Your First 30 Days in Israel: A New Oleh's Survival Guide
From touchdown to takeoff: Navigating your crucial first month as a new immigrant
Congratulations! You've made it to Israel. The plane has landed, you've collected your luggage, and suddenly the enormity of what you've done hits you. You're standing in Ben Gurion Airport with your entire life packed into suitcases, about to begin a completely new chapter in a country where street signs are in Hebrew and everyone talks impossibly fast.
Take a deep breath. You've got this.
The first 30 days in Israel are simultaneously overwhelming and exhilarating. They're packed with bureaucracy, discoveries, frustrations, and small victories that will shape your entire immigrant experience. This guide will walk you through exactly what to expect and what to do, day by day, to not just survive but thrive during this crucial period.
Before We Begin: The Mindset Shift
Your first month in Israel isn't about perfection—it's about progress. You won't understand everything, you won't get everything right, and that's completely normal. Every oleh (immigrant) before you has felt lost, confused, and occasionally wondered what they've gotten themselves into. Your job isn't to figure everything out immediately; it's to take one step at a time and trust the process.
Days 1-3: Landing and Immediate Survival
At Ben Gurion Airport: Your First Israeli Experience
Immigration Process When you present your Aliyah visa at passport control, you'll receive your temporary identity card (teudat zehut) and a packet of essential documents. Guard these with your life—you'll need them for everything in the coming weeks.
Essential Documents You'll Receive:
Temporary Israeli ID card
Health insurance voucher (temporary coverage)
Bank account opening authorization
Tax exemption certificates
Various forms for government benefits
First Stop: Currency Exchange Don't exchange all your money at the airport—rates are poor. Get enough shekels for immediate expenses (taxi, food, tips) and plan to visit a bank or authorized exchange within your first week.
Transportation to Your Temporary Housing
If staying in an absorption center (merkaz klita), transportation is usually provided
For private arrangements, pre-book a taxi or arrange pickup
Keep receipts—many initial expenses are reimbursable
Day 1: Settling In
Immediate Priorities:
Rest and Recover: Immigration is exhausting. Don't try to accomplish everything on day one.
Locate Essential Services: Find the nearest grocery store, pharmacy, and medical clinic.
Test Your Phone: Ensure your phone works or get a local SIM card immediately.
Initial Food Shopping: Buy basics for your first few days. Israeli supermarkets can be overwhelming initially—stick to familiar items.
Pro Tip: Download these essential apps immediately:
Moovit (public transportation)
Gett or Yango (taxis)
Google Translate with Hebrew download
Waze (in Hebrew—start getting used to it)
Day 2-3: Orientation and Reality Check
Explore Your Neighborhood Walk around your immediate area. Locate:
Nearest bus stops and train stations
Banks and ATMs
Post office
Municipal services building
Grocery stores and pharmacies
Cafes (future Hebrew practice spots)
Begin Language Immersion Start forcing yourself to interact in Hebrew, even if it's just "Shalom" and "Toda" (thank you). Israelis appreciate effort, and you need to start somewhere.
Contact Your Support Network Reach out to:
Any friends or family already in Israel
Nefesh B'Nefesh advisor (if applicable)
Other new olim in your area
Local Anglo community contacts
Week 1: The Bureaucracy Marathon
This week will test your patience, but completing these tasks sets the foundation for everything else.
Day 4-5: Banking and Financial Setup
Opening a Bank Account (Priority #1) You cannot function in Israel without a local bank account. Come prepared with:
Passport and Israeli ID
Proof of address (rental agreement or absorption center letter)
Initial deposit (usually 100-500 shekels minimum)
Patience—this process takes 1-2 hours
Banking Tips:
Choose a bank with English-speaking staff if possible
Ask about new immigrant benefits and fee waivers
Set up online banking immediately
Get both a debit card and credit card if eligible
Popular Banks for New Immigrants:
Bank Leumi (extensive English services)
Bank Hapoalim (largest branch network)
Mizrahi Tefahot (known for customer service)
Discount Bank (good for young professionals)
Day 6-7: Healthcare Registration
Choosing Your Health Fund (Kupat Cholim) You must register with one of four health funds within three months. Research and choose wisely—switching later involves waiting periods.
