What you need to know before you visit Tel Aviv for the first time

UPDATED FOR 2023

If you are planning to visit Tel Aviv for the first time, there are some travel tips that will make your trip go more smoothly and help you avoid some common mistakes.

As a local Tel Avivian, I’ve hosted many guests and guided many more around the city.

I took note of the most frequently asked questions of first timers in Tel Aviv and made this guide – a collection of Tel Aviv tips – to answer them.

This is not a guide about things to do in Tel Aviv, but advice on how to make your holiday go smoothly, save money, stay safe and make the most out of your visit to Tel Aviv.

I answer some common questions in this guide, which I’ve been asked many times, such as how long to spend in Tel Aviv, the best area to stay in Tel Aviv, how to get around the city and more Tel Aviv tips.

How to get to Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv is located by the Mediterranean sea and the easiest way to reach it is by plane.

The nearest airport, Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV), is in a nearby city.

Find a flight to Tel Aviv

Flights to Tel Aviv

Most major national airlines and quite a few low-cost airlines fly to Tel Aviv.

Some low-cost airlines that fly to Tel Aviv include EasyJet, Ryanair and Wizzair.

You can get a discount on your flight to Tel Aviv if you book with Omio for the first time.

To fly to Tel Aviv from London, you can choose between British Airways (Heathrow), EasyJet (Luton, Gatwick, Stansted), El Al (Luton and Heathrow), and WizzAir (Luton).

To fly to Tel Aviv from New York City, go with Delta (JFK), El Al (JFK and Newark) or United (Newark).

These might change from time to time, so it’s always a good idea to check current availability on SkyScanner or Omio.

When you search for flights to Tel Aviv, you may find some very cheap flights to Ovda Airport.

This is in the south of Israel and it will take you a few hours to get to Tel Aviv from Ovda.

I wouldn’t recommend it, unless you’re planning to travel around the south of Israel before going to Tel Aviv.

The gate pass at Ben Gurion Airport

When you enter Israel, passport control will issue you with a small piece of paper – the gate pass.

It replaces the stamp in your passport.

It has some of your details and a barcode to scan as you leave towards the baggage claim area.

Keep it with you until you leave the country.

How to get to Tel Aviv from the airport

Ben Gurion International Airport is about 20 minutes away from Tel Aviv by train or by car.

Taxis from tel aviv airport

Gett taxi app - Super useful in Israel

A taxi from the airport to Tel Aviv is the most convenient option because it will take you directly to your accommodation.

The ride should take about 20 minutes to the centre of Tel Aviv, depending on traffic.

Don’t worry too much about illegal taxi touts; the taxis at Ben Gurion Airport are supervised.

The easiest way to hail a taxi from the airport is by using the Gett app, where you’ll see the price on the screen right away.

Use my code GTFJFTA to get a discount on Gett taxi rides.

It’s a good idea to download this taxi app in advance. It will be super useful for you whenever you want to get around Israel by taxi. Uber doesn’t operate in Israel, as many tourists are surprised to discover, but Gett is as close as it gets in terms of user experience.

Trains from Tel Aviv airport

To take the train to Tel Aviv from the airport, follow the signs to the train station at the same level as the arrivals hall. Buy your ticket at the station and keep it with you.

It’s a quick and comfortable ride to Tel Aviv and the trains are quite frequent. You can check train timetables here. Tel Aviv has four railway stations, so pick the one closest to your accommodation.

The only downside of taking the train from the airport to Tel Aviv is that you will need to get a bus or a taxi from the train station in Tel Aviv to your accommodation. Public transport in the city can be unreliable sometimes and buses are often late.

If you prefer to take a taxi in the city, use the Gett app.

On some days when there are works being done on the rail tracks, there will be rail replacement bus services from the airport which are free of charge. They stop near the train stations and take a bit longer than the train to reach the city centre.

Tel aviv airport private car transfers

A private car transfer service is also available. You’ll need to book it in advance for complete peace of mind.

Do you need a visa to visit Israel?

If you’re a citizen of the EU, USA, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, you don’t need a visa to visit Israel.

Citizens of other countries should check the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or ask at the local embassy.

Your passport should be valid for 6 months from your date of departure from Israel.

How long can you stay in Israel?

Tourists can stay in Israel for up to 3 months.


