Israel

Israel looks small on the map, but there’s a lot packed into short distances. A classic first-time route connects Jerusalem, the Dead Sea, the Galilee, Haifa & Akko, and finishes in Tel Aviv. You can comfortably cover this in 7–10 days if you plan your days carefully.

Use trip planning tools (including Hello’s Trip planning feature) to map out key stops and driving times in advance. Distances are usually 1–3 hours between major sights, but traffic around Tel Aviv and Jerusalem can be heavy at rush hour, so avoid tight back-to-back bookings.

For a balanced itinerary:

• 3 days in Jerusalem for the Old City, Mahane Yehuda Market, and museums.
• 1 day at the Dead Sea & Masada (sunrise at Masada if you can).
• 1–2 days in the Galilee around the Sea of Galilee and Nazareth.
• 1 day for Haifa & Akko (including the Bahá’í Gardens).
• 2–3 days in Tel Aviv for beaches, nightlife, and markets.

As you go, log reservations, notes, and budget estimates in your Hello Trip planning and Budget tracking tools so you can see your route and costs at a glance.

Israel’s transport network is straightforward once you know the basics. Trains and intercity buses connect major cities efficiently, and the Rav Kav card makes paying for public transport easier and slightly cheaper. In cities, light rail (Jerusalem) and buses work well; taxis and ride-hailing apps fill the gaps but are more expensive.

If you’re driving, note that Israel drives on the right side of the road. Road signs are usually in Hebrew, Arabic, and English, which helps with navigation. Parking in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem can be tricky and pricey, so look for official paid lots rather than circling side streets for ages.

To avoid roaming charges and stay connected to maps and taxi apps from the moment you land, set up a Hello eSIM before your flight and activate it on arrival. That way, you can:

• Use navigation apps for real-time traffic.
• Check bus and train schedules on the go.
• Coordinate meeting points with friends.

If you’re sharing taxis or rental car costs, Hello’s Expense splitting feature is handy for keeping track of who paid for what without awkward conversations.

Israel is an excellent destination for food lovers, from quick street snacks to sit-down meals. In Tel Aviv, don’t miss Carmel Market for fresh juices, baked goods, and ready-to-eat dishes. In Jerusalem, Mahane Yehuda offers everything from halva and spices to trendy bars.

Try staples like falafel, shawarma, hummus, and sabich (pita stuffed with fried eggplant, eggs, and salads). Street-food portions are generous and cost around ₪25–40 (roughly US$7–11), while sit-down restaurant mains often start near ₪70–100 (US$20–28) in big cities, so opting for markets and casual eateries can keep your budget in check.

Useful tips:

• Ask locals which hummus or falafel spot they prefer in the area.
• Carry some cash (₪) for small stands that don’t take cards.
• Use Hello’s Budget tracking to log daily food spending in shekels and see how close you are to your planned limit.

If you’re travelling with others, you’ll often share plates like mezze. Use Hello’s Expense splitting after group dinners so everyone pays their fair share, even when the bill is a mix of cash and cards.

Israel uses the Israeli New Shekel (ILS, ₪). Cards are widely accepted in cities, but it’s smart to carry some cash for small shops, local buses in remote areas, and street food. ATMs are common; confirm with your bank about foreign transaction fees before you travel.

Israel is generally expensive compared to many destinations. A simple café breakfast can run around ₪40–60 (US$11–17), and mid-range dinners easily reach ₪100–150 (US$28–42) per person in Tel Aviv. Track your daily spending with Hello’s Budget tracking so you can see where your money is going and adjust plans before costs creep up.

A few practical tips:

• Standard voltage is 220V; bring a suitable adapter (Type H is common).
• Summers are very hot: sunscreen, hat, and refillable water bottle are essential.
• Dress modestly when visiting religious sites, especially in Jerusalem.
• Keep valuables close and avoid leaving bags unattended, particularly near transport hubs.

To avoid surprise international data charges, install a Hello eSIM ahead of time and monitor usage easily in-app. If you’re sharing accommodation or rental cars, use Hello’s Expense splitting to divide costs fairly and keep a clear record for everyone.