Here are a few helpful tips to be aware of when setting up your home:

Don’t be afraid of bargaining. Don’t feel bad asking for a discount or a special price. Mention that you are an Oleh Chadash and are thinking of purchasing other items with this company - you will probably get better rates than those advertised.
No refund. When purchasing items in Israeli stores, there is no refund policy. Generally, if you return an item, you will receive a store credit which you will need to use within a certain time limit.
Call them up. A lot of information is on the web, but speaking with a company’s representative is always better if you want to get the most updated rates and information.
Tell them you’re an Oleh. Israelis like and appreciate new Olim: therefore, don’t hesitate to introduce yourself as a new Oleh.
Where are the meters. When entering a new apartment, remember to ask the landlord or the previous tenant to show you the location of all meters – electricity, water and gas. Take a minute to write down the current count on each meter. In addition, ask to see the exact location of your dud shemesh (solar heated water tank) on the roof.
Shop around. Before signing up with any service provider, shop around in order to get the best price and service available.
Ask family and friends. Always ask your family and friends about their experiences and recommendations.
Complain. Don’t hesitate to let your service provider know when you are dissatisfied. Occasionally, you may get better rates and compensation for the inconvenience.
Business Directory. Visit www.nbnbusiness.co.il to get attractive offers from various businesses in Israel.
Exterminate. Before moving in to a new apartment it is advisable to bring an exterminator and cleaning company. You may find them in the yellow pages, by calling 144 or visiting: www.d.co.il.

Aliyah Tip
Do not sign any legal document (rental or purchase) until consulting with a real estate lawyer.

Electricity
Introduction
When moving into a new apartment, it is advisable to switch the electric bill to your name, even if you are renting. This will avoid confusion when the time comes to pay the bill.
How do you transfer the electric bill to your name?

• Read the current number on the apartment’s electric meter Meter reading


• Dial 103


• Give the contract number which is on the top left of the electric bill


• Ask for a final check


• Give your name, Teudat Zehut number and phone number


• The new bill will now list your name

Tips:
The electric bill will be sent to you every two months.
Keep in mind that your monthly bill will include the monthly payment and a kilowatt per hour rate, based on usage.  In addition there is a one-time fee for transferring the bill (which will be added to your first bill)

Click here for English translation of electric bill.

Gas:
Introduction
There are two ways in which the gas is set up in apartments and houses:

• Central gas tank (provides gas for the whole building). The central gas tank is refilled automatically by the gas company.


• Private 12/48 kg. gas tanks. When using a private gas tank, you should keep track of the refill date. 

Tips:      
In addition to powering a gas stove, gas is also used for heating. In some homes the building has a central heating system, which uses gas for heat. In other homes, you may have a private gas heating system (known as ‘Yoonkers’). Each of the gas companies listed above can offer you this service.
If you suspect a gas leak in your apartment, immediately call your gas company, open your windows, and leave your house.

Company	Phone #	Website
Amisra Gas	1-700-701-702	www.amisragas.co.il
PazGaz	1-800-667-788	www.pazgas.co.il
Super Gas	*3114	www.supergas.co.il

Water

Introduction
Every municipality has its own company that deals with the administration and billing for water and sewage services. Some companies are part of the municipality itself, and are therefore dealt within the municipality offices: however, others are private companies, with whom you will need to deal directly. The following page specifies the different companies and municipalities, as well as how to transfer the bill to your name.

Tips:         

• In some places, the water bill is included as part of your Arnona (municipal tax) bill or as part of the Yishuv taxes, and in other places you will receive independent bills. Please note that if you are receiving an Oleh discount for Arnona, it will not apply to the water bill.


• The water bill contains three components:

  Personal consumption (צריכה פרטית ) – the difference between the current meter reading and the previous one.
  Shared consumption (צריכה משותפת )  – the difference between the sum of consumption in all of the building’s personal meters and the consumption read in the main water meter, divided by all apartments. 
  Sewage fee (ביוב ) – the water used by an apartment for sewage, if it is connected to the local sewage system.

• The water bill does not come every month, but rather once every two to three months.
  
• A dud shemesh (דוד שמש – solar heated water tank) is commonly used in the winter for heating water. The dud shemesh is located on your roof. During the winter you will need to turn on the “boiler” 30 - 60 minutes prior to showering in order to have hot water.  (Please note: Gas can also be used to heat water. For more information, call the gas companies on the previous page). 

