Plugs and voltage
Israel uses 230V at 50Hz with the Type H socket, a three-pin plug unique to the country. Type C (the standard European two-pin) also fits Israeli sockets, so many EU chargers work without an adapter. UK, US and Australian travellers should pack a universal adapter. Most phone and laptop chargers handle 230V automatically, but check the label on hair dryers and curling irons.
Language basics
Hebrew is the main language and Arabic is widely spoken, but English is common in cities, hotels and restaurants, and most signs are trilingual. A few words go a long way:
- Shalom - hello, goodbye and peace
- Toda - thank you
- Bevakasha - please / you're welcome
- Ken / Lo - yes / no
- Slicha - excuse me / sorry
Packing essentials
- Modest clothing for religious sites: covered shoulders and knees at the Western Wall, churches and mosques
- Strong sun protection - hat, sunglasses and SPF 50, especially around the Dead Sea and Eilat
- Comfortable walking shoes for Jerusalem's stone alleys
- A reusable water bottle - tap water is safe and free refill points are common
- Water shoes for the salty, stony Dead Sea shore
Connectivity
Israel has excellent 4G and growing 5G coverage from carriers like Cellcom, Partner and Pelephone, even in the Negev desert. Free Wi-Fi is widespread in cafes, malls and on many buses, but it can be patchy at desert sites and border areas. An eSIM is the easiest way to stay online from the moment you land at Ben Gurion Airport.
Quick tips
- Shabbat runs Friday sunset to Saturday nightfall - many shops, restaurants and public transport (including trains) shut down. Plan food and travel ahead.
- Rav-Kav is the rechargeable transit card for buses and the Jerusalem light rail; the Tel Aviv area uses contactless payment too.
- Carry some cash for markets like Carmel and Mahane Yehuda, though cards are accepted almost everywhere.
- Tipping around 10-12% is expected in restaurants.
- Security checks at malls, stations and attractions are routine and quick - keep your bag easy to open.
- Sherut shared taxis run fixed routes and even operate on Shabbat when buses don't.
- Stay hydrated - summer heat in Tel Aviv and the desert is intense.
- Cross to the West Bank or Eilat early; checkpoints and the Eilat road take time.
Stay connected in Israel
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