Israel

Landing at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) is your gateway to the Mediterranean coast and the hills of Jerusalem. To hit the ground running, the most efficient way to reach the city center is the high-speed train, which costs approximately 13.50 ILS (~$3.60) to Tel Aviv Savidor Merkaz. Before you even step off the plane, ensure you have your Hello eSIM activated. Having immediate access to data is essential for using navigation apps like Moovit or Google Maps, which are indispensable for deciphering local bus schedules.

Once you're in the city, pick up a Rav-Kav card, the national public transport smartcard, at any train station or 'Kav-On' kiosk. You can load it with credit to pay for buses, light rails, and trains nationwide. If you are traveling with friends, use the Hello app’s expense splitting feature to manage the costs of shared Rav-Kav top-ups or the occasional Gett taxi (the local equivalent of Uber) without the headache of manual calculations.

Israel’s culinary scene is a vibrant tapestry of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences. To experience it best, head to the bustling markets, or shuks. In Jerusalem, Mahane Yehuda is a sensory explosion where you can grab a world-class pita falafel for about 20-30 ILS (~$5-8). In Tel Aviv, the Carmel Market offers everything from fresh pomegranate juice to artisanal tahini.

Don't miss a sit-down 'hummusiyah' experience at legendary spots like Abu Hassan in Jaffa. A generous plate of warm hummus with chickpeas and olive oil usually runs around 35 ILS (~$9.50). Because many of these authentic stalls are cash-heavy or require quick digital payments, use the budget tracking feature in the Hello app to log your street food adventures in ILS. This ensures you stay on top of your daily spending while indulging in every malabi pudding or sabich sandwich you encounter. For larger group dinners at trendy spots like HaBasta, the expense splitting tool makes it simple to divvy up the bill for shared mezze plates.

Understanding the rhythm of the week is crucial for a smooth trip. From Friday sundown to Saturday sundown, Israel observes Shabbat. In Jerusalem and many other cities, public transport (trains and buses) completely stops, and most shops and restaurants close. Tel Aviv remains more active, but options are still limited.

To avoid getting stranded, use the trip planning feature in the Hello app to organize your itinerary so that you are in a walkable area or have a rental car secured before Friday afternoon. If you do need to travel during Shabbat, look for Sheruts—yellow shared minivans that run on fixed routes and continue operating when buses do not. A Sherut ride between cities might cost roughly 35-50 ILS (~$9-13). Since you'll likely rely on private taxis or Sheruts during this time, having your Hello eSIM active is vital for checking which specific businesses remain open and for booking rides in real-time. It’s the perfect day to plan a hike in the Galilee or a float in the Dead Sea, where nature never closes.

No trip to Israel is complete without a journey to the lowest point on Earth. A day trip to the Dead Sea and the ancient fortress of Masada is a highlight for many. Entry to Masada National Park, including the cable car, is approximately 77 ILS (~$21). To beat the desert heat, many travelers aim for a sunrise hike up the Snake Path, which requires an early start.

Driving yourself is often the best way to see the Judean Desert at your own pace. Car rentals typically start at 200 ILS (~$54) per day. You can use the Hello app to track your fuel expenses and rental fees in the local currency, helping you compare costs against organized tour options. While you're floating in the hypersaline waters of the Dead Sea, you might lose track of time, but you won't lose your connection; your Hello eSIM ensures you can upload those iconic 'floating with a newspaper' photos instantly to your social feeds without searching for spotty beach Wi-Fi.