Tel Aviv and Jaffa: which is which?

If you’re about to visit Tel Aviv and have done some reading about it already, you’d have seen Tel Aviv and Jaffa mentioned together in travel guides.

On the map, you might see the name “Tel Aviv – Yafo”. That’s because Tel Aviv and Jaffa officially belong to the same municipality.

Jaffa is just south of Tel Aviv and it is often the first place tourists visit, because of its old town charms.

Jaffa is an ancient city, while Tel Aviv is quite young, just over 100 years old.

As you travel around Jaffa and Tel Aviv you will notice that the population in Jaffa is mixed – Muslims, Christians and Jews live there together.

At the beginning of the 20th century, when the Arab city of Jaffa could no longer sustain its growing population, some of its Jewish residents decided to build new neighbourhoods nearby. These later developed into the modern city of Tel Aviv.

The main places to visit in Jaffa

The old town area in Jaffa has always been very popular with tourists. It has the charm you’d expect of an old town, but it has been renovated and has some interesting art galleries, local restaurants and a great view of the Mediterranean Sea.

The old port right next to the old town is also a great place to visit and take some classic Jaffa photos.

The flea market has become a real hot spot in recent years and is one of the places you don’t want to miss when you visit Tel Aviv.

It’s a flea market during the day, with antique and second-hand shops, but at night it turns into a great place to go out for drinks with live music, plenty of bars and restaurants and a lively atmosphere. That’s where both locals and tourists go out at night.

On the border between Tel Aviv and Jaffa, there’s another neighbourhood that’s well worth a visit called Neve Tzedek. It’s a charming and picturesque part of Tel Aviv with its own unique style.

I recommend taking a stroll in Neve Tzedek in daylight to appreciate its beauty, but it’s also a good place to visit after dark for a good meal or drinks at some of its trendy bars.

You can take a tour of Jaffa and Neve Tzedek that covers the history, lovely narrow alleyways, art galleries, architecture and much more. This can be a great start for your holiday in Tel Aviv. Check availability here or in the calendar below to reserve your spot.


How long to spend in Tel Aviv

Because Tel Aviv isn’t a huge city, it’s quite easy to decide how many days to spend in Tel Aviv.

You can enjoy Tel Aviv fully in three days or so. If you’re on a very short visit, then even two days or a weekend will suffice.

However, if you have time, I think you can benefit from visiting Tel Aviv for longer.

It will give you a chance to experience local life, take more tours, try more of the local cuisine and get to know the people and culture beyond the tourist highlights.

The Ultimate Tel Aviv Guide suggests a 5-day itinerary in Tel Aviv that covers all the best things to do in Tel Aviv, plus some extras.

Taking day trips from Tel Aviv

When you’re planning how long to spend in Tel Aviv, remember that Israel is a small country, so you can use Tel Aviv as a perfect base for day trips.

These are the main destinations you can see on day trips from Tel Aviv:


Where to stay in Tel Aviv

If it’s your first visit to Tel Aviv,  the best travel tip I can give you is to stay in the city centre.

Tel Aviv is a very walkable city, so staying in the central area means you can walk anywhere you like easily, see the sights, enjoy the cafes and the markets and never get stuck in traffic.

And one more tip – the central bus station in Tel Aviv isn’t central at all…  in fact it’s the one area of the city that you really want to avoid, especially if it’s your first visit. More about that below, in the section on Tel Aviv safety tips.

Great hotels in central Tel Aviv

Here are some of the best central hotels in the city:

The Rothschild 71

The Rothschild 71 Hotel in Tel Aviv

Located in Tel Aviv’s most famous boulevard, this beautiful hotel is right in the centre of the city and close to trendy nightlife spots. It’s a very stylish, modern hotel, with helpful staff available 24/7.  Check availability.

White Villa Tel Aviv

White Villa Hotel in Tel Aviv

This gorgeous hotel is very close to Tel Aviv’s iconic Dizengoff Square, at the very centre of the city. You’ll get to experience staying in a unique restored 1940’s Tel Avivian villa, overlooking a lively boulevard. Check availability.

Poli House

Poli House Hotel

This is a popular hotel with a very sleek design and an outdoor pool. You’ll be staying right next to two of Tel Aviv’s most famous attractions – the Carmel Market and the Arts & Crafts Fair. Check availability.

