Onward Intern Take 2: The Guide to Budgeting in Tel Aviv
It doesn’t get much more ideal than living in Tel Aviv for the summer with an internship and a fully paid-for apartment, thanks to Onward Israel! That is until the price of living here sets in. And by living I mean eating…and drinking…and shopping of course! While the most major expense, my apartment, is covered for the summer I was still shocked by how outrageous many things cost in Tel Aviv (like sunscreen at the beach costing 28 USD??!!!). So I thought I’d share my tips and tricks to living here on a budget as I figure it out myself (even though my parents would definitely attest that I am indeed still figuring it out.)
When it comes to shopping there is a wide price range. While the boutiques are alluring and it can be hard to say no when the actual designer is standing there telling you to try something on (Israelis can definitely be pushy!), there are other options that are just as good, cheaper, and even more unique! Thrifting is in not just for the environmentally cautious but for vintage lovers alike. And while there are tons of high-end vintage shops near Shuk Hacarmel don’t give in to the temptation! If you venture out to the Jaffa Shuk and flea market you will find vintage jean heaven! And the prices are glorious if you bargain a little too of course. Somehow these men are able to find the perfect jeans for you from their floor-to-ceiling inventory just by giving you one up-and-down glare. And you leave with a one of kind denim find from jackets to skirts as well as shorts and pants. The prices range from 75-150 shekel per item or about 20- 40 USD. They will even customize a pair for you right there if you need a length adjustment or even if you’d like to convert a pair of pants into shorts!
Drink prices were definitely the most shocking price adjustment especially coming from America where I can not legally drink meaning going out for cocktails with friends is a non-option. If you go to the classic American party spots in the Tel Aviv port such as Shalvata or Moonchild you can spend up to 80 shekel or 21 USD on a single watered-down vodka soda! Outrageous. While sometimes you find yourself in a bind and succumb to these prices they are not your only option. Most restaurants and bars along Rothschild and Dizengoff have amazing happy hour deals some even chopping the prices off by 30% for food and drink! My favorite so far has been Spicehaus which is known for its elaborate and creative cocktails. Referred to as the “cocktail pharmacy” this spot has a buy one get one deal on cocktails from 6-9 pm! (And if you have secret tel aviv VIP card you can get an extra 10% off your entire bill.)
The food here really ranges. Just like in America if you go to a high-end restaurant your bill can easily climb up to 200 shekel or 54 USD for a single meal. And while at times it is definitely worth checking out the top restaurant in Tel Aviv or even the sacred tourist spot Old Man and the Sea, unlike America you have cheap food options that aren’t just fast food. My favorite spot to eat on a budget is a small hole-in-the-wall sandwich joint run by one single man nuzzled right on Allenby Street just about half a block before the Shuk. Here you can find the perfect falafel pita with all your favorite toppings for just 8 shekel or about 2.5 USD!
Take advantage of all Tel Aviv has to offer during your time here as an intern or student but don’t drain your savings while doing it! More tips and tricks to come…
-Xoxo from Tel Aviv
Abi <3