Israel is a country located in the Middle East, known for its advanced technology industry, vibrant culture, and unique history. If you are an expat living in Israel or planning to move there, it is essential to understand the banking system in the country. In this article, we will cover the following topics:
- Local banks in Israel and their contact details
- Presence of major UK and USA banks in Israel and their contact details
- Accounts and services offered to expats by banks in Israel
- Typical bank opening hours in Israel
- Areas of concern for expats in the Israeli banking system
- How to open a bank account in Israel as an expat
Local Banks in Israel
There are several local banks operating in Israel, including:
- Bank Hapoalim
- Bank Leumi
- Mizrahi Tefahot Bank
- Israel Discount Bank
- First International Bank of Israel
Bank Hapoalim
Bank Hapoalim is one of the largest banks in Israel, offering a wide range of financial services to its customers. It operates over 250 branches across the country and has a significant presence in the international market. You can contact Bank Hapoalim through the following channels:
- Phone: +972-3-567-3333
- Email: service@poalim.co.il
- Website: https://www.bankhapoalim.com
Bank Leumi
Bank Leumi is another major bank in Israel, with a history dating back to 1902. It provides various banking services, including retail banking, private banking, and investment banking. Bank Leumi has around 250 branches throughout Israel and also operates in other countries. You can contact Bank Leumi through the following channels:
- Phone: +972-9-960-2211
- Email: info@leumi.co.il
- Website: https://www.leumi.co.il
Mizrahi Tefahot Bank
Mizrahi Tefahot Bank is the fourth-largest bank in Israel, offering banking services to individuals, businesses, and corporations. It has a network of over 180 branches in Israel and several offices abroad. You can contact Mizrahi Tefahot Bank through the following channels:
- Phone: +972-3-755-6555
- Email: mizrahi@mizrahi-tefahot.co.il
- Website: https://www.mizrahi-tefahot.co.il
Major UK and USA Banks in Israel
Several major banks from the UK and USA have a presence in Israel, including:
- HSBC
- Barclays
- Citibank
- JPMorgan Chase
HSBC
HSBC is one of the largest banks in the world and has a significant presence in Israel. It offers various banking services, including retail banking, commercial banking, and investment banking. You can contact HSBC in Israel through the following channels:
- Phone: +972-3-753-4555
- Email: info@hsbc.co.il
- Website: https://www.business.hsbc.co.il
Barclays
Barclays is another major bank with a presence in Israel, providing various banking services to individuals and businesses. It operates several branches in Israel and has a dedicated team to serve its clients. You can contact Barclays in Israel through the following channels:
- Phone: +972-3-613-8888
- Email: info.israel@barclays.com
- Website: https://www.barclays.co.uk
Citibank
Citibank has been operating in Israel for over 50 years and offers a wide range of banking services.
Opening A Bank Account
As an expat, you can open a bank account in Israel by following these steps:
Choose a bank: Research the various banks in Israel to determine which bank will suit your needs. You can visit the bank’s website or go to a branch to gather more information.
Gather your documents: You will need to provide the following documents to open a bank account in Israel:
- A valid passport
- A copy of your visa or residency permit
- Proof of address (utility bill or rental agreement)
- Israeli tax identification number (TIN)
Visit the bank: Once you have chosen a bank and gathered your documents, visit the bank during opening hours to open your account. If you are unable to visit in person, you can contact the bank to inquire about alternative options.
Fill out an application: The bank will provide you with an application form to fill out. Be sure to provide accurate and complete information.
Provide identification: You will need to provide your passport or other identification to confirm your identity.
Provide proof of address: You will need to provide proof of your address in Israel. This can be a utility bill or rental agreement.
Provide your TIN: You will need to provide your Israeli tax identification number (TIN).
Deposit funds: Once your account is open, you will need to make a minimum deposit to activate it. This amount varies by bank.
Choose additional services: You can choose additional services such as online banking, a debit card, or a credit card.
In conclusion, opening a bank account in Israel as an expat is a straightforward process. By choosing a bank, gathering the necessary documents, and visiting the bank during opening hours, you can open an account and start managing your finances in Israel.