Israel is a vibrant country located in the Middle East. It has something for everyone – backpackers, couples, solo travelers, luxury travelers, etc.
Israel offers several experiences – from city life to beach vibes, from jeep trip to soaking in the Dead sea, from rich history to amazing outdoor activities, from Christian sites to delicious food tours – you should find something that suits your needs and interests.
If you’re planning your first trip to Israel, this guide should answer any questions you may have. We’ll talk about travel facts, the best time to visit Israel, the best destinations, travel costs, travel essentials and how to prepare for your trip.
| Information | Israel |
|---|---|
| Language | Hebrew |
| English-friendly | Yes |
| Currency | ILS (Israeli shekel) |
| Internet reliability | Great |
Israel is a relatively small country and depending on when you travel there, you may be facing different types of seasons. We decided to split this section into two sections to help you understand the seasons:
| Seasons | Weather Conditions | Months |
|---|---|---|
| Winter |
Cool to cold, rain |
October to March |
| Summer |
Warm to hot, no rain |
April to October |
In this section, you’ll find general information on costs and how to prepare for your trip. Finally, you will find a table that will provide an overview of cost and options depending on your travel budget.
In Israel, you’ll find several options when it comes to accommodation. Although, you should know that Israel is not the cheapest country to travel to. You can find dorms starting at $15 per night.
When it comes to food, you can find different types of restaurants and markets. The average price of a meal is around ILS 40. Obviously, you may find elegant restaurants around the country when you can pay more if you wish to. The cheapest options are usually in small local restaurants and in the markets.
Some activities such as street art spotting or beach bumming are free. Although, if you’re planning on visiting Christian landmarks, learning to cook traditional dishes, renting a car and exploring or attending a guided sunrise hike, you will have to pay for it. You can browse activities in Israel here to have an idea of the costs.
In general, it’s pretty easy to get around Israel by public transportation or by car. Some day trips are organized from Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, so for those who do not wish to rent a car, this could be a great option too.
| Travel Cost | Budget travel | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $15-25 per night | $25-70 per night | $70+ |
| Meal | $10-15 per meal | $15-25 per meal | $25+ |
| Activities | Focus on free activities | Mixing free activities & mid-range | $50+ per day |
| Transport | By bus | By bus, by car | By car |
Overall, traveling around Israel is pretty safe. Of course, you should always lock your valuables especially if you’re staying in a hostel.
I visited Israel three times – every time I felt super safe and had no issues. I did get lots of questions at the airport (mostly when leaving the country) – and had a few issues since I lived in Muslim countries before.
However, there are some areas where tourists are advised not to travel. The political situation remains to be sensitive and it’s good to be aware that political riots can happen.
Apart from the travel essentials, here are the things you should absolutely bring along with you in Israel. Click on the images to shop on Amazon. You can also check out this list of travel essentials in Asia.
Depending on your nationality, you may or may not get a free entry for 30 days. You can verify your visa requirements here.
Browse flights on Skyscanner to find deals.
Book your travel insurance for as little as $42/month.
Find accommodation anywhere in the world.
Check the visa requirements and apply for a visa if needed.
Volunteer abroad in exchange for free accommodation.
Book transfers, tours, and activities in advance.
It’s hard to find a good data plan when you’re traveling. You have to research the best deals, go to a store, and hope they have a prepaid SIM card for travelers and tourists.
And if they don’t? You could be without service for the rest of your trip. Not only is that frustrating, but it can also be time-consuming.
eSIMs are the solution to your travel woes. With an eSIM plan, you can stay connected no matter where you go. Plus, there are no contracts or cancellation fees, so you can change your plan whenever you want.
If you’re looking for an eSIM plan while in Israel, then be sure to check out the providers below. They all offer great plans that will keep you connected while you’re there.
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