
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About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and serves as Co-President of Expat Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
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