Stay by the seafront in Tel Aviv

Many first-time visitors to Tel Aviv also like to stay by the beach and there are many beachfront hotels with a nice view of the Mediterranean.

Tel Aviv’s promenade is famous for its hotels. Several of them are not so central, so it’s a good idea to check the map before you book.

Some of the top hotels by the beach, which are also central, include the beautifully designed Prima Hotel, the highly rated Renoma Hotel & Apartments and the 1950s-themed Embassy Hotel.

Tel Aviv vacation rentals

It’s quite easy to find a vacation rental in Tel Aviv. The selection is large. Do always check the reviews before you book. Browse vacation rentals here.


Get to know Tel Aviv

If it’s your first time in Tel Aviv, my tip is to take a guided tour on the first day of your visit.

Get to know the city with a local guide and also use the opportunity to ask them all the questions you might have and get local tips.

Israelis love to talk about their country. During the tour, you can feel free to talk openly and ask questions even about the most sensitive subjects like religion and politics. It’s quite normal in Israel. Expect to get direct and honest answers.

You can take a Private City Tour for a great introduction to the city.

If you prefer a group tour, you can join the All the Best of Tel Aviv Walking Tour.

There’s also a bike tour in Tel Aviv an Jaffa.

Fun and unique activities in Tel Aviv

Beyond the standard tours, there are plenty of unique, original and fun experiences in Tel Aviv.

Though it’s not a huge city, it certainly feels like one, because there are so many things to do…

Here’s a selection of unique and fun experiences to try:

For more hidden gems in Tel Aviv, check out Spotted by Locals. The app includes plenty of recommendations by locals, including myself, about places to see and things to do in Tel Aviv.

Experiences for foodies in Tel Aviv

Over the past decade or so, Tel Aviv has developed a reputation as a foodie destination.

It has a winning combination of fresh produce, thanks to the warm weather all year round, and strong international influences of a cosmopolitan city.

The range of ethnic foods and fusion cuisine you can sample in Tel Aviv is endless and just keeps growing all the time.

The choice can be a bit overwhelming, so take a guided tour to help you find the best places to eat and also to explore all the local markets.

For the best typical local experiences, take a tour of Lewinsky Market and Carmel Market.

I also recommend the flea market in Jaffa, that’s a fascinating culinary hotspot with its own unique atmosphere.

Here’s a selection of food tours and experiences to try in Tel Aviv:


How to get around Tel Aviv?

Walking in tel aviv

Tel Aviv is a wonderfully walkable city, being quite small and flat. You can walk just about anywhere and take the time to look around.

Being able to get around on foot is one of my favourite things about the city and one of the Tel Aviv tips I’m always happy to share.

Cycling in Tel Aviv

If you don’t feel like walking, you can also rent a city bike called Tel-O-Fun. You’ll see the green bike stations all over the city and you can rent them on a daily or weekly basis.

Watch this video for info on how to use the city bikes:

You can also rent electric bicycles and electric scooters in Tel Aviv, but I wouldn’t recommend taking the risk. With the heavy traffic, impatient drivers and little enforcement of traffic regulations, it’s simply not safe.

Taxis in Tel Aviv

Gett is the most popular and convenient app to use if you need a taxi in Tel Aviv.

It will detect your location and find taxis nearby. The app has an English language interface and it lets you pay by credit card.

⭐ You can use my coupon code GTFJFTA to get a discount on Gett.

Uber isn’t available in Tel Aviv, so don’t expect to be able to use it, but Gett works in a similar way.

You can also find a random taxi on the street and ask the driver to turn on the meter (in Hebrew: β€œMo-neh”, pronounced like the last name of the artist Claude Monet). The driver has to turn it on if you ask.

One thing to consider is that there’s heavy traffic in the city during the day and the evening, so going by car may not be the best way to get around.

If you visit Tel Aviv on a budget, beware that taxis are expensive, so my tips for you would be to use the discount code GTFJFTA or just walk or cycle instead.

Buses in Tel Aviv

The public transport system in Tel Aviv, frankly speaking, isn’t the best way to get around the city.

While the light rail is still under construction, buses get stuck in traffic a lot and run late way too often.

