Palestine, State of

Palestine rewards curious travellers with layered history, deep hospitality, and vivid daily life, especially in cities like Bethlehem, Ramallah, Hebron, and Jericho. Before anything else, check the latest travel advisories and local news, as the situation can change quickly. Most visitors enter via Israeli-controlled borders or airports, then continue into the West Bank, so factor in extra time for security checks and possible delays at checkpoints.

Use Hello’s trip planning tools to map out days by city: for example, a morning in Bethlehem’s Old City and Church of the Nativity, an afternoon in nearby villages like Beit Sahour, then an evening back in Ramallah’s cafes. Distances are short, but traffic, checkpoints, and shared taxi routes mean journeys can take longer than the map suggests.

Book accommodation close to the centers of Bethlehem, Ramallah, or Jericho for easier walking access to restaurants and sights. Many guesthouses are family-run; it’s normal to be offered tea on arrival. Dress modestly, especially at religious sites: covered shoulders and knees are appreciated for all genders. Friday and major religious holidays can affect opening hours, so keep a flexible plan and note backup options in your Hello itinerary in case a site or road closes unexpectedly.

Moving around Palestine is part logistics, part adventure. Within cities like Ramallah or Bethlehem, walking and inexpensive yellow taxis cover most needs. Always confirm the fare before getting in; meters are uncommon. For longer routes, look for service (shared taxis) leaving from central stations: for example, Ramallah–Bethlehem via Jerusalem, or Bethlehem–Hebron. They depart when full and are generally the most budget-friendly way to travel.

You will likely encounter checkpoints between cities. Carry your passport and any entry documents at all times, and allow generous buffer time—especially if you have pre-booked tours or timed tickets. Avoid tight back-to-back reservations between cities on the same day.

Staying online helps with navigation and changing plans. Activate a Hello eSIM before landing so you have data as soon as you cross the border, avoiding unexpected roaming charges. A live map is invaluable in navigating Old City alleyways, finding shared taxi stations, or checking which checkpoints are currently open. In smaller towns, drivers and locals may not speak much English; having key destinations written in Arabic (or saved as pins in your Hello trip plan) makes getting around much smoother.

Food is one of the most memorable parts of travelling in Palestine. Start your day with falafel, hummus, and fresh taboun bread from a neighborhood bakery, followed by strong Arabic coffee or sweet mint tea. At lunch, look for maqluba (an upside‑down rice dish with vegetables and meat) or musakhan (sumac chicken with onions and bread), often served in generous portions made for sharing.

Expect to see prices in Israeli shekels (ILS). A hearty falafel sandwich might cost around 8–12 ILS (roughly 2–3 USD), while a sit‑down dinner with mezze, a main, and drinks can be 50–80 ILS per person (about 13–21 USD), depending on the city and restaurant. Use Hello’s budget tracking to log meals in shekels and keep an eye on daily spending as you go.

Dining out is social. If you’re travelling with companions, you’ll likely order several shared plates. Hello’s expense splitting feature is handy after big mezze feasts, when it’s hard to remember who ordered which dish. Don’t miss local sweets like knafeh in Nablus, baklava in Bethlehem, and fresh dates near Jericho. Tipping around 10% in restaurants is appreciated when service isn’t already included, and leaving a few coins on the table is common in simpler cafes.

The main currency used in Palestine is the Israeli new shekel (ILS), though you may occasionally encounter Jordanian dinars or US dollars for larger expenses or in certain hotels. ATMs are widely available in major cities like Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Jericho, but can be scarce in smaller villages, so withdraw cash ahead of side trips. Track your withdrawals and cash spending in Hello’s budget tracking to avoid surprises at the end of your trip.

Daily costs can be quite manageable: local buses and shared taxis are inexpensive, and simple street‑food lunches are great value. Keep small notes and coins handy for short taxi rides, snacks, and mosque or church donation boxes.

Regarding safety, conditions can change rapidly. Avoid demonstrations or large gatherings, and follow local advice from your hotel or guide about areas to skip on a given day. Dress respectfully, especially in conservative neighborhoods and religious sites. After dark, use registered taxis rather than walking long distances in unfamiliar areas.

Connectivity helps you stay informed—use your Hello eSIM to check news, contact your accommodation if you’re delayed at a checkpoint, and keep your travel group in sync. Share your itinerary via Hello’s trip planning so everyone knows where to meet next, even if you get separated in a crowded market.