Congratulations – you’ve bought your Israeli apartment! Now comes the practical task of getting utilities connected. While conceptually simple, the process has its quirks if you’re new to Israel. This guide walks you through setting up electricity, water, gas, internet, and other essential services.
Timeline: Do This BEFORE Moving In
Most utilities require 1-2 weeks to set up. Start the process as soon as your buy closes – don’t wait until moving day.
Electricity (Chashmal – חשמל)
Israel’s electricity is provided by Israel Electric Corporation (Chevrat Chashmal – חברת חשמל), a monopoly.
How to connect:
- Visit IEC website or app: https://www.iec.co.il/en (English available)
- Create account using your Teudat Zehut
- Request connection for your new address
- Provide documents:
- Teudat Zehut (ID)
- Tabu document or buy contract
- Previous owner’s account number (if available)
Fees: – Connection fee: ~₪50-100 (if service exists) – First-time installation (new construction): Much higher
Billing: – Bi-monthly bills – Can set up automatic payment (Hora’at Keva) – Pay via app, website, post office, or bank
Important: Get the meter reading on your move-in day. Take photos. This ensures you’re not charged for previous owner’s usage.
Average costs: – Small apartment (60-80 sqm): ₪200-400/month – Medium apartment (80-120 sqm): ₪400-700/month – Large apartment with AC: ₪700-1,200+ in summer
Electricity rates: Israel uses a tiered system. The more you use, the higher the per-unit cost.
Water (Mayim – מים)
Water is provided by municipal water corporations (varies by city).
Tel Aviv: Mei Avivim Jerusalem: Hagihon Haifa: Mei Carmel
How to connect:
- Find your municipal water company (your lawyer can tell you)
- Call or visit their office
- Register as new account holder
- Provide:
- Teudat Zehut
- Proof of ownership
- Previous owner’s account (if available)
Fees: – Connection/transfer: Usually minimal or free – Deposit: Some companies require small deposit
Billing: – Bi-monthly – Combined with municipal Arnona (property tax) in some cities – Can set up direct debit
Average costs: – ₪100-200 per month for typical family usage – Israel’s water is expensive by global standards
Meter reading: Like electricity, document the meter reading on move-in day.
Natural Gas (Gaz Tiv’i – גז טבעי)
Israel has been transitioning from bottled gas (baloons) to piped natural gas, but not all buildings are connected yet.
Option 1: Piped Natural Gas (if available)
Main providers: IEG (Israeli Natural Gas Lines)
Setup: 1. Confirm your building has gas infrastructure 2. Register at IEG website 3. Choose gas supplier (retail competition exists) 4. Schedule installation appointment
Cost: ₪30-100/month for typical cooking usage
Option 2: Gas Balloons (Balons – בלונים)
If your building doesn’t have piped gas:
- Buy/rent gas balloons from suppliers like:
- Supergas
- Paz Gas
- Dorad Gas
- Delivery: Call for delivery when you run out
- Storage: Usually stored on your balcony
- Cost: ₪70-120 per balloon, lasts 1-3 months depending on usage
Safety note: Balloons are safe if properly maintained, but piped gas is more convenient.
Internet and Phone (Internet V’Telefon)
Israel has competitive internet/phone market with multiple providers:
Major providers: – Bezeq (largest, has phone infrastructure) – Hot (cable-based) – Cellcom – Partner – 012 Smile (VOIP)
Types of internet:
- Fiber Optic (Sivim – סיבים): Fastest, 100 Mbps – 1 Gbps 2. Cable: Fast, widely available 3. DSL: Older technology, slower 4. Cellular hotspot: Mobile-based (for areas without infrastructure)
How to set up:
- Check what’s available at your address (provider websites show coverage)
- Choose package: Internet-only or internet+TV+phone bundles
- Order online or call provider
- Schedule installation: Usually 1-2 weeks
- Technician visit: Installs modem/router
Costs: – Internet only: ₪50-150/month depending on speed – Internet + TV + phone bundle: ₪150-300/month – Installation: Usually free or ₪100-200
Tips: – Buildings with fiber are highly desirable – check before buying – Negotiate! Providers offer deals for new customers – Compare packages carefully – bundle deals can save money – Read the fine print on contract length (usually 12-24 months)
Service quality: – Generally good in cities – Can be problematic in older buildings or periphery
TV Options
- Cable/Satellite providers: – Hot – Yes (satellite) – Include Israeli channels + international packages
Cost: ₪100-200/month
- IPTV (Internet-based): – Cellcom TV – Partner TV – Requires good internet
- Streaming only: – Netflix, Disney+, etc. available in Israel – Many people skip traditional TV entirely
- Over-the-air: – Free digital broadcast includes main Israeli channels – Requires antenna
Arnona (Municipal Property Tax)
While not a “utility,” you need to register for Arnona when you move in.