 

City	Customer Service #	Website	Transferring the Bill to Your Name
Be’er Sheva (Mei Sheva)	08-620-6511	www.beer-sheva.muni.il	Call Mei Sheva for instructions
Beit Shemesh (Municipality)	1-700-500-521	http://betshemesh.muni.il	Go to the municipality with copy of your lease agreement, Teudat Zehut, and the recent water-meter reading
Efrat (Municipality)	02 -993-9324	www.efrata.muni.il
Haifa(Municipality)	1-700-700-060	www.haifa.muni.il	Call the Haifa Municipality for instructions
Jerusalem (Municipality)	*2070 or 02-565-1111	www.hagihon.co.il	Sign a form declaring that you are the new tenant. This form can be downloaded at: http://www.hagihon.co.il/sherut.asp?cat=150t Fax the form along with the recent water-meter reading to 02-5651294
Modi’in (Mei Modi’in	*9099 or 1-800-300-420	www.mei-modiin.co.il	The previous tenant must first clear their bill by bringing their old lease agreement to Customer Service (Ligad Center 1-700-701-441). Take a confirmation form and your lease to the municipality to transfer the bill to your name
Netanya (Mei Netanya)	1-800-202-084	www.mei-netanya.co.il	Sign a form declaring that you are the new tenant. This form can be obtained at the Netanya Municipality. Fax the form along with the recent water-meter reading to 09-8859748
Ra’anana (Municipality	09-761-0464	www.raanana.muni.il	Fax copy of your lease agreement, Teudat Zehut, and the recent water-meter
Tel Aviv (Municipality)	03-521-8666	www.tel-aviv.gov.il	Sign a form declaring that you are the new tenant. This form can be downloaded at: http://www.tel-aviv.gov.il/Hebrew/Arnona/Switching.asp Fax the form along with the recent water-meter reading to 03-5216404

Telephone

Introduction
There are three main telecommunications companies in Israel that provide domestic and international telephone service.
When considering the cost, keep in mind that some companies charge  a one-time installation fee in addition to your monthly payment. The rates to Bezeq customers and rates to cellular phones vary. 
Voice mail, caller ID, and internet are all available for an additional fee.

Tips:    

• The rates are all in NIS, except for the “Rate to Bezeq” and “Rate to Cellular” columns, which are calculated in agurot.
  
• Once you have contacted a phone company, a line should be installed within two to three days.
  
• For a special fee you can choose your own phone number (available if you use HOT & Kavei Zahav)

Internet

Introduction
Israel is among the most advanced countries in the world when it comes to internet connectivity.  In the following table we have provided information on the main internet service providers.  Every internet provider has different packages available. Ask for the various plans and choose the one most suitable for you.
Tips:      

• Internet companies in particular are negotiable, so don’t hesitate to bargain.
  
• When the service commitment period is about to end, give your internet provider a call and ask for an additional special price period. Otherwise, you will pay a fixed rate which is above your current rate.
  
• Your internet service provider will provide you with a free
  e-mail address. Mailbox capacities are listed above.

Cable and Satellite Television

Introduction
In addition to Israeli television programming, there are cable and satellite providers that offer packages which include a wide variety of international programming. When choosing a cable or satellite provider, keep in mind that you will need to pay a one-time installation fee and a security deposit on your cable box, in addition to the monthly payment. Each additional cable box carries an added cost.

Tips:      

• You will receive a bill from the Israeli Broadcasting Association (רשות השידור ), asking to pay the Television Tax (Agra-אגרה ). This is an annual 400 NIS payment which is mandatory if you own a television set. Olim are entitled to a one-year discount on this bill.


• Most houses in Israel have a YES satellite installed, but if yours does not you will have to get your neighbors’ approval to install one.


• Even without HOT or YES, you should be able to receive channels 1, 2 & 10 (public access channels).
  

	Phone #	Website
HOT (cable)	*6900	www.hot.net.il
YES (satellite)	*2080	www.yes.co.il

Cell Phone
Introduction
There are four major cellular phone providers in Israel.  Not every company offers a “monthly plan” for a certain number of minutes per month.  Instead, they offer pay-per-call rates.  In general, it is less expensive to call people who are on the same cellular network.  The table lists the different cellular service providers.  Each one offers various plans, so make sure to choose the plan that best suits your needs.

Tips:      

• Family plans usually have very low rates (and sometimes free calls to chosen numbers) for calls between members of the same household.
  
• Confirm the service commitment period for each plan before signing up for a new phone.


• Most cell phone providers in Israel don’t allow you to pay in full for the actual phone upon activation – they will make you pay for it in payments (tashlumim – תשלומים )
.

• Occasionally there are separate fees for the phone and for the line use.


• When buying a cell phone, have your Teudat Zehut with you.


• You may pay for a cell phone with a pre-paid (Talkman) card, credit card or directly from your bank account.

	Prefix	Phone #	Website
Cellcom	052	052-999-0123	www.cellcom.co.il
Mirs	057	1-800-057-100	www.mirs.co.il
Orange	054	1-800-054-054	www.orange.co.il
Pelephone	050	1-800-050-050	www.pelephone.co.il

Arnona
Introduction
When moving into a new home, you will need to transfer the municipal tax (Arnona-ארנונה ) bill to your name so that you do not pay for the previous tenant’s debts. In order to transfer the bill, visit your municipality with the following documents:

1.     Contract (lease or ownership)
2.     Most recent Arnona bill (in order to identify your property)
3.     Teudat Zehut
4.     Teudat Oleh
5.     Bank account number

You should then transfer the bill to your name and decide how you would like to pay (cash, credit card, or standing bank order – הוראת קבע ).

Tips:      
•   If you are a new Oleh, you are entitled to a discount for ONE of the first two years following your Aliyah.
•   Arnona payments vary according to the location of your apartment and its size.

