Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Rishon Lezion is a vibrant city located on the central coast of Israel, known for its mix of modernity and tradition. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 250,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 100-300 Mbps, with fiber options available. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 3.50 ILS. Major banks include Bank Hapoalim and Leumi. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type H sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Cellcom, Partner, and Hot. Prepaid SIM cards are widely available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks are widely accepting account options for expats; services like TransferWise are popular. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local apartments, and serviced apartments. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, credit/debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments are common. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb, local real estate agencies offer various short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options such as HI Rishon Lezion provide inexpensive stays. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Recommended areas include Rishon Lezion Beach and the city center. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Areas around the city center and near coworking spaces such as The Hive. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Hive - Rishon Lezion offers excellent facilities for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Joe, located on Herzl St, has Wi-Fi and welcoming work environment. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetup groups are active, check local Facebook groups for expat and professional meetups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Rishon Lezion Expat Community Facebook Group organizes regular social gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Gett and Uber are available for on-demand transport. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bird and Lime offer scooter rentals around the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Rishon Lezion Beach is just a 10-minute drive away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Arkia is a prominent regional airline. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | El Al and Israir connect to major international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to Highway 44 and Route 4 connecting to Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Rishon Lezion Moshe Dayan train station is a key transit point. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Rav Kav card can be used for buses and trains. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Regular bus and train services connect to nearby cities including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Assaf Harofeh Medical Center is the main hospital in the region. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga in the Park offers outdoor yoga classes along the beach. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | The Trias Gym offers modern facilities and fitness classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Clean Laundry is a reliable local laundromat. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Wolt and Tenbis are popular food delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Don't miss out on Shakshuka, a traditional Israeli dish found in many local eateries. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Menza is known for its extensive vegan menu. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Cafe Hillel's pastries are a local favorite for sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Shuk HaCarmel market is great for budget-friendly food and groceries. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Zappos and Wolt for groceries and other essentials. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Shufersal offers online shopping and home delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | HaSharon Street is popular for nightlife, with various bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Mikveh Brewery offers tours and tastings of local brews. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Rishon Winery is renowned for its selection of local wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Stalls at HaKotzer Market offer a variety of local street food. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Cafe 50’s serves American-style diner food. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Rishon Lezion Museum provides insights into the city's history. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Rishon Lezion Museum features local art and historical exhibits. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The First Aliyah Cemetery is an essential historical site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Great Synagogue of Rishon Lezion is a significant landmark. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Rishon Lezion hosts a summer festival with music, food, and activities. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The city center hosts a variety of cultural events and festivals. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Rishon Lezion Theater is a hub for performing arts. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Rishon Lezion Market is great for local produce and shopping. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bars and cafes host live music events regularly. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Exploring the city center reveals vibrant street art. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Culinary courses at the Rishon Lezion Community Center. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Art Space Rishon Lezion showcases local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The historic Sheshet Hayamim House is open for visitors. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city is the birthplace of the wine industry in Israel. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The nearby Yarkon Park offers scenic walks and nature spots. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Jerusalem Mountains National Park is within driving distance. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths along the Rishon Lezion coast are popular for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The coastal promenade provides excellent views of the Mediterranean Sea. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The nearby Moshav Dvir is a spot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas at Rishon Lezion Beach allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx have offices in Rishon Lezion. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Gadget Repair Store offers quality repair services for gadgets. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers often have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Madrasa Language School offers Hebrew classes for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Rishon Lezion Public Library provides quiet study spaces. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Rishon Lezion Community Center hosts events and activities for locals. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gamer’s Paradise is a hub for gaming enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are no casinos; however, some local venues host gaming nights. |
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. ₪30,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ₪1,800,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₪22,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ₪1,320,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₪28,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₪2,240,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₪20,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₪1,600,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 23%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 25%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Israel's residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 50%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 17%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are stringent rules on foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxation is based on the assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Tax during property purchases is around 6% for primary residencies. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Residents can benefit from a relatively low tax rate on foreign income. |