Rehovot's HiTech: Doing Business in Israel

US companies will find Israel's business environment very similar to the U.S. It is a very a professional business environment and westernized. Most U.S. businesspersons have commented that they feel very comfortable doing business in Israel. Business appointments can be made on fairly short notice, but punctuality is desired. It is a general rule that Israelis arrive well prepared for meetings and are very direct. You should be prepared to present business cards in English or in English and Hebrew are recommended. Previously, it was very expensive and often difficult to have business cards made on a short notice in Israel. It is often better to have photocopied card than no cards at all. E-mail addresses and websites are useful in Israel and should be included with your contact information. English is widely spoken in the business community and in government offices, but knowing and using a few words in Hebrew, especially introductory phrases and greetings can be very useful. Also, Israelis are familiar with the fact that most U.S. business people dress more formally for meetings. However, U.S. businesspersons will find business dress in both the private sector and government offices to be much less formal, especially during the summer months.

Source: Andrea Zvonicek, Jim Miwa. Country Market Report Israel: Market Opportunities in Biotechnology 2003. California Technology, Trade & Commerce Agency Office of Export Development