The Four Options:
Clalit - Largest, most clinics, best for rural areas
Maccabi - Strong reputation, good customer service
Meuhedet - Smaller but personalized service
Leumit - Most innovative, good digital services
Registration Requirements:
Israeli ID card
Proof of address
Previous medical records (translated if necessary)
List of current medications
Immediate Healthcare Tasks:
Schedule a general health assessment
Transfer prescriptions
Locate your assigned clinic
Understand emergency procedures
Week 2: Essential Services and Integration
Days 8-10: Government Services and Documentation
Ministry of Interior (Misrad HaPnim) Visit to:
Update your address
Apply for permanent Israeli ID card
Register children for school
Update marital status if applicable
National Insurance Institute (Bituach Leumi) Register for:
Social security benefits
Child allowances
Healthcare contributions
Unemployment insurance (if applicable)
Tax Authority (Mas Hachnasa) If you're working or have foreign income:
Register for tax number
Understand new immigrant tax benefits
File necessary foreign income declarations
Days 11-12: Communication and Connectivity
Phone and Internet Setup
Choose a cellular provider (Pelephone, Cellcom, Partner/Orange, Hot Mobile)
Set up home internet if in permanent housing
Understand Israeli communication culture (WhatsApp is essential)
Postal Services
Register your address with Israel Post
Set up mail forwarding if needed
Understand package delivery systems
Days 13-14: Transportation and Mobility
Public Transportation
Get a Rav Kav card (universal public transport card)
Download transportation apps
Learn your local bus routes
Understand Shabbat transportation limitations
Driving in Israel If you plan to drive:
Convert your foreign license (must be done within one year)
Understand Israeli driving culture and rules
Research car purchase or leasing options
Week 3: Education and Professional Development
Days 15-17: Language Learning
Ulpan Registration Hebrew language courses are crucial for integration:
Research government-subsidized ulpan programs
Choose between intensive and part-time options
Consider your learning style (classroom vs. online)
Register as early as possible—popular programs fill up
Types of Ulpan:
Ulpan Etzion: Intensive 5-month program
Evening Ulpan: For working adults
Online Ulpan: Flexible but requires discipline
Private Tutoring: Expensive but personalized
Days 18-19: Professional Networking
Professional License Recognition If your profession requires licensing:
Contact relevant professional organizations
Begin credential evaluation process
Understand additional training requirements
Network with professionals in your field
Job Search Preparation
Update your CV to Israeli standards
Research salary expectations
Join professional Facebook groups
Attend networking events in your field
Days 20-21: Education for Children
School Registration If you have school-age children:
Contact local education authority
Understand grade placement procedures
Research additional Hebrew support programs
Connect with other immigrant families
Educational Considerations:
Israeli school year runs September to June
Hebrew immersion vs. bilingual schools
Religious vs. secular education options
After-school programs and activities
Week 4: Community Integration and Settling In
Days 22-24: Community Connections
Religious Community If you're religiously observant:
Find a synagogue that matches your style
Introduce yourself to the rabbi
Join community activities and events
Understand local religious customs
Secular Community Activities
Join hiking groups or sports clubs
Attend cultural events and festivals
Volunteer with local organizations
Participate in neighborhood activities
Days 25-27: Consumer Skills and Daily Life
Shopping Like an Israeli
Learn to navigate shuk (markets) for fresh produce
Understand kosher certification systems
Compare prices between different store chains
Master the art of haggling (where appropriate)
Essential Shopping Locations:
Supermarkets: Shufersal, Rami Levy, Victory, Mega
Markets: Mahane Yehuda (Jerusalem), Carmel (Tel Aviv)
Electronics: KSP, Ivory, Bug
Home goods: IKEA, Ace Hardware, Keter
Days 28-30: Reflection and Future Planning
Assessing Your Progress Take time to evaluate:
What's working well in your adjustment
What challenges need more attention
Which support systems are most helpful
What goals to set for your second month
Planning Ahead
Set Hebrew learning goals
Plan visits from family and friends
Research travel opportunities within Israel
Consider longer-term housing options
Daily Life Survival Tips
Communication Strategies
Essential Hebrew Phrases for Survival:
"Ani lo mevin/mevina" (I don't understand)
"Ata/At medaber/medaberet Anglit?" (Do you speak English?)
