I am going to Israel in August to go see some friends. I am just wondering what is security like when transiting through Tel Aviv. I have heard it is pretty intense and can be quite intimidating if you are not used to it. Do I have much to worry about.
2007-03-25 07:33:17 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Travel ➔ Africa & Middle East ➔ Israel
I've been to Israel over 40 times so I reckon I'm a bit of an expert on such matters.
Don't make any jokes about guns or bombs - touchy subject. I've seen people at the airport being asked by security what's in the bag and they've answered "A bomb!" Their feet don't touch the ground. They are taken into a room, stripped searched and questioned.
In most towns it's okay to wear shorts but keep your top covered. Only strip off when you are on the beach.
Don't wear shorts in Jerusalem.
Other than that it's just use your common sense.
Many tourists go to Israel from all over the world so they are used to seeing all types.
One thing you must keep reminding yourself.
Israeli's can seem very rude and arogant, but once you really get to know them you will find they are great. Unfortunately, you probably won't be there long enough to discover this for yourself - but please take my word for it - they are okay.
One thing that always surprises me is that after everything the Jews have been through over the centuries - they don't hate anyone. They just want to live as normal a life as possible.
Enjoy and toast me with a Macabbi Beer!
L'Chaim
2007-03-25 08:59:56 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 7⤊ 2⤋
In Jerusalem and some of the more religious towns, you'll need to dress modestly and not explicitly violate the Sabbath (e.g., not driving a car through a super religious neighborhood). In Tel Aviv, it's pretty much a live and let live kind of place. It's super liberal. You shouldn't have problems there.
Security really isn't that bad (you'll get wanded at the entrance to every mall and museum and at the entrance to some restaurants and so on) but it's not intimidating and it's not bad. If you have nothing to be afraid of (i.e., you are not a terrorist), then why worry?
2007-03-25 08:31:23 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 0⤋
The most shocking thing for an outsider I guess is seeing a bunch of kid soldiers (17-early 20's) in uniforms and carrying big guns all around the buses and stuff. Tel Aviv is a beautiful small city with a lot going on. You really have nothing to worry about, actually having those kid soldiers around, who know what to do, can be quite comforting.
2007-03-25 07:38:28 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
If you go there for the first time you can be a bit intimidated by the fact that all the malls and other public places have those things they have in airports to check for weapons. plus there are soldiers with huge guns everywhere!!
but what really bugged me, the Israelis don't even notice!! so i guess you pretty soon get used to it.
enjoy your visit!!
2007-03-27 04:30:58 · answer #4 · answered by mandy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you don't act silly or foolish,you need not worry. You will have to be on guard when you get close to Arabs. The people there are friendly and hospitable but a little more tense than you might be.Dress modestly in religious neighborhoods. Respect the authorities,but don't be afraid.
2007-03-25 20:45:46 · answer #5 · answered by DAGIM 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Better question would be how not to act. I think if you are American they will cut you some slack. Do not act like an anti-sematic or a terrorist!!! LOL. Just use common sense
2007-03-25 07:37:44 · answer #6 · answered by orcarius 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
dont worry its fine
they might just need to check bags or something
but you do need to go through those things like in airports but not everywhhere. mostly just public areas like malls and stuff
2007-03-26 15:09:04 · answer #7 · answered by ellie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you haven't got anything to hide don't worry they do question travelers more than other countries however but take it easy
2007-03-27 03:13:18 · answer #8 · answered by Perplexed User 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Act like yourself. If you act suspicious then they are going to focus on you.
2007-03-25 07:37:32 · answer #9 · answered by anothermauri 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
yes, you have to worry and it is intense.
2007-03-25 20:13:09 · answer #10 · answered by Kalooka 7 · 0⤊ 4⤋