How to Pay Your Utility Bills in Israel: A Newcomer’s Guide
Moving to a new country comes with its fair share of challenges, and managing your household utilities is one of them. Whether you’re renting an apartment in Tel Aviv or just settling into a cozy home in Haifa, you’ll need to understand how to pay for your basic utilities like water, electricity, gas, and more.
For newcomers to Israel, the process of paying utility bills can seem a bit confusing at first. But don’t worry — with a little guidance, you’ll be paying your bills like a local.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the basics of paying your utility bills in Israel, explore the different payment options available, and offer some tips to make the process easier.
1. Understanding Your Utility Bills in Israel
In Israel, most homes receive separate bills for water, electricity, natural gas, and municipal services (called arnona). Each service has its own billing cycle, and the providers may vary depending on your location.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the main utilities:
- Electricity: Israel’s electricity is provided by the Israel Electric Corporation (IEC), a government-owned company. You’ll likely receive a bill every two months.
- Water: Water is usually managed by local water corporations, and billing is also bi-monthly. For example, if you’re living in Tel Aviv, the “Mekorot” company handles water supply. Pay attention to your water usage, as prices can rise during periods of heavy consumption.
- Gas: Many homes use natural gas for cooking and heating water. Depending on where you live, gas may be provided by a private company, such as Amisragas or Pazgas. Bills are generally issued monthly or quarterly.
- Arnona: This is a municipal tax, used to cover local services like garbage collection and street cleaning. The rate varies based on the size and location of your home. You’ll receive this bill either monthly or bi-annually, and it’s typically paid through your local municipality.
Each bill will include details about your usage, rates, and a due date for payment. Most utility bills will arrive by mail, although many companies now offer the option to receive your bills by email or view them through an online account.
2. Payment Methods: How to Pay Your Bills
Once you’ve received your utility bills, it’s time to pay them. Fortunately, Israel offers several convenient payment options to suit different preferences. Here are the most common methods:
a) Online Payment
Most utility companies in Israel have embraced the digital age, allowing customers to pay bills online. This is often the easiest and quickest option, especially if you’re comfortable with technology.
- Electricity: You can pay your electricity bill directly on the Israel Electric Corporation’s website or through their mobile app. You’ll need your customer number (printed on your bill) to complete the payment.
- Water: Many local water companies have online payment portals. For example, if you’re in Jerusalem, you can pay your bill through the Hagihon website.
- Gas: Private gas companies typically offer online payment options as well. Check your provider’s website for details.
Most online payment portals accept credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, and sometimes Israeli debit cards) or direct bank transfers.
b) Bank Standing Order (Hora’at Keva)
If you prefer to automate your payments, you can set up a hora’at keva (standing order) through your bank. This option allows the utility company to automatically withdraw the bill amount from your bank account when it’s due.
To set up a hora’at keva, you’ll need to contact your bank and provide them with the relevant details from your utility company. This method is ideal if you want to avoid late payments and the hassle of manually paying each bill.
c) Post Office Payment
For those who prefer to handle things in person, you can pay your bills at any Israel Post branch. Simply bring your printed bill to the post office, and you can pay by cash or credit card. While this method might take more time, it can be useful if you’re not comfortable paying online or setting up a standing order.
3. Tips for Efficiently Managing Your Utility Bills
Paying utility bills doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. Here are a few tips to help you manage your payments smoothly:
a) Set Up Payment Reminders
It’s easy to forget about upcoming bills, especially when you’re busy settling into a new country. To avoid late fees, set reminders on your phone or calendar for the due dates of your utility bills. Many companies also offer SMS or email reminders to notify you when a bill is due.
b) Monitor Your Usage
Utility bills can vary depending on your usage. For example, electricity bills can spike during the summer months when air conditioners are used more frequently. To avoid surprises, keep an eye on your consumption and try to adopt energy-saving practices, like turning off lights when not in use or using fans instead of air conditioners when possible.
c) Check for Discounts
If you’re a student, senior citizen, or a new immigrant (oleh hadash), you may be eligible for certain discounts on your utility bills, particularly on your arnona (municipal tax). Contact your local municipality or utility providers to inquire about any discounts or special rates.
Conclusion
Paying your utility bills in Israel may seem complicated at first, but once you understand the basics and choose the right payment method, it becomes second nature. Whether you prefer online payments, standing orders, or in-person visits to the post office, there’s a solution that fits your needs.
By staying organized and keeping track of your usage, you can ensure that you pay your bills on time and avoid any unnecessary fees. With a little practice, you’ll soon find that managing your utilities in Israel is just another part of your daily routine.
Welcome to your new home — and happy bill paying!