Chaim V'Chessed

Moving to Chutz La’Aretz

Published on September 9, 2025 Print this guide

Moving to Chutz Laaretz can be challenging and overwhelming. We have compiled a general list which should assist with your transition.

Possessions

Items in good condition that are used regularly might be worth keeping. Weigh the difficulty and expense of schlepping them against the reduced price you will get for selling them, especially if they will need to be repurchased at full price at your destination. 

Note

Israeli appliances will not work in the United States without a converter. These appliances can, however, be used in certain parts of Europe.

Tip

Small essential items that you might need in the first few weeks, such as a bottle of Acamol, can come in handy and are worthwhile to save. 

Selling

  • Used items are generally sold at a discount of 10% per year of use.
  • Furniture is often sold to the tenants who will be taking over the apartment. Offer the incoming tenants any other appliances or accessories you would like to sell.
  • If the incoming tenants will not be purchasing your furniture, try arranging a moving sale. There are also furniture agents who take a commission for selling used furniture.  

Giving Away

  • Many gemachim will come pick up anything you do not want or manage to sell, including packages of food and cleaning supplies.

Shipping and Transport

  • Suitcase – Most airlines allow one free 50 IB (23 Kilo) suitcase per paying passenger. 
  • Lifts – Lifts are pallets that are shipped abroad and are paid for by size, not weight. 
Tip

Save space by vacuum-packing blankets, linens, and clothing. Wrap delicate items in towels or clothing.

  • A note on sending valuables: Lifts are generally uninsured. Some companies offer insurance at approximately 2% of the value of your shipment, with a deductible in case of loss or damage. 
  • Silver and Seforim: Some silver or seforim stores that ship abroad may be able to ship your valuables or books for you. 
Note

Some countries may charge tax on goods you are importing from Israel in your suitcase or in your lift.

Documents

  • Medical Records -Obtain the medical records of all family members.

    Members of Meuchedet can obtain these from their online account:
    • Log in and select the relevant family member.
    • Choose תיק רפואי → בקשות להפקת תיק רפואי דיגיטלי
    • Click the blue button and agree to the terms.
    • Select the dates (maximum 10 years per request).
    • Choose all or specific records.
    • The file should be available within about an hour and will remain accessible for one month.
Note

Meuchedet’s site is not available outside of Israel.

  • Immunization Records- your child’s pinkas chisunim (immunization booklet).
  • School Records- request academic records and transcripts from your children’s schools.
Tip

Scan all important documents – passports, visas, Israeli birth certificates, etc. – and email them to yourself or upload them to a cloud service, such as Google Drive. Keep a hard copy folder of them as well.

Finances

  • Banking – To close a bank account, withdraw all funds and visit your bank in person. In the case of a joint account, both account holders must be present.
Tip

If you need to keep your account open, make sure you have a way to transfer funds and close the account from abroad. Make sure you have a phone number abroad to which the bank can send an authorization code, which is required for many transactions. 

Note

Most banks automatically close an account that is empty and inactive for a number of months. However, it is still advisable to close the account manually to avoid accruing fees or interest.

  • Fines –  Check for any outstanding parking or other fines and pay them before you leave. Check for parking tickets in Jerusalem here. 
  • Other reminders:
    • Withdraw any funds deposited in a gemach. 
    • Pay any outstanding bills before leaving.  

Bills

  • Arnona – Fill out the online form provided by the Iriyah for renters leaving their apartments. You will need your landlord’s confirmation, ID information and the relevant dates and property details. If leaving mid-year and have already paid for the full year, you may receive a refund. If not yet paid, you will be billed through your departure date.
Note

Refunds from Arnona will be deposited into an Israeli bank account only.

Utilities

  • Water – To transfer ownership of your water bill in Jerusalem to the incoming tenants, call *2070 or 02-565-1111, or fill out this online form. Follow instructions on the form. You can also fax the form (1-532-565-1111, email (fax.moked@hagihon.co.il), or mail (Derech Chevron 101, Jerusalem 9110002) the form to Hagihon, the water company. The most recent water meter reading is required on the form.
  • Electricity – Before leaving your apartment, read the current number on the apartment’s electric meter. Dial 103. Provide the contract number located at the top left of the electric bill and the meter reading. The company will create a bill for you to pay on the spot over the phone via credit card. The next bill to the address will begin from this point.

    While speaking to them, if you have the next tenant’s information, provide his name, teudat zehut/passport number, and phone number, and the new bill will show his name. Otherwise, you can let the company know that you are leaving and they will disconnect the meter for a fee of 100 NIS. 

    From outside Israel, Chevrat HaChashmal (The Electric Company) can be reached at 972-4-818-7100.

    For the new tenant to put his name on the bill, he should send the completed form along with a rental contract, letter from yeshiva (if applicable), passports and visas to 1-800-200-103. The name change incurs a nominal fee.

    The name change can also be done using this online form.
  • Gas – Contact your gas provider for information on transferring ownership to the incoming tenants.

Phone and Internet

Teudat zehut holders can use www.Netek.co.il to cancel phone and internet services. However, Netek does not guarantee full cancellation even if confirmation is sent. Always follow up with your provider. 

Alternatively, contact your provider directly to cancel your service.

Tip

Get written confirmation of all cancellations to avoid future charges and interest. 

  • Internet – Contact your service provider to cancel your service. If the incoming tenants plan on having internet service in the apartment, mention that to the provider. It is possible to transfer the account directly to the new tenants. The new tenants should call the provider, as well.
  • Landline – To cancel your landline phone plan, contact your service provider.
  • Cell Phone – To cancel your cell phone plan(s), contact your service provider. Most cell phone providers have forms that can be sent by fax or email. 
Tip

If your plan includes an international number, your foreign provider (e.g. Verizon) may be able to request it from your Israeli provider.

  • DSL/ VOIP- Contact your service provider to cancel your service. However, since VOIP lines work over the internet, they can be maintained anywhere and are often even more cost-efficient than regular landlines abroad. Alternatively, one can transfer ownership of the line to incoming tenants by contacting the service provider. If uncertain whether the line will still be used after leaving Israel, service can be cancelled from abroad.

Bituach Leumi

It is recommended to cancel Bituach Leumi membership from abroad in order to maintain coverage until your departure.

  • Contact Bituach Leumi to pay any outstanding bills. See here for more information. Bituach Leumi can be reached from abroad at at +972-8-936-9669 
  • Israeli citizens should submit this form via their online account or complete the form online here.
  • Non-Israeli citizens should submit this sample letter along with copies of everyone’s passports labeled with their 77 numbers via this link. Choose the second option (מחלקת גבייה ממבוטחים). Proof of intent to reside abroad (e.g. school acceptance, lease agreement) may also be included.
  • Kupat Cholim – Once Bituach Leumi is canceled, basic coverage in kupat cholim will cease automatically. It is advisable to verify that, apart from the basic plan, any supplementary insurances (e.g. Adif or C) are canceled as well. Contact your kupat cholim branch for clarification. 

Tzeischem l’shalom. Wishing you much success in your new journey!