"Efshar l'azor li?" (Can you help me?)
"Yesh li she'ela" (I have a question)
"Ani oleh chadash/chadasha" (I'm a new immigrant)
Israeli Communication Culture:
Directness is valued over politeness
People often interrupt—it's not considered rude
"Nu" is a versatile word meaning "so?" or "well?"
Personal space is smaller than in many Western countries
Financial Survival
Banking Tips:
ATMs charge fees for foreign cards
Credit cards aren't accepted everywhere
Bit (Israeli payment app) is widely used
Keep cash for small vendors and tips
Cost-Saving Strategies:
Shop at discount chains (Rami Levy, Shufersal Deal)
Buy produce at markets near closing time
Use public transportation instead of taxis
Take advantage of new immigrant discounts
Bureaucracy Navigation
General Rules:
Bring multiple copies of every document
Arrive early or expect long waits
Be prepared for inefficiency and contradictory information
Persistence often pays off
Ask for supervisors if hitting roadblocks
Document Organization: Create a physical folder with:
Passport and visa pages (copies)
Israeli ID card (copy)
Bank account information
Health insurance cards
Rental agreement
Contact lists
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Week 1 Mistakes
Trying to do everything immediately: Pace yourself
Not getting enough sleep: Jet lag plus stress is overwhelming
Avoiding Hebrew interactions: Start practicing immediately
Not asking for help: Israelis are generally helpful if you ask
Week 2 Mistakes
Choosing services without research: Healthcare and banking choices matter
Neglecting mental health: Culture shock is real
Comparing everything to your old country: Focus on adaptation
Not establishing routines: Structure helps with adjustment
Week 3-4 Mistakes
Isolating yourself: Community connections are crucial
Perfectionism with Hebrew: Progress over perfection
Avoiding Israeli culture: Embrace the experience
Not celebrating small victories: Acknowledge your progress
Emergency Information and Contacts
Emergency Numbers
Police: 100
Medical Emergency: 101
Fire Department: 102
Municipal Emergency: 106
Essential Contacts to Save
Your bank's customer service
Your health fund's emergency line
Your neighborhood's emergency contact
Trusted taxi/ride service
Local locksmith
Nearest hospital emergency room
Crisis Support
Emotional Support: Israel has excellent mental health services
Financial Emergency: Contact your bank about overdraft protection
Housing Emergency: Know your renter's rights
Health Emergency: Understand your insurance coverage
Cultural Adjustment: What to Expect
Israeli Time and Scheduling
"B'ezrat Hashem" (God willing) often precedes time commitments
Meetings may start late but run long
Social events often begin later than scheduled
Punctuality is appreciated but not always expected
Social Interactions
Israelis value authentic relationships over polite superficiality
Personal questions aren't considered intrusive
Arguing about politics is a national pastime
Family is extremely important in Israeli culture
Work Culture
Hierarchy is flatter than many countries
Work-life balance is generally better than US
August is vacation month—plan accordingly
Networking happens over coffee, not formal events
Emotional Milestones to Expect
Week 1: Overwhelm and Excitement
You'll swing between excitement about your new adventure and panic about everything you need to accomplish. This is completely normal.
Week 2: Frustration Peak
The bureaucracy, language barriers, and cultural differences often hit hardest during the second week. Remember: this too shall pass.
Week 3: Small Victories
You'll start having successful interactions in Hebrew, navigate bureaucracy successfully, and feel momentary pride in your progress.
Week 4: Cautious Optimism
By the end of the month, you'll have routines, some local knowledge, and the beginning of a support network. You'll still feel like a newcomer, but you'll also feel capable.
