Last Updated on: March 7, 2023 at 9:24 am

Israel has long been a world leader in technology and all the key players such as Apple, Google and Intel have operations there. The city of Tel Aviv has made leading advances in several other industries including security and communication. Coupled with its rapid business development, Tel Aviv is fast becoming a popular destination for corporate travel and is already the hub of Israel’s start-up scene.

Tel Aviv is known as the ‘city that never sleeps‘ and certainly has plenty to offer after work hours including many rooftop bars for drinks after work. Nearby Jaffa is renowned for its excellent restaurants and both places have good nightlife. Jaffa can be easily reached either by walking along the beach or hopping in a taxi. 

It is important to understand the business culture before your business trip to Tel Aviv and meet potential new clients and partners. Israelis are warm and very hospitable towards visitors but are also known to be very direct and straightforward in discussions – which some people find rather blunt.

To ensure that your business trip to Tel Aviv goes really well, make sure you get the most out of your business travel there are important points to keep in mind to ensure proper behaviour:

Etiquettes that are essential to know prior to your trip

● The working week and Shabbat

The working week in Israel runs from Sunday – Thursday and the usual hours are 08.30- 18.00. Shabbat begins at sunset on Friday evening and until sunset on Saturday evening. Traditionally during this time, Jewish people use no electronics, do not cook and do not use the telephone or email. In hotels during Shabbat, the lifts will stop at every floor as believers are not allowed to touch anything electronic.

Tel Aviv is very different to other Israeli cities as most restaurants and shops remain open during Shabbat, although Shuk HaCarmel (Carmel Market) is closed. Recently a free bus service began in Tel Aviv that operates on a Friday evening and all day Saturday, both to destinations across the city and to the outskirts of the city. 

● The Israeli dress code

The dress code for work in Tel Aviv is surprisingly casual and it is very acceptable for jeans to be worn. It is very important to dress modestly to avoid causing offence both in the office and on the beach. Suits are only usually worn for conferences, special events and in law firms.

It is important to pack clothes with light fabrics if you are travelling there between April- October the temperatures are warm and humid. 

● Avoid controversial topics

Israel is a very religious country and you could cause offence by talking about your own beliefs – or the lack of them. This is a golden rule that should be applied not only to potential customers and colleagues but also to hotel staff and tour guides.

It is important to keep your personal opinions to yourself and not to make any general assumptions about Israeli culture, religion or politics. Stick to safe topics like the weather and sports. Smile as you talk as Israelis love positive energy.

● Cultural and religious sensitivities

It is important to be aware of the religious significance of Shabbat and that this includes no use of electronics by observers. If you are planning to dine out with Israeli customers or colleagues, it is important to know whether they will require a Kasrut (Kosher) meal. ‘Kosher’ means no pork, no shellfish and no mixing of meat and dairy foods. There are many restaurants in the city offering a Kosher menu

There should be no public displays of affection and it is not acceptable to shake hands with people of the opposite sex – if they are religious. 

● Dining etiquette

The dining style in Tel Aviv is informal. Knives and forks are used for all meals, but hummus, falafel, sabich and shawarma are all foods eaten with the hands.

If you are invited by an Israeli colleague to join his family for a Shabbat dinner, this is a very special opportunity. The meal includes lighting candles, blessing the wine and sharing Challah bread. It is important to take the hostess a small gift and if it is a kosher family, to ensure your gift is kosher. If you do not get invited for a family meal, a Shabbat dinner can be experienced at one of the hotels and restaurants in the city 

The Israeli toast is ‘LeChaim’  meaning ‘cheers’ while ‘Beteavohn’ means ‘Bon Appetite’.

More tips for your business trip to Tel Aviv

• Bring travel adaptors with you
• Tips are 10% for good service, 15% for really good service and 20% for exceptional service. Tips should always be paid in cash and there is no tip option for credit card payments.
• Tipping taxi drivers is not usual.
• Pack sunscreen – it is expensive in Tel Aviv and the city has a great beach!
• Get Taxi is the most popular taxi app, although Uber taxis are available too.
• The Israelis love breakfast, which usually includes a large salad bar, hot foods (fish rather than bacon and sausage which are not kosher), pastries and an amazing selection of bread.
• If you are planning to visit some religious sites and you are a woman, you must cover your shoulders, knees and your head. If you don’t have a scarf, you can borrow a kippah or koppel (Jewish men’s round cap), from a table by the entrance.

TruTrip can help you have a great business trip to Tel Aviv

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