As a Filipino migrant in Israel, there’s a lot to learn when you arrive. From learning some basic Hebrew to get by, getting used to a different culture and way of life, and navigating the bureaucracy in Israel. While a lot of things will take time to get used to, sending a money transfer from Israel shouldn’t be one of the challenges you face.
Here, we’ll cover a few ways you can send money to the Philippines, as well as some other helpful tips to help you cope with the transition.
Money Transfer Service Options From Israel to the Philippines
While you can go to a bank or money transfer bureaus in Israel to send money internationally, these services can be expensive, time-consuming, and hard to navigate with limited Hebrew. As an alternative, there are ways to do a Rewire money transfer that are much quicker and more cost-effective. Here are a couple of options:
- Wire transfer: send money to the Philippines with an online wire transfer that’s secure, quick, and comes with low fees. For wire transfers from Israel with Rewire, your first two money transfers are free so you can test out the service at no extra charge.
- SSS Payment: continue to make your SSS payments using Rewire to ensure your coverage continues
The Filipino Community in Israel
Get in touch with other migrants in Israel from the Philippines and around the world to get some tips on settling into life here. They might have some insight on how to transfer money, where to find work, and can also introduce you to local events or groups that will help you adapt to a new life. Here are some online groups you should join:
- Israel Filipino Station – a radio station show for Filipinos in Israel that also runs events and contests
- Filipinos in Israel – a group for Filipino migrants and descendants of migrants in Israel to discuss all types of things
- Trabaho Para Sayo Kabayan Israel – a Facebook group for Filipinos working in Israel
- Hakeren – is a great organization to follow for information about foreign worker’s rights in Israel
- Community Manager – Rewire has ties with Filipino community managers in Israel, so you can reach out to them to be connected to other Filipino migrants
A Taste of the Philippines in Israel
When it comes to getting a taste of home, the Filipino community in Israel has some locations they can go to for authentic Filipino flavors. The East-West store carries a lot of East Asian products and has multiple locations. You’ll also find some small shops carrying Filipino products as well as Filipino restaurants in south Tel Aviv where there is a high concentration of Filipino migrants. Wander around the Central Bus Station where you’ll often find Filipino market-style food and grocery stores.
Places to Discover in Israel
When you have some time off of work, there are plenty of places for Filipinos in Israel to discover that are interesting for both cultural and religious reasons. Here are some places you might find interesting enough to visit during your time here
Bethlehem – the site of the nativity of Jesus Christ, featuring many notable Christian sites like churches, chapels, and monasteries
Capernaum – the location in the north of Israel where Jesus performed several miracles in the Galilee
Nazareth – the birthplace of Jesus and home to Mary, and the site of the annunciation, featuring significant landmarks like the Church of Annunciation
Jerusalem – home to all three major religions, many devotees of Jesus Christ visit here during holidays, especially Easter, where pilgrims retrace Jesus’s footsteps in the Passion of Christ
Final Word
Knowing how to do an international money transfer is one of the first steps to getting used to living in Israel, but there’s a lot more to be aware of when moving to a new country. Get in touch with the Filipino migrant community when you arrive to have an easier time adapting to a new place, and take the time to explore the country in order to feel more settled in your life in Israel.
