# Buying Our First Car: Life as an Israeli New Citizen

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/shalom-from-tel-aviv-with-paul-maleary-nigel-lithman-kc-7884133/buying-our-first-car-life-as-an-israeli-new-citizen
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/shalom-from-tel-aviv-with-paul-maleary-nigel-lithman-kc-7884133/buying-our-first-car-life-as-an-israeli-new-citizen.md
Podcast: [Shalom From Tel Aviv with Paul Maleary & Nigel Lithman KC](https://stenobird.com/podcast/shalom-from-tel-aviv-with-paul-maleary-nigel-lithman-kc-7884133)
Published: 2026-06-03T21:49:13+00:00
Episode link: https://shows.acast.com/shalom-from-tel-aviv-with-paul-maleary-nigel-lithman-kc/episodes/retrying-for-a-right-hand-drive-life-as-an-israeli-new-citiz
Audio file: https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/6a18c72069630795d8cfed98/e/6a20a15af8e85cfadaf537bf/media.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/shalom-from-tel-aviv-with-paul-maleary-nigel-lithman-kc-7884133/episodes/buying-our-first-car-life-as-an-israeli-new-citizen
Duration seconds: 3306

## Resource

In this episode of Shalom from Tel Aviv , host Paul Maleary checks in with Nigel Lithman KC to discuss the practical realities and unexpected hurdles of adjusting to life as a retired new citizen in Israel. Nigel shares a breakdown of his eventful week, shedding light on the nuances of local culture and public services The Car Buying Conundrum : Nigel recounts his chaotic experience purchasing a car, noting that Israeli law prevents individuals from buying a vehicle until they have officially made Aliyah (gained citizenship). After choosing a light blue vehicle, a change of heart forced them to undo the paperwork for a right-hand drive model. Driving and Infrastructure Reality : He reflects on the harrowing nature of Israeli traffic, citing a recent trip to Jerusalem where a standard 1-hour and 40-minute drive devolved into a three-and-a-half-hour traffic jam. Nigel jokes that the true existential threat to Israel isn't international conflict, but rather the local driving habits and a failure to clean up dog waste. Financial and Bureaucratic Hurdles : Navigating foreign driver licensing rules requires Nigel to take eye exams and medical tests to convert his English license after a year. Furthermore, because of Foreign Office travel advisories, securing vehicle and medical insurance is highly complex, with car insurance premiums skyrocketing to around £5,000. Travel and the Reliability of El Al : Discussing flight options via Wizz Air through Luton Airport, Nigel notes the cultural quirks of seat-shuffling often practiced by ultra-Orthodox passengers. He commends Israel's national carrier, El Al, emphasizing that they deserve patronage for flying uninterrupted through every war the country has faced. Contrasting Healthcare Systems : Nigel compares the UK's NHS with the…

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