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Guide
Essentials
🏙️ City | Haifa is a major city in northern Israel, known for its beautiful Mediterranean coast and diverse culture. |
👥 Population | approximately 283,000. |
💻 Internet Speed | average download speeds of 100-250 Mbps. |
💸 Currency & Banking | 1 ILS (Israeli New Shekel) ≈ 0.29 USD. |
🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and safe. |
🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type H sockets. |
📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Cellcom, Partner, and Pelephone. |
💳 Banking for Expats | Popular options include Bank Leumi, Bank Hapoalim, and international services like Revolut. |
🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local rentals, and serviced apartments. |
💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely. |
🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb, Vrbo, and local listings available. |
🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Haifa is a popular budget option. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The German Colony is popular for its restaurants and proximity to attractions. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Downtown Haifa or the Carmel area are favored for their amenities and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Hive Shlomo, located in Haifa's downtown. |
☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Louise is a great work-friendly spot with strong WiFi. |
💼 Networking Events | Regular tech meetups at Haifa's startups and community centers. |
🥂 Social Events for Expats | Haifa Expats Facebook group connects the local international community. |
Transportation
🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Gett and Uber are popular in Haifa. |
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Tel-O-Fun bikes available for rent throughout the city. |
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Bat Galim Beach, just 10-15 minutes from downtown. |
✈️ Top Regional Airline | Israir Airlines offers flights to nearby destinations. |
✈️ Top International Airline | El Al and Turkish Airlines operate from Ben Gurion Airport. |
🛣️ Highway Access | Access to Route 2 and Route 4 connecting to Tel Aviv and other cities. |
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Haifa Hof HaCarmel train station is the main transit hub. |
🚍 Public Transport Passes | Rav-Kav card for bus and train travel. |
✈️ Regional Travel | Trains and buses available to Nahariya, Tel Aviv, and more. |
Health and Wellness
🏥 Best Hospital | Rambam Health Care Campus is the main hospital. |
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga with Yaara offers various classes. |
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | DOMO Gym and McFit are popular gym options. |
🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromats available in most neighborhoods. |
Food and Drink
📱 Best Food Delivery App | Wolt and TenBis are widely used. |
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the local Hummus and Shakshuka. |
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Buddha Burgers and Ketchup offer great plant-based menus. |
🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Dina Bakery for traditional Israeli desserts. |
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Wadi Nisnas market for local produce and foods. |
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Zolpo is a popular local e-commerce site. |
🛒 Grocery Delivery | Shufersal and Coop offer grocery delivery services. |
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Masada St. has several bars and pubs. |
🍻 Local Brewery | The Orange Tree Brewery offers craft beer tours. |
🍷 Wine Bars | Carmel Winery has tastings and tours. |
🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors along the Wadi Nisnas area. |
🍕 Popular International Cuisine | The Old Port area features international dining options. |
Culture and Attractions
🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Bahá'í Gardens and the Stella Maris Monastery are top attractions. |
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Haifa Museum of Art showcases contemporary works. |
🏰 Historical Sites | The German Colony reflects Haifa's historical architecture. |
🕍 Religious Sites | Visit the Bahá'í shrine located in the gardens. |
🎉 Annual Events | Haifa International Film Festival held annually. |
🎨 Cultural Districts | The German Colony is rich in history and culture. |
🎭 Theater Venues | Haifa Theater hosts regular performances. |
🛍️ Local Markets | Wadi Nisnas market offers a taste of local life. |
🎼 Music Scene | Various music venues host live performances regularly. |
🎨 Street Art | The streets in the Carmel area feature murals and local art. |
🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cook In a Deal offers interactive cooking experiences. |
👩🎨 Art Galleries | Gallery 73 showcases local artists' work. |
🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Haifa Port and the buildings around it are historical. |
🏴 Local Heritage | Haifa is known for its multicultural heritage, blending Jewish, Arab, and Bahá'í cultures. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Mount Carmel National Park offers hiking trails and scenic views. |
🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Carmel Forest is within a short distance. |
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Haifa Promenade is ideal for walking and cycling. |
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Louis Promenade offers stunning views over the bay. |
🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Carmel Nature Reserve is a favorite among birdwatchers. |
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in the Carmel Forest. |
Other Services and Amenities
📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local postal services available. |
🛠️ Tech Repair Services | iFix offers tech repair services in the city. |
🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have table tennis setups. |
🧑🏫 Language Classes | The Haifa Language School provides lessons in Hebrew and English. |
📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Haifa University Library is a great study venue. |
🏘️ Community Centers | The Haifa Community Center hosts various events. |
🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gamers can visit places like Chaos Gaming Lounge. |
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos are in Haifa, but gaming venues are available. |
Business
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₪3,700 per m² (e.g., 45 m² = ₪166,500). |
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₪2,800 per m² (e.g., 45 m² = ₪126,000). |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₪4,300 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ₪258,000). |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₪3,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ₪180,000). |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₪5,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₪416,000). |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₪3,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₪304,000). |
💼 Corporate Tax | 23%. |
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 30%. |
🏦 Tax System | Residence-based taxing system. |
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 50%. |
🧾 VAT | 17%. |
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applies to foreign subsidiaries. |
🏠 Property Tax | Based on local assessment. |
🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Up to 10% depending on the purchase price. |
💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Special regulations may provide benefits depending on circumstances. |