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Trip Report
Tips for Israel
In addition to Biblical ruins, Crusader fortresses, and cosmopolitan cities, you can enjoy hiking trails up north or starry nights in the desert down south.
+ 5
AsiaIsrael200 days / January - February - March - April - May - June - July - August - September - October - November - December 2022
Highs & Lows
The vibrant street life!
Israeli driving is chaotic and aggressive!
Itinerary Overview
I’ve been living in Israel for the past 15 years (on and off) and I’m still finding hidden gems! I decided to live in Israel consistently for the past year and lived in both Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Before moving to Tel Aviv, I worked in a travelers hostel for the past year in Jerusalem (so I have many travel tips for tourists!)
Travel within Israel is easily accessible. Public transportation is one of the things Israel has done better than any other country I’ve traveled to. Buses are frequent and comfortable. The easiest form of payment for public transport would be to simply download the app ‘HopOn,’ plug in your credit card details, and scan the QR code when getting on a bus/train. An alternative method of payment is to purchase a RavKav, a green card, and to fill that up with money (which can be purchased and filled at many grocery stores or hostels.)
Q & A
What would you have changed?
I have had a few negative experiences in Jerusalem since it is quite a religious city. For example, I have gotten yelled at by the ultra-Orthodox because of the clothes I was wearing or because I sat next to an ultra-Orthodox man on the bus.
How was the food?
Best Sabich place ( which is an Israeli sandwich of pita or laffa bread stuffed with fried eggplants, hard boiled eggs, chopped salad, parsley, amba and tahini sauce) in Jerusalem is called Aricha, next to Mahne Yehuda.
What tips would you give a friend?
Keep the paper visa/slip you receive at the airport safely since you will be asked to show this at hostels to avoid paying VAT.
Packing tips?
Sunblock and summer clothes in Tel Aviv!
Any surprises?
It's very easy to get by with little to no Hebrew in Tel Aviv! Although you can count on meeting many Israelis, many speak English quite well and there are many English speaking ex-pats that live in the city.
Booking details?
When booking hostels, it is almost always cheaper to book directly with the hostel rather than booking through a travel agency.
Lodging
Rented an apartment on Ben Yehuda/Jabotinsky. Amazing location, right next to the Hilton beach!
I rented an apartment right next to the Gan Sacher park.