Building Your Support Network
Fellow Olim
Join Facebook groups for immigrants from your country
Attend Nefesh B'Nefesh events if applicable
Connect with neighbors in absorption centers
Join volunteer organizations
Israeli Connections
Be open to friendships with Israelis
Accept invitations to Shabbat meals
Participate in community events
Show genuine interest in Israeli culture
Professional Networks
Join professional associations
Attend industry meetups
Connect with colleagues
Find mentors in your field
Resources and Organizations
Government Resources
Ministry of Aliyah and Integration: Programs and benefits
Municipal Absorption Centers: Local integration support
Employment Service: Job placement assistance
Hebrew Language Authority: Official language resources
Non-Profit Organizations
Nefesh B'Nefesh: Comprehensive support for North American olim
AACI: Association of Americans and Canadians in Israel
Telfed: South African immigrants
ESRA: English-speaking residents association
Online Resources
Secret Tel Aviv and similar Facebook groups
TimesofIsrael.com: English news
JPost.com: Jerusalem Post English news
MyNetDiary apps in Hebrew for language practice
Preparing for Month Two
As your first 30 days draw to a close, you'll want to set goals for your continued integration:
Month 2 Priorities
Hebrew fluency goals: Set specific learning targets
Professional development: Begin serious job searching or professional training
Social expansion: Deepen friendships and community connections
Exploration: Start discovering Israel beyond your immediate area
Routine optimization: Refine your daily schedules and habits
Long-term Planning
Housing: If in temporary housing, start serious apartment hunting
Career trajectory: Develop 6-month and 1-year professional goals
Family integration: Help family members with their specific adjustment needs
Travel planning: Plan to explore different regions of Israel
The Mindset for Success
Embrace the Process
Your first 30 days in Israel aren't just about completing tasks—they're about transformation. You're not just changing countries; you're changing yourself. Every frustrating bureaucratic encounter, every successful Hebrew conversation, every moment of feeling lost or found is part of becoming not just an Israeli resident, but an Israeli.
Patience with Yourself
Remember that you're essentially learning to be a functional adult again, but in a new language, culture, and system. Be as patient with yourself as you would be with a child learning to walk. Celebrate small victories, forgive small failures, and keep moving forward.
Trust the Journey
Thousands of people have successfully made this transition before you. While your specific experience will be unique, the general trajectory from overwhelm to competence to belonging is well-traveled. Trust that the confusion and difficulty of your first month will give way to confidence and comfort.
Final Thoughts: You're Braver Than You Think
As you reach the end of your first 30 days in Israel, take a moment to acknowledge what you've accomplished. You've navigated a new language, survived Israeli bureaucracy, started building a life in a new country, and proven to yourself that you're capable of extraordinary change.
The person who boarded that plane to Israel a month ago and the person reading this now are already different. You've begun the profound transformation from visitor to resident, from outsider to insider, from immigrant to Israeli.
Your first 30 days are just the beginning. The challenges will continue, but so will the discoveries, the growth, and the incredible adventure of building a life in the land of Israel.
Chazak v'ematz (Be strong and courageous). You've got this.
Quick Reference Checklists
Week 1 Must-Do List
Open bank account
Register with health fund
Get Rav Kav transportation card
Basic grocery shopping
Test phone service
Locate nearest essential services
Week 2 Must-Do List
Visit Ministry of Interior
Register with National Insurance
Set up home internet
Begin ulpan research
Schedule medical appointments
Explore neighborhood thoroughly
Week 3 Must-Do List
Register for ulpan
Update professional credentials
Research school options (if applicable)
Join community organizations
Plan first Israeli trip/exploration
Assess living situation
Week 4 Must-Do List
Evaluate first month progress
Set month 2 goals
Deepen community connections
Plan family/friend visits
Research long-term housing
Celebrate your achievements!
Emergency Contact Template
Keep this information easily accessible:
Personal Emergency Contacts:
Family abroad: ________________
Local emergency contact: ________________
Doctor: ________________
Bank: ________________
Insurance: ________________
Service Emergency Contacts:
Electrician: ________________
Plumber: ________________
Locksmith: ________________
Trusted taxi: ________________
Government Contacts:
Municipality: ________________
Ministry of Interior: ________________
National Insurance: ________________
Remember: Every oleh's journey is unique, but no one succeeds alone. Reach out for help when you need it, offer help when you can provide it, and trust that you're exactly where you're supposed to be.
Welcome to your new life in Israel!