Va’ad Bayit

Introduction
If you live in an apartment building, you will be asked to pay Va’ad Bayit fees, which cover all of the shared expenses to maintain the building (cleaning of the stairway, elevator maintenance, electricity in the hallway, gardener, central heating, etc.) Each building has a Va’ad Bayit (committee which manages these issues,) and payments vary from 60 NIS per month to 500 NIS. In the event of a conflict you may contact the Aguda Letarbut Hadiyur (אגודה לתרבות הדיור - Housing Culture Society) at 1-800-404-040.

Banks
Introduction
In order to open a bank account in Israel, follow the steps outlined in the Post-Aliyah Guide (step #4), which you will receive upon your arrival in Israel.  Below you will find five of the major banks in Israel, each of which offers various personal banking options, including mortgages.  As an Oleh, it is important to open a bank account as soon as possible after your Aliyah, in order to begin receiving many of your Oleh benefits.
Tips:      

• You must be a customer of the bank in order to use the direct phone number service.  You will not be able to open a new account over the telephone.


• You may open a bank account with your Teudat Oleh.  Some banks may require that you present a Teudat Zehut, but strictly speaking you are entitled to open the account with just the Teudat Oleh.


• Checks from abroad usually take three to four weeks to clear.


• All banks listed above have a mortgage department.

	Direct Phone #	Website
Discount	*2598246	www.discountbank.co.il
First International Bank	*3009	www.fibi.co.il
Hapoalim	*2407	www.bankhapoalim.co.il
Leumi	*5522	www.leumi.co.il
Mizrahi-Tefahot	*5080	www.mizrahi-tefahot.co.il

Insurance (Home, Car, etc.)
Introduction
There are many companies in Israel that offer insurance coverage for your home, car, etc.  Many of these companies also offer life insurance and supplementary health coverage options.
Tips:      

• Car insurance includes two elements:
  
• Chova (compulsory) – where you determine which drivers are permitted to drive the car.
  
• Makif (comprehensive) – coverage for theft and accidents.
  
• In order to receive a mortgage, life and building insurance is required.
  
• Always bargain! Rates are never fixed.
  
• All companies offer special health insurance options that may include additional coverage not covered by your Kupat Cholim.
  
• The direct companies do not have personal agents, so expect to speak with a different representative each time you call.  However, their rates are cheaper.
  Aliyah Tip
  Purchasing insurance directly from the insurance company rather than through agents allows you to avoid incurring commission fees.

Newspapers
Introduction
The table below lists a sampling of some of the more popular newspapers among the Anglo community in Israel.  Israel also boasts numerous English-language news sites on the Internet.
Tips:      

• When traveling within Israel, call in advance to request that your newspaper be delivered to the place you are staying at.
• When leaving the country you can freeze your subscription until you return.
• Ask for a free trial period when signing up. Most newspapers will give you one.

Transportation
Introduction
Public transportation is, for many Israelis, the preferred way to get around, as it helps you avoid the hassles of traffic, parking, and the high cost of fuel. There are numerous options, including buses, private taxis, shared taxis, and the Israel train. Two metro-rail systems are planned to operate in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, opening in 2009 and 2015, respectively.

Tips:      
•   On buses, you should pay as you get on the bus, or give your bus pass (kartisiya – כרטיסיה ) to the bus driver.
•   Special rates for students, senior citizens, children, soldiers, etc.
•   When getting off the bus as the doors close on you, shouting “REGA” should help.
•   The train in Israel is sufficient, but sometimes has some delays, due to the growth in the volume of passengers.

Aliyah Tip
When hailing taxis in the street, always ask for the “MONEH” (meter). While Sherut” taxis (minibuses) take you from one city to another for fixed prices, “special” taxis can also be ordered for traveling out of town for a negotiable price.

Glossary of Terms

Agra	אגרה	Television Tax
Bayit	בית	House
Bituach	ביטוח	Insurance
Chashmal	חשמל	Electricity
Cheshbon	חשבון	Bill
Chimum Merkazi	חימום מרכזי	Central Heating System
Chozeh	חוזה	Contract
Dira	דירה	Apartment
Dud Shemesh	דוד שמש	Solar heated water tank
Ganan	גנן	Gardener
Hatkana	התקנה	Installation
Hitchayvut	התחייבות	Commitment
Hora’at Keva	הוראת קבע	Standing Bank Order
Instelator	אינסטלטור	Plumber
Iriyah	עירייה	Municipality
Kartis Ashrai	כרטיס אשראי	Credit Card
Kidomet	קידומת	Prefix
Lavian	לווין	Satellite
Manui	מנוי	Subscription
Mashkanta	משכנתא	Mortgage
Moneh	מונה	Meter
Nikayon	נקיון	Cleaning
Risus	ריסוס	Extermination
Schuna	שכונה	Neighborhood
Ta Koli	תא קולי	Voice mail
Tashlum Chodshi	תשלום חודשי	Monthly Payment
Tashlum Du Chodshi	תשלום דו -חודשי	Bi-Monthly Payment
Tashlumim	תשלומים	Payments
Va’ad Bayit	ועד בית	Home owners’ committee
Agra	אגרה	Television Tax