Best Time to Visit

The best months to visit Tel Aviv are March through April and September through November, as spring and fall bring reasonable and pleasant temperatures as well as the lowest prices. Moreover, during this period you will avoid the tourist crowds, so you can fully enjoy outdoor cafes and markets. However, if you are heading to Tel Aviv for your summer holidays, then May to August is your time. The sun is bright and warm and the Mediterranean is perfect for a swim. Remember to book at least two months in advance, as this is the peak tourist season.

Passport / Visa

To visit Israel you need a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry. If you hold an Israeli passport, you will be required to present it upon arrival. Many countries have a Visa Waiver Program with Israel, which allows their citizens to visit Israel without a pre-arranged visa. Citizens of Australia, Canada, the EU, and the USA do not need a visa for touristic stays up to 90 days. Citizens of other countries can check if they need a visa using the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Because of diplomatic issues, you might not be able to travel to some Arab or predominantly Muslim countries if your passport shows an Israeli visa or stamp. To solve this problem, your visa will be stamped on a separate entry card when you arrive in Israel. Remember to bring your passport with you on trips to Palestinian territories: it will probably be required at checkpoints and border crossings.

• Web:

  www.gov.il/en/subjects/certificates_and_passports/tourist_visas

Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)

Ben Gurion Airport is the main international airport serving Tel Aviv, located 19 km to the southeast of the city. David Ben-Gurion was the primary national founder of the State of Israel and the first Prime Minister of Israel. To travel to the city centre from the airport you can use the national bus company called Egged bus. There are two locations where you can take the bus from. One is the Airport City and the other is the Ben Gurion Airport — arrival and departure terminals. The second way to travel from the airport is by train. Israel Railways operates the Ben Gurion Airport Railway Station, located in the lower level of Terminal 3. The train goes to the north-west of Tel Aviv, Haifa and other destinations in the north, south-east to Modi'in, or south to Beersheba via Lod, Kiryat Gat and Lehavim. The journey to Tel Aviv Savidor Central Railway Station takes around 18 minutes. The taxi service from the airport is provided under the supervision of the Israel Airport Authority. Passengers are recommended to avoid the use of non-authorized taxi services. The taxi station are located in front of the Terminal on Level G, near the exit through Gate 01.

• Web:

  www.iaa.gov.il/en

• Address:

  Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv

• Phone:

  +972 3 975 8303

• More info:

  Commonly known by its Hebrew acronym as Natbag

Public Transport

Buses: The main public bus company that operates in Tel Aviv is called Dan and the national bus operator is Egged. Most buses in Tel Aviv do not run on Shabbat (from Friday mid-afternoon until Saturday night). The shared taxi busses called "sherut" continue to run. Instead of regular busses, the Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality runs free busses during Shabbat. Tickets and Fares: There are discounts for children, senior citizens and the disabled. You can either buy single rides, monthly subsections or an all-in-one public transportation pass. Tickets and passes can be obtained on the bus or at central bus stations. Trains: Tel Aviv-Yafo has four train stations, all of which are situated along the Ayalon highway. All trains to Tel Aviv-Yafo stop at all four stations. For best access to the city centre, use either Tel Aviv Savidor Merkaz (also known as Arlozorov), or HaShalom, which is located in a large shopping mall.

• Web:

  www.touristisrael.com/using-the-bus-in-tel-aviv

Taxi

Taxis in Israel are relatively cheap by European standards. In the city, drivers must use the meter (moneh) unless they agree a fixed fare with the passenger. Inter-city taxis have fixed fares. You will have to pay extra for calling a taxi, your luggage, for going from the Ben Gurion airport. Night rates are 25% higher and you will often be asked to pay more on Friday and Saturday during Shabbat. Probably the most convenient way to get around Tel Aviv is by using a taxi app like Gett (formerly GetTaxi) or Uber.

• Web:

  www.touristisrael.com/taxis-in-israel

Electricity

Israel operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. You will usually find plug type C (two round pins, common in Europe). You can also see plug H (three pins in a triangular shape), which is compatible with type C.