How: 1. Visit or call your municipality’s Arnona department 2. Provide Tabu document and ID 3. Register as new owner
Billing: Bi-monthly, usually combined with water bill
Set up automatic payment to avoid late fees.
Other Services to Set Up
Post Office Box (Ta Duar – תא דואר) – Not necessary but useful for official mail – Register at your local post office – Cost: ₪150-250/year
Superpharm/Pharmacy Registration – Register your Kupat Cholim (health fund) card – Get loyalty cards for discounts
Bank Account – Essential for bill payments – Set up Hora’at Keva (standing orders) for utilities
Building Access – Get mailbox key from previous owner or Va’ad Bayit – Get building entrance codes/keys – Register intercom with your name
Making Life Easier: Payment Automation
Set up Hora’at Keva (standing orders) for all recurring bills:
Bills perfect for automatic payment: – Electricity – Water/Arnona – Internet – Dme Nihul (building maintenance) – Phone
How to set up: – Through your bank app or website – Or via utility company website – You authorize them to debit your account monthly
Benefits: – Never miss a payment – Never have late fees – One less thing to think about
Moving-In Checklist
Week 1-2 before move-in: – [ ] Set up electricity account – [ ] Register for water – [ ] Order internet/phone – [ ] Register for Arnona – [ ] Set up gas (balloon delivery or piped)
Move-in day: – [ ] Document all meter readings (electricity, water, gas) – [ ] Take photos of meters – [ ] Test all utilities – [ ] Get mailbox key – [ ] Get building access codes
Week 1 after move-in: – [ ] Set up automatic payments – [ ] Update address with bank – [ ] Update address with Bituach Leumi (social security) – [ ] Update address with Kupat Cholim (health fund) – [ ] Register with post office (if desired)
Common Problems and Solutions
Problem: Previous owner’s final bill comes to you Solution: You paid until meter reading date. Forward to previous owner or handle through lawyers.
Problem: Internet installation delayed Solution: Use mobile hotspot temporarily. Most Israeli mobile plans include generous data.
Problem: Building has no fiber internet Solution: Cable or DSL are alternatives. Ask Va’ad Bayit about getting fiber installed.
Problem: Can’t reach utility company by phone Solution: Use their website/app or visit in person. Peak times are terrible for phone support.
Costs Summary
Typical monthly utility costs for a 100 sqm apartment with 2-4 people:
- Electricity: ₪400-700 (higher in summer with AC)
- Water + Arnona: ₪200-500
- Gas: ₪30-100
- Internet: ₪60-150
- Phone: ₪30-100 (or included with internet)
- Dme Nihul (building): ₪300-1,000
- Total: ₪1,200-2,800/month
Budget accordingly!
Final Tips
- Do everything in Hebrew if possible – many systems are Hebrew-only or Hebrew-primary
- Keep all confirmation numbers from utility companies
- Set reminders for installation appointments (technicians may not call to confirm)
- Have patience – Israeli customer service can be frustrating
- Join local Facebook groups – other olim share tips on best providers and how to navigate issues
Setting up utilities in Israel requires patience and persistence, but once done, everything runs relatively smoothly. The key is starting early and staying organized.