In my own experience, it’s easier and faster to cycle than to take the bus. Sometimes you can even get around on foot faster than by bus.

A quicker and more frequent alternative to buses are the minivans called β€œSheroot”.

They operate around the city with similar routes to some buses. Typically, you can stop them anywhere along the route to get on or off.


What languages do people speak in Tel Aviv?

Tel Aviv street sign - Rothschild Blvd
Tel Aviv street sign in three languages – Hebrew, Arabic and English

Street signs in Tel Aviv are usually in Hebrew, Arabic and English.

The official language in Israel is Hebrew. Arabic has a special status and English is very commonly used and widely spoken in Tel Aviv.

You can easily get by in English when you go shopping, talk to a bus driver or order at cafes and restaurants.

On the rare occasion that the person you speak to can’t communicate in English at all, there will be someone else nearby who can.

This makes things very convenient for tourists.

What’s less convenient though is that the Hebrew alphabet is completely different from the Latin alphabet, so there will be certain things you won’t be able to read.

For example, if a restaurant doesn’t have a menu in English, you won’t be able to just guess what’s on it (as I often do in many European countries with some general knowledge of Roman languages…).

Google translate scanner screenshot - translate Hebrew texts
The Google Translate app can help you decipher Hebrew texts!

One way around it is to use Google translate scanner on your phone. Set the app to translate from Hebrew into English and then press the camera icon and point it at the text. It will scan the text and show you the translation on the screen.

What currency is used in Tel Aviv

Israeli banknotes
Israeli banknotes (Source: Bank of Israel)

The Israeli Shekel is the official currency.

Cash and credit cards are the common methods of payment. You can also use Google Pay and Apple Pay.

I suggest you always have some cash on you in case your card or app isn’t accepted.

You can check the conversion rates on xe.com (I also use their app on my phone whenever I travel, it’s very user-friendly).

There are five notes: 20, 50, 100 and 200 shekels.

The coins are 1, 2, 5 and 10 shekels, as well as 10 and 50 Agorot (cents).

Tel Aviv is an expensive city.

You can expect to pay at least Western European prices (and sometimes more) on anything from restaurants to taxis to going out.

To help you enjoy your Tel Aviv holiday without breaking the bank, I made these two resources:


When to visit Tel Aviv?

Tel Aviv beach
Tel Aviv’s beaches

Tel Aviv is a warm city all year round.

Spring (March – April) and fall (October – November) are ideal times to visit. You can expect sunshine every day, and the weather is neither too hot nor too cold.

Summer is long in Tel Aviv, it starts around May and ends around October.

It’s a very hot and extremely humid summer, so I recommend you visit in summer only if you enjoy sweating a lot!

That said, you can literally spend your entire vacation on the beach πŸ˜‰

You can also visit Tel Aviv during its very short winter (December-February), as it hardly ever gets very cold.

Winter days are usually quite sunny and the nights are cooler.

If you visit Tel Aviv in December, consider that there are a lot of tourists in Tel Aviv during the Christmas vacation.

Christmas isn’t a holiday celebrated by most Israelis. Jaffa has a larger Christian population than Tel Aviv, so Christmas is more present there.

If you want to visit Tel Aviv in January or February, remember these are the winter months.

While days may be sunny, temperatures do drop after sunset, and it does rain sometimes, but not frequently.

If you’re from a country that has freezing winters, Tel Aviv can be a very nice escape πŸ˜‰

The Israeli weekend is tricky! read this if you visit Israel for the first time

This is probably one of the most important Tel Aviv tips in this guide.

Although Tel Aviv is a secular city, the Shabbat (Sabbath, Saturday) is observed in Israel and it will affect your visit.

The Jewish weekend starts on Friday afternoon and ends on Saturday evening after sunset. Sunday is a normal working day in Tel Aviv.

I’ve seen many visitors get confused by this and you really should take this into account when you plan your trip to Israel, so as to avoid some very common mistakes.

The most important thing to remember is that there are no public buses and trains during the weekend.

It’s best to avoid booking a flight to or from Tel Aviv on Friday or Saturday.

While there is a convenient train service to and from the airport, it stops working quite early on Friday afternoon and resumes quite late on Saturday night. 

It’s a good idea to check with your hotel to see if they offer a shuttle service to and from the airport.

