Tel Aviv travel safety advice
Tel Aviv remains a safe city to visit. The usual warnings regarding being alert for bomb threats also pertain to Tel Aviv - beware of suspicious packages in public places (though don't over panic), and suspicious behaviour on the part of people around you; if in doubt, report it! The local police are generally very friendly and many of the law-enforcers can speak understandable English. Also be aware of pickpockets, like in every big city, mostly in HaCarmel Market, Nachlat Binyamin market, the old and new central bus stations, the beach promenade and all of Jaffa and the flea market area. Nevertheless, regular crime rates are much lower in Tel Aviv (and in all of Israel) than in most other cities of similar size.
Security control checks are a necessary annoyance when entering shopping malls, markets the central bus station, and most hotels, cafes and restaurant. You are frequently requested to let the guards look into your bag - this is a fairly common procedure. It is best not to find it offensive or intrusive, and this check shouldn't take more than 20 seconds and end with a smile and a green light.
Thanking a security guard for inspecting your bags will make things easier the next time they see you.
It is also best advised to carry some sort of identification documents on you at all times. Policeman may stop and ask you for identification.
Given the amount of security checkpoints at commercial premises, the presence of military facilities and decent police patrolling, firearms carried in public by both servicemen and civilians are such an everyday occurrence that most people don't even notice them. Soldiers and home guard volunteers are required to keep their weapons with them at all times, so it is not unusual to see what appears to be a group of high school students, dressed like any other high schools students out on the weekend, all carrying weapons.
As buses are the best (some might say the only) way to tour the city, it is advised not to think twice before using them. Despite their reputation as "terrorism targets", the city buses remain a very safe way to travel, where reality is far different than the image most tourists would have on them. They are safe at all times of day and night, frequent, cheap, reliable and easy to handle. You can always approach the driver with any relevant question and the passengers are usually keen to assist tourists.
Although street crime is rare all around Tel Aviv, it would be best advised to avoid walking parks alone at night, or wandering alone in the southern neighbourhoods, which are a bit more rugged (south of Salame/Eilat Street - except Florentin) late at night. If necessary, a companion would be a good idea.
When going for a swim in the Mediterranean, stick to the patrolled beaches with lifeguards, marked with flags and signs - every year people drown off the Tel Aviv coast when strong currents get them into difficulties. Also, at the beginning of the summer, keep an eye out for jellyfish (called meduza in Hebrew, medusot is plural). Remember that during the months of winter, though the weather may allow a bathe, the lifeguard service is inactive (Official bathing season begins on April 18th and ends late in October).
Be mindful that Tel Aviv has hot and long summers so be sure to drink a lot of water even if you don't feel thirsty and use lots of sunscreen.
|
This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!
|
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Tel Aviv
