car in Israel

[s2m25]

Hi, I am hoping to attend med school in Israel this coming year (Aug 2010). Wondering about what current or former US students have done re: car(s).

I am well aware that the transportation system in Israel is excellent (bus service and great trains), but we would be coming with our children, and would definitely need a car or two between their schooling, DH's job, nanny/childcare arrangements, etc.

Do people bring their cars with them from the US? if so, how does one go about doing that. does it matter if they are bought or leased? Both our cars have 3 yr leases with the option of extending for up to one year, so we would be back by the time the lease is up. Not really interested in purchasing cars if we don't need to, we prefer leasing.

Or do people buy cars in Israel? the taxation on autos is insane in Israel. but as a foreign student (ie non citizen), are there exemptions from this (essentially) 100% tax rate? is it possible to lease a car in israel for a reasonable rate?

How does insurance work for US citizens?

Thanks in advance!!!

[Spencer_Blackwell]

i know of a person or two who shipped a car from the US. I also know people have bought cars here.


before you bring the car, best to evaluate your need for it. gas is very expensive, and medical school can be intense- so make sure you are willing to to the car's upkeep.

i wish i had a car though, public transit was invented by the auto industry to punish non-buyers into buying cars...it's very obvious :rolleyes:

as for the actual process and all, can't be of much help sadly.

[s2m25]

thanks for your reply spencer.

We (DH and I both) have spent a good deal of time in Israel on vacation and as undergrads (yr abroad) and yea, we know gas is pretty expensive (~$6/gallon)

We will both need cars. We wouldnt be living on campus as we have 2 kids and will need more space (1 room for kids, one room for live in au pair/ babysitter - yes I know med school is intense!! so planning for that in advance!, and one room for us), and my DH will be workng (hopefully), and will need to get around between getting the kids to school and camp, getting to school, and him getting to work.

I really just want to know about the logistics really. I know you can ship cars (I have heard of it being done), but I guess I am curious about the costs and about how (or if) people do that with leased cars. I dont think seling it when you leave is an option - I think they have laws against that (the government), being that as a non citizen you can buy/lease a car for so much less than a citizen - it would be too easy for people to go "outside the system" and buy mega cheap cars from american expats....