(Last updated: 1 Apr 2012)

Travel

Airports

Ben Gurion International Airport is near Tel Aviv, but because the major cities of Israel are close together, nothing is too far from the airport.

Ground transport

Ground transfers from the airport: There are meter taxis available from the airport to Tel Aviv which should cost you around 110-180 NIS or about A$33-A$54 to Tel Aviv. Taxis to other parts of the country such as Jerusalem will be more expensive depending on the distance.

Taxi travel in most parts of Israel is generally safe and is the recommended form of travel for a business visitor. A local driver can also be hired for about A$30 an hour. Car rentals are also available at the airport. Taxi cabs do not usually accept credit card payments so it is important to always keep some cash in local currency.

Table of local distances in kilometres:

Hotels

Pre-booking accommodation is wise in busy times, especially during major holidays.

Dining

Israelis are known for their appreciation of good food and the major cities are full of restaurants which include all types of cuisine at reasonable prices. The multicultural society of Israel has formed the existence of a wide variety of sophisticated restaurants suitable for all tastes.

It is important to note that Kosher restaurants are closed from Friday at sundown until Saturday at sundown.

Tipping

Tip only in restaurants - around 10-15 per cent.

Tourist attractions

The country is full of tourist attractions that appeal to all major religions such as Jerusalem, Nazareth, etc. Addition worthwhile attractions include the Dead Sea (the lowest point on earth), archaeological sites, the Tel Aviv night scene, natural attractions and much more. Private and group tours are available at most hotels.

Top Business Risks

• Bribery of Foreign Officials
• Tariffs and regulations
• Doing business in Israel

OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises

Multinational Enterprises should be aware of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises that provide voluntary principles and standards for responsible business behaviour in a variety of areas, consistent with applicable domestic laws. These Guidelines are endorsed and promoted by the Australian Government. For more information, go to the AusNCP website.