Otherwise, you’ll have to get a taxi to/from the airport or book a private transfer.

Getting around the city during the weekend is easier though, as you can walk, rent a city bike or use the Sheroot minivans that run 7 days a week. 

Their service is limited compared to the normal bus service, but they are very helpful at weekends.

Taxis are always available, including during weekends.

Restaurants and shops usually close on Friday afternoon, though some stay open, especially in busy nightlife areas of the city.

The markets and supermarkets are also closed, but there are some smaller shops and kiosks that are open throughout the weekend.

Carmel Market Tel Aviv
The Market in Tel Aviv closes early on Friday afternoon

TIP! Buy fresh fruit and veg at the market on Friday in the early afternoon. You will also get the best prices just before the market closes for the weekend.

Some businesses might re-open on Saturday night, but typically they only open again on Sunday morning.

Generally, Friday night is the biggest night for going out to parties and bars. The city is full of people and very lively.

Jewish holidays can be tricky too

This Tel Aviv tip is closely related to the previous one: Research your dates before you book your trip and check for Jewish holidays.

There are a lot of religious holidays in Israel and they may disrupt public transport and opening hours in a similar way to Shabbat.

Usually, shops and restaurants will close down early on the eve of the holiday and re-open the next evening or the day after.

There may be exceptions, but do check in advance.


Is Tel Aviv safe?

Tel Aviv is generally quite safe, if you put aside the general risk of life in the Middle East.

Do check news reports and official travel warnings before you go, as the political situation can only be described as unpredictable.

Tel Aviv safety tips

Tel Aviv has pretty low crime rates and it doesn’t have any typical tourist scams.

Pickpockets do target tourists, mostly on the beach, so keep an eye on your belongings.

There are no official “no-go” areas in Tel Aviv, but I strongly recommend you avoid the central bus station area, especially after dark.

There are other bus terminals in Tel Aviv that you can use instead. Also, some parts of Jaffa are considered dodgy, as you go south, i.e. away from Tel Aviv and into Jaffa.

Gentrification might change all that very soon, but for now, I’d say these are the places to avoid.

Beware of the electric bicycles and scooters

electric bicycle
E-bikes are everywhere in Tel Aviv, beware! (Source: Jim.henderson)

Of all the cities I’ve been to around the world, I’ve never seen so many electric bicycles and electric scooters in one place.

They are ridiculously popular and under-regulated in Tel Aviv and have become a serious risk.

Walking on a busy street in Tel Aviv for the first time, you just might feel like a moving target and that everybody’s trying to run you over.

You will come across them anywhere you go, usually when they’ll be coming at you (or worse, behind you) at great speed.

They ride on pavements too, there’s no escape and nowhere is safe.

The only advice I can give is to move out of their way, as they are not going to stop for you.

Security checks in Tel Aviv

When you enter any public place, like a supermarket, a theatre, a shopping centre, the central bus station etc., you will have to stop for a security check.

Normally the guard will look into your bag and ask you if you’re carrying any weapons.

These checks are usually very quick and not particularly intrusive.

However, if you’re in a hurry, remember that at times they can take a bit longer. When you use public transport, I recommend arriving at big stations a bit early, so you don’t miss your bus or train.

Sometimes there might be a line for the security check and in some places, your bags may even be x-rayed (at many large train stations, for example).

This may not be a surprise, considering the political situation in the region, and given that these checks are becoming more common in more parts of the world. Still, it is something that a first-time visitor should be prepared for.

Is Tel Aviv safe for women on a solo trip?

As a woman travelling on your own, you can feel safe when you visit Tel Aviv, with two exceptions:

Avoid the central bus station area. In particular, refrain from going into the neighbourhood called Neve Shaanan.

I would suggest you avoid it even during the daytime, not just at night. Mark it on your map with a big red X.

Apart from the junkies and the homeless, this area is where men treat women as potential prey… It’s not where you want to hang out on your vacation.

The second issue for solo women travellers in Israel is street harassment.

You can expect sexual harassment on the street and on the beach from Israeli men.

These are almost always verbal. It’s an ingrained cultural thing, unfortunately, which is changing very slowly.

Other than that, Tel Aviv is generally safe for women. You can go out late at night and there’ll still be lots of people on the streets and crime rates are normally low.


