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Doing Business in Israel

 Israel has one of the most technologically developed market economies in Western Asia with strengths in science and technology, software and telecommunication development, and venture capitalism, among others. It also hosts substantial industries in the service, diamond, electronic and biomedical equipment, and transport equipment. It must be noted that Israel as a country has relatively poor natural resources and yet has managed to become an economic leader in its own right.

To add to its impressive credentials in the business area, Israel is also ranked third in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Index in the region. As such, doing business in Israel is comparatively easy because of the westernized business environment. Nonetheless, there are certain things that businessmen seeking to make their name in Israel must remember for better business dealings.

Currency in Use

The currency in use is the New Israeli Shekel (NIS), which is simply called shekel in daily use. Its symbols are ש״ח or ₪. There are five bank notes in curculation with each one in a different color, thus, NIS 20 (green), NIS 50 (violet), NIS 100 (brown), NIS 200 (red). Coins are also available ranging from the 10 Agorot to the 10 New Shkalim.

When using the currency, keep in mind that Israelis generally frown upon people who use large notes to pay for small charges. Nano-fic As much as possible, always try to keep smaller notes and coins in your wallets to avoid possible hassles.

Most business contracts will specify the currency being used as reference of which the most common is the shekel, of course. Fat Loss 4 Idiots American dollars and euros are also used but most often for international transactions. If you are being asked for dollars or euros in local establishments, beware as a scam may be in place.

Business Hours

Since Israel is a Jewish state, Jewish customs are adopted in relation to the business days and hours. In Jewish towns and cities, the business days are from Sunday to Friday in deference to the observance of the Sabbath from sundown on Friday to sundown on Saturday. However, shops will close before sundown at approximately 14:30 to 15:00 so as to provide more time for travelling back home. Shops can then re-open their doors on Saturday evening.

Exceptions to the rule exist in certain places. And of course you can shop at anytime from an Israeli run estore. Israel is expanding its commercial presence online and with the help of internet marketing consulting, ecommerce is becoming a popular option for Israeli retailers and shoppers. If you can’t make it online, shops in tourist areas, in Arab towns and outside the city limits will remain open even on Saturdays.

Business hours are usually from 9:30 to 21:00 daily, which is true for most business establishments. Banks will open an hour earlier but will close 2 hours earlier as well.

Bargaining Tips

Although bargaining is an accepted even encouraged practice in Israel, it takes a certain finesse to know when to start and when to stop bargaining with the other party. Here are a few important tips:

• Bargain subtly especially in bazaars, local shops and rural markets. Conversational Hypnosis It is considered impolite to bargain in an aggressive manner or to bargain for the fun of it.
• Bargain with the sales agents when a sticker price is posted. These prices are usually exaggerated so not bargaining will put you at a disadvantage.
• Bargain with independent service providers for your business repairs on utilities but never with hired employees. This applies whether the service is carpet cleaning or chiropractic services or free mlm leads. Remember the providers of such services are experienced bargainers and many have even completed courses in chiropractic marketing or the like in order to be able to negotiate prices that are in the best interests of their business.

In Israel, it is always a good idea to practice fair business dealings with every one you meet. You will be known for being a good businessman and, hence, more business will come your way.

 

Staying Healthy in Israel

Israel boasts of having one of the most sophisticated health care systems in the region. Its hospitals, clinics and other medical facilities are world-class in every sense of the word while all Israeli citizens are covered by the national health insurance system. Foreign citizens, either tourists or expatriates, are expected to pay for the costs of their medical treatments in both public and private facilities.

Food and Water

Despite having scarce water resources, Israel has successfully managed to provide its citizens with safe drinking water and good agricultural produce. Texas High School Football Hall Of Fame.com These were made possible with the use of water-saving technologies like drip irrigation and water recycling. Buying bottled water is then unnecessary in both big cities and small rural areas.

