Israel
Official alerts, licensed taxis and app-based transit payment
Install the official Home Front Command app, allow location and notifications, keep device emergency alerts enabled and identify the nearest protected space with your accommodation.
The essentials
What to know before you go to Israel
Follow current official instructions and your government's travel advice because alerts, flights, crossings and local transport can change quickly. Uber does not currently operate; Gett is the practical licensed-taxi default, and Ben Gurion Airport also has Gett kiosks and an official taxi line. For public transport, pay through an approved app such as Rav-Pass or use an anonymous Rav-Kav card. Do not assume every bus accepts cash or an ordinary bank-card tap.
Most regular public transport pauses from Friday afternoon until Saturday evening, although Tel Aviv has a limited free weekend network. Cards and phone wallets are widely useful, but Bit and PayBox are resident payment products, not tourist essentials. Visa-exempt travelers must obtain ETA-IL through the official government website before arrival. GPS disruption is possible, so verify sensitive routes, schedules and safety decisions with official or local sources rather than following an app blindly.
Ride Hailing
GettEssential
Israel's primary app for immediate or prebooked licensed taxis, including the official Ben Gurion Airport taxi flow.
Yango
A second licensed-taxi app in selected Israeli cities, useful when Gett has a long wait or weak supply.
Food Delivery
WoltEssential
The easiest broad-coverage delivery app for visitors, with strong English support and food, grocery and retail listings.
10bis
A major Israeli restaurant-delivery service whose most visible benefits often belong to employer-funded meal accounts.
Mishloha
A local restaurant marketplace in many dense urban areas, useful as a secondary catalog and price comparison.
Messaging
WhatsAppEssential
The most useful messaging channel for Israeli accommodation, guides, restaurants, support desks and local contacts.
Navigation
Google MapsEssential
The most practical general map for walking, businesses, saved places and downloadable offline driving areas.
Waze
The strongest live-traffic companion for driving in Israel, with community reports and rapid local rerouting.
Transit
Rav-PassEssential
The best visitor-oriented app for planning and paying on Israeli buses, trains and light rail by scanning QR codes.
Moovit
A comprehensive Israeli journey planner with real-time arrivals and approved QR fare payment across transit modes.
egg
An ad-free Israeli transit planner and payment app with Rav-Kav loading and selected Egged intercity reservations.
Language
Google Translate
A practical offline, camera and conversation backup for Hebrew or Arabic signs, menus and short local exchanges.
Intercity Transport
Israel Railways
The official rail app for route planning, station information, schedules and current operational notices.
Utilities
Home Front CommandEssential
Israel's official location-based emergency-alert and protective-instructions app, available in English and other languages.
Also covered
Internet in Israel
Mobile internet eSIM Best option when traveling
Guac
RecommendedReliable mobile internet at better prices than most travel eSIMs, with polished iOS and Android apps and support for making and receiving phone calls.
Airalo
One of the biggest travel eSIM brands, with a very large destination catalog.
Holafly
Known for unlimited-data plans in many destinations, at a higher price per gigabyte.
Buying a local SIM card ID registration required
- Bring your passport; the seller registers the prepaid SIM during activation.
- Typical prepaid offers include around 70 GB, while starter prices begin near 100 NIS (~$27).
- Airport counters and city carrier stores are the easiest places to buy; confirm activation before leaving.
- Airport prices are usually higher than city or online prices.
- A travel eSIM is the simpler option and avoids local SIM registration steps.
Use an official carrier store and complete registration and activation before leaving the counter.
Local carriers
Pelephone
Best choice for broad coverage, including rural areas.
Cellcom
Best choice for broad coverage, including rural areas.
Partner
A solid alternative; compare current prepaid offers before buying.
HOT Mobile
Good-value option when price matters most.
019 Mobile
Good-value option when price matters most.
Rami Levy
Good-value option when price matters most.
Frequently asked questions
What are the must-have apps for traveling in Israel?
The essential apps for Israel are Gett, Wolt, WhatsApp, Google Maps, Rav-Pass.
How many travel apps does Israel have?
We've curated 14 apps across 9 categories for traveling in Israel, including 6 essential apps.
What is the best ride hailing app in Israel?
Gett. Israel's primary app for immediate or prebooked licensed taxis, including the official Ben Gurion Airport taxi flow.
Keep exploring
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Careem in cities, JETT between sights, cash as backup, and offline maps beyond Amman
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Yango for city rides, rial cash for gaps, and offline plans beyond Muscat
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Navigate Qatar with licensed rides, excellent metro links and verified entry tools
Saudi Arabia
Global ride apps work, local numbers unlock cheaper options, and pilgrims need Nusuk
Turkey
Licensed taxi apps, city transit cards, intercity tickets, and careful payment backups
United Arab Emirates
Careem is the daily default, but transit, taxis and fare cards change by emirate