Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Ashdod is a major city located on the Mediterranean Sea in Israel, known for its port, beaches, and vibrant cultural scene. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 225,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Up to 100 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 3.40 ILS |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type H sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Cellcom, Partner, and Bezeq. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Many banks accept international cards, and popular options include Bank Hapoalim and Mizrahi Tefahot. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from Airbnb to long-term rentals through local real estate agencies. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Booking.com have numerous listings in Ashdod. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | The Sea Apartments offers budget-friendly options for short stays. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Kiriat Ha-yovel is popular for tourists due to its proximity to the beach and attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | City Center offers several coworking spaces and amenities for digital nomads. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | War Room, located in the city center, offers a great environment for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Shachor is known for its free Wi-Fi and comfortable atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetup events and local tech community gatherings occur regularly, typically advertised on Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Ashdod Expats Facebook Group hosts regular community meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Gett and Uber are available for rides in Ashdod. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Scooters are available for rent through Lime and similar services. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Ashdod Beach is a popular spot, easily accessible from the city. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Arkia Airlines operates domestic flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | El Al and Israir offer international flights from Ben Gurion Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to Highway 4 and Route 44 connects Ashdod to other major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Ashdod's train station connects to Tel Aviv and surrounding areas. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Rav-Kav cards are available for public transit, including buses and trains. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Train services to nearby cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem are frequent. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Barzilai Medical Center is the primary healthcare facility in Ashdod. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Studio Ashdod offers various classes and wellness programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | The Activelife gym has great facilities for fitness enthusiasts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | There are several laundromats available, including Laundry Room on Eilat St. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Wolt and TenBis are popular apps for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the local falafel and shawarma, famous in Ashdod. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Ola Vegana is well-rated for delicious vegan meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Max Brenner is known for its chocolates and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Ashdod Market offers a variety of local produce and goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Hazera is a local online marketplace for goods. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Shufersal has options for grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | HaNamal Street is popular for nightlife with bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Ashdod Beer Brewery offers tastings and tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | WineBar Ashdod features local Israeli wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Food stalls around the beach area offer great street food options. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Italian-Mama offer international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Ashdod Yama Park, a beautiful waterfront area, is a must-visit. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Ashdod Museum of Art showcases contemporary Israeli art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The ancient site of Ashdod-Yam provides insights into the city's history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Great Synagogue of Ashdod is notable for its architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Ashdod Festival of Arts takes place every summer. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Rova 6 is a vibrant cultural neighborhood with shops and galleries. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Ashdod Theater hosts various performances throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Ashdod Flea Market offers unique finds and antiques. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Events at the Ashdod Cultural Center feature local musicians. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals throughout the city highlight local artists. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking classes focus on Mediterranean cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Artists' House showcases local and international artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The ancient city aqueduct remnants are a historical highlight. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Ashdod has a rich cultural tapestry influenced by various communities. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Yarkon National Park offers hiking and nature trails. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Ashdod Park provides green spaces and recreational activities. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Ashdod promenade has beautiful walking and cycling paths along the coast. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Visit the Ashdod Seaside Promenade for breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The nearby wetlands of Ashdod are excellent for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | The beach area has designated spots for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Israel Post provide dependable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Tech48 offers reliable repair services for devices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The Open University offers Hebrew language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Ashdod Public Library provides study rooms and resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Ashdod Community Center offers various programs and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming Arena provides a space for video gaming enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Casino Ashdod provides entertainment options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₪25,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ₪1,000,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₪18,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ₪720,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₪23,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ₪1,380,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₪20,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ₪1,200,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₪21,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₪1,720,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₪19,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₪1,520,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 23% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 25% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Israeli residents are taxed based on their worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 50% |
| 🧾 VAT | 17% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict regulations are in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on municipal assessments. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 6% on property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Digital nomads can benefit from attractive tax incentives if they qualify as foreign residents. |