Extra tip: Israelis speak very loudly

One of the first things you’ll see, or rather hear, is Israelis shouting at each other.

I’ve had to explain this quite a few times to puzzled visitors I’ve hosted: They’re not fighting, they are having a perfectly ordinary conversation.

It’s just part of the Israeli culture, which is pretty informal in many ways.

If someone approaches you and seems to be shouting at you, remember that for them talking loudly is a normal thing.


The ultimate Tel Aviv guide

The Ultimate Tel Aviv Guide was written by two savvy Tel Avivian travel bloggers.

It’s detailed and comprehensive and after reading it in full, I can recommend it to anyone who’s visiting the city (whether it’s your first time or not).

The PDF guide includes useful info about the city, an interactive map, a 5-day itinerary (with a responsive version for your phone) and discount coupons for tours, plus discounts and freebies at bars, cafes and restaurants.

When you use those discount coupons, the guide will quickly pay for itself.

My readers now get a special discount on the Ultimate guide to Tel Aviv. Use code TLV10 to claim yours πŸ™‚


Tel Aviv travel tips – FAQ

How long to spend in Tel Aviv?

You can see Tel Aviv in 3-5 days.

What’s the best area to stay in Tel Aviv?

Central Tel Aviv or the seafront.

How safe is Tel Aviv?

Tel Aviv is generally a safe city with low crime rates, but check official travel warnings before you visit the Middle East.

Is Tel Aviv expensive for tourists?

Yes, but there are many ways to save on accommodation, transport and more. Find out more about visiting Tel Aviv on a budget here.

What currency is used in Tel Aviv?

Israeli Shekel.

Is Tel Aviv walkable?

Yes, you can walk just about everywhere in Tel Aviv.

Do people in Tel Aviv speak English?

Yes, English is widely spoken in Tel Aviv.

Hope this guide has been helpful for you if you’re going to Israel for the first time and visiting Tel Aviv! Feel free to ask questions in the comments below.

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16 Comments

You nailed down everything. You explained everything so clear. Are the beaches in Tel Aviv crystal clear like Caribbean? I have been in Jerusalem once, and would like to go there again. Is it still advisable to visit Middle Eastern countries first then head to Israel? I remember we were told we cannot go to Dubai from Israel. We had to ask not to stamp our passport.

Thanks for this information very helpful. We’ll be visiting Tel Aviv November 27- December 7, 2022 and will be on with a group and tour guide can’t wait. Your information helps for the free time we will have.

thanks!! very useful article. I’m about to start planning a trip to Tel Aviv for next March. not sure yet which is the best area to stay. I read Neve Tzedek is a cool neighborhood.

Thanks for the tips. Very very useful. We already booked our flight before I read this. My husband and I are going to be in Tel Aviv from a Thursday to a Sunday. What fun places or attractions can we go to during the day on Friday and Saturday.
Thanks

Thank you for your tips – very handy. My husband and I are thinking of spending 4 days in late April beginning of May and I understand we should best avoid coming in on Friday or Saturday. So perhaps we will make it Sunday to Thursday or Friday morning then. Do you have connections to personal tour guides that we could book for a day to take us through areas of our interests? And is there a market or road/square where fabrics are sold – i am all into fabrics for sewing clothes. Thanks!!

Glad you found it useful πŸ™‚
Sunday to Thursday is a good idea, everything will be open and you will be able to make the most of your time.
For fabrics, you want to go to Nahalat Binyamin street, it’s right in the city centre and full of fabric shops. If you go on Tuesday or Friday, you can also enjoy the art & craft fair taking place on the same street.
While I don’t have connections to personal tour guides at the moment, I would recommend checking Viator, as they list just about every kind of tour: https://fave.co/2BaiHuj

Israel is still on my bucket list, even though I was in the region several times. This will thus come extremely handy. Love your tips regarding the transportation and language. Saving this for later, thanks! πŸ™‚

Hi Tal, nice to read your article! We were on a trip around Israel this summer, including Tel Aviv. And we have very nice memories from Tel Aviv- we were in AirBnB in Holon district and we had no problem to go by bus from Holon to Jaffa and the nearby beach. We only regret that we couldn’t understand how to use the bicycles, but we will know for the next time! πŸ™‚

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