As for food, the restaurants, cafes and other dining establishments in Israel are generally sanitary, thus, gastrointestinal problems should not be an issue. Street food is also safe, clean and delicious although we do advise the use of common sense to avoid any untoward stomach illnesses.

Sun and Heat

Israel has a varied climate. The mountainous region including Jerusalem has cool summers while the Mediterranean region including Tel Aviv has long, hot summers. Apartments Prague The Northern Negev with its semi-arid climate has hot summers while the Southern Negev has a desert climate.

As such, the main enemy of every individual in Israel is the searing heat of the sun during the summer season. Argan Oil Heat exhaustion, heat stroke and sunburn are common problems for visitors new to the country especially in the Northern and Southern Negev regions. Wingfam To avoid these health issues, we suggest the following measures:

• Drink plenty of fluids preferably water and fruit juices. Dehydrating beverages like alcohol, coffee, tea and soda must be avoided especially during hot weather for obvious reasons. A litre of water every hour is advisable when you are hiking in the woods, touring the cities and towns or even practising your tennis serve in the sun at one of Israel’s very affordable holiday resorts.
• Eat salty foods like crackers to ward off too much sodium loss from sweating.
• Wear a hat and sunglasses to protect the head and eyes from the heat while a long-sleeved shirt will protect your skin. If you can find ultraviolet-protection clothing, then the better for your cause.
• Always liberally apply sunscreen with SPF30 or higher on your skin even when you are spending time indoors during hot weather. If you are spending any amount of time outdoors especially in the Negev, Golan and Jordan Rift Valley, reapply sunscreen more often than you normally would in the urban areas. Take note that the highest temperature in Asia was recorded in the Jordan Rift Valley so proper caution is strongly advised.

If a person should suffer from the symptoms of heat stroke or heat exhaustion, be sure to cool them off with wet towels and take them immediately to the doctor.

Yet another common health issue in Israel that every visitor must take the necessary precautions against is insect-borne diseases. Since Biblical times, mosquitoes, fleas, lice and ticks carry various diseases like the West Nile virus. We strongly recommend wearing long pants and long sleeves as well as applying insect-repellant when going to areas known to host these insects such as swamps and wooded areas.

The standards of healthcare in Israel closely mimics the Western model so there should be little to no problem adapting to it.

 

Must-See Places in Israel

Although the State of Israel only formally existed upon its declaration of independence on 14 May 1948, its history stretches back to prehistoric times. The name itself of the only Jewish state in the world comes from Israel, the new name given to Jacob whose 12 sons became the twelve tribes of Israel. The first recorded mention of the name Israel was made on the Merneptah Stele, a granite stele erected for the Egyptian Pharaoh Merneptah dated circa 1209 BCE.

Through the centuries, the early Israelites experienced destruction of their cities, diasporas of their people to the far corners of the earth, and persecution from their neighbors and conquerors. Five Point Lede Yet, the State of Israel today stands proud of its cultural heritage as seen through the magnificent cities still standing like Jerusalem and the majestic ruins of past Israelites like Masada. From this rich heritage come the following must-see places while you are in Israel that have attracted the attention of tourists, travel writers and even an essay writing service can turn to the history of such places for historical writings. There are lots of great places to visit which you can find at Israel Wonders but in the meantime you can read about some of them in the list below:

City of David

The City of David is located in Jerusalem and is the original settlement where King David established his Israelite Kingdom. Today, it is a thriving archaeological park where old and new discoveries prove many a biblical stories that were once viewed as nothing more than, well, fictional stories.

Travelling to the City of David from Tel Aviv on one of the day tours is an adventure in history itself. You will pass through the Mount of Olives on which great views over the Temple Mount Esplanade of Jerusalem’s Old City can be enjoyed. You may also understand why the esplanade is known as the places where earth meets heaven.

Then, your next stop is the Garden of Gethsemane, the tomb of King David and the Hall of the last Supper. Explore the grandeur of the four Sephardic synagogues built during the 16th century. And your final destination is the underground excavations of the City of David where goose bumps are common among visitors.

