Business Contacts
Mobile phone hire The cheapest and easiest way to rent a phone is to pick one up at the airport from Pelephone – just past the luggage reclaim area. Phones run NIS12 per day and are returned at the airport prior to departures Car hire All major car rental firms are located both at Ben Gurion Airport and in Tel Aviv within close proximity to the hotel zone. Avis call 03-5271752 and Eldan call 03-5654545 Internet Cafes: EBC Executive Business Center; 99 Hayarkon Street; 03-5226999, also good for general office duties.

Tourist Traps
As Tel Aviv has very few iconic tourist attractions, it falls fl at in the tourist trap arena. However, caveat emptor when taking a taxi. Be sure your driver activates the meter and confirm that they know exactly how to get to your destination before departure. Much more than money, this will save you from frustrating arguments with the driver at your destination.

Weather and Climate
Thanks to its seaside, Middle Eastern location, Tel Aviv is rarely cool. Indeed from April to October, look for clear blue skies with virtually zero rain. In summer, expect near-stifl ing heat and humidity (though nearly every office, taxi and restaurant is air conditioned), while in winter you can expect temperatures no lower than 65 degrees, along with occasional showers.

If you are heading to Jerusalem on a day trip during winter, get ready for Northern European-styled cold.

Local Press
There are two daily English-language newspapers available at nearly every newsstand – the Jerusalem Post and the English version of Ha’ Aretz (which comes with the International Herald Tribune). Both are good for daily news, features, cultural listings, restaurant reviews and commentaries. Time Out Tel Aviv publishes an English-language supplement every two months while the Jerusalem Report serves as a biweekly news and current events magazine.

Tipping Etiquette
Standard rules apply – 10% at restaurants, 15% for exceptional service. Same rule applies in bars, though tipping is unnecessary for taxi drivers.

Gifts To Buy
SoHo (Dizengoff Center; 03-6216204) is Tel Aviv’s first center of local interior design and stocks the best pieces from the next generation of Israeli aesthetic wonders. Peruse its extensive book selection and ponder the talent of the monthly fashion design exhibition.

Ahava is Israel’s best-known body care brand, with beauty and skin products developed from mineral-rich Dead Sea salts. Pick up the entire line at the James Richardson Duty Free shop in Ben Gurion Airport at prices well below those in Europe and America.