Masada

A national symbol, Masada is the name of the collection of ancient palaces and fortifications located atop an isolated rock plateau in the South District of Israel. Masada is on the Judean Desert’s eastern edge with excellent views over the Dead Sea.

It was constructed by Herod the Great as a refuge in case of a Jewsih revolt against Roman rule before it was overrun by the Jewish extremist group known as the Sicarii. Masada’s main claim to fame, so to speak, lies in it being the site for the mass suicide of the Sicarii rebels when Roman capture was imminent.

Today, most of the ruins of Masada still stand thanks to the combination of the arid climate, the remote location and the efforts of the Israeli government to preserve it as a symbol of the Jewish nation. You can either hike up the treacherous Snake Path on the eastern side for the full Masada experience or ride the cable car up the plateau. The ruins include the wall painting of the two main palaces, the Roman-style bathhouses and the Jewish structures like the synagogue, among others.

Israel has many more places of great interest for people from all walks of life. A walk around its cities will reveal the rich cultural heritage of this nation carved from ancient land.

 

Food In Israel

The cuisine of Israel is as interesting as the history of the country. Located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, we have a variety of sea food whose taste lingers in the mouth even hours after consuming it. Apart from the fresh sea food we have vegetarian salads, soups, steamed rice, dairy products and baked dishes..

 

Starting with the Salads we have Chipsalat that includes hummus and French fries served in a pita. Israeli salad has chopped tomatoes and cucumbers dressed in lemon juice, salt, pepper and olive oil. It can have variations such as chopped ginger, green chili pepper, spring onions, sliced radish, grated carrot, cabbage or lettuce. Herbs and spices such as mint, and sumac are added.

 

Hummus is the National food which is sold in restaurants and supermarkets and even special Hummus-only shops as well. It is a common lunch for school children. Hummus may be served as chick peas softened with baking soda, olive oil, garlic, cumin and tahini. A fancier version of Hummus is Hummus Masabacha which is made with lemon-spiked tahini garnished with whole chick peas, with a sprinkling of paprika and a drizzle of olive oil.

 

Vegetable salads include pickled cucumbers and other vegetables, labna cheese with olive oil and ikra. Cooked vegetable salads are served at festive meals. Turkish salad is made of finely chopped onions, tomatoes, herbs and spices. Moroccan carrot salad, also called tabbouleh, has marinated roasted red peppers, matbucha, and deep fried cauliflower florets. Avocado salad, (actually introduced by farmers), is a winter delicacy which is spread on bread. As far as soups, chicken soup is the most savored and served on special occasions. Shkedei is served with chicken soup. Lentil soup and harira are others. Fried balls of chickpeas or fava beans are common.

 

Fish which is readily available is made in vast quantities. It is grilled, fried, baked, sliced, dressed in lemon juice and served with vegetables or sauces. Shakshouka is a simple breakfast made of fried eggs served with tomato sauce, salad and white bread.

 

Chicken, turkey and meat are common food. Chicken is either roasted or made with rich sauces. Chicken casserole with couscous & chicken albondigas are famous dishes. Meats, (traditionally called Kebabs) are barbecued and grilled. Turkey is inexpensive and tasty, and cooked in butter and oil. Yemenite Jews flavor it with hawaij whereas Jews from Tunisia make osban, Syrian Jews make gheh thereby bringing our variations in a single dish. Shakshuka is a national favourite dish in winter made of eggs poached in spicy tomato sauce. Fruits are served as snacks or desserts. Cherries, plums, dates, strawberries, prickly pear, loquat, and persimmon are the varieties which may be squeezed as juices too. Semolina cakes, noodle & Malabi pudding, pastries and donuts are other popular desserts. Sahlab dessert, sabih and Tunisian sandwich add to the evening collection of snacks. Challah bread which is widely purchased for the Sabbath is egg-enriched bread. Jachnun, lahoh, injera and pita bread are other varities.