Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Make sure your routine vaccinations are up to date, including MMR, DTP, and polio. Consider Hepatitis A and B, especially if you’re planning to eat street food or stay for an extended period. Rabies isn’t a major concern unless you’re planning on extensive outdoor activities or animal handling. No mandatory vaccines specifically for Israel unless you’re arriving from a yellow fever endemic area. Always check with a travel clinic or your healthcare provider for the latest recommendations.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Israel, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for IsraelCulture & Customs
Respect religious practices and dress modestly, especially in Jerusalem and religious sites. Cover shoulders and knees. Be aware of the Sabbath from Friday sunset to Saturday night; public transport slows down, and many businesses close.
When meeting people, a handshake is common, but some religious individuals avoid physical contact with the opposite sex.
For LGBTQ+ travelers, Tel Aviv is very open and LGBTQ-friendly, but caution is advised in conservative areas. Women should feel safe but stay aware, especially when traveling alone.
Tipping is customary, around 10-15% in restaurants. Don’t be alarmed by directness; Israelis are known for being straightforward.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Israel.
- Hummus: A creamy blend of chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. It’s more than just a dip; it’s a staple in Israeli cuisine and culture, often shared and enjoyed in casual gatherings.
- Falafel: Deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas or fava beans. These crispy delights are not only a popular street food but also symbolize the region’s diverse culinary influences.
- Shakshuka: Eggs poached in a spicy tomato and pepper sauce. This dish is a breakfast favorite, reflecting the vibrant and hearty nature of Israeli home cooking.
- Sabich: A pita sandwich filled with fried eggplant, boiled eggs, hummus, and salad. Originally brought by Iraqi Jews, it’s now a beloved street food, showcasing the multicultural tapestry of Israeli society.
- Jachnun: A Yemeni Jewish pastry made from rolled dough, slow-cooked overnight, and typically eaten with tomato sauce and hard-boiled eggs. It’s a traditional Shabbat dish, emphasizing the rich heritage of Yemenite Jews in Israel.
Yes, tap water in Israel is generally safe to drink and most locals do consume it. However, if you have a sensitive stomach or prefer playing it safe, consider using bottled or filtered water, especially in rural areas. Always trust your instincts and pay attention to any local advisories.
The main language in Israel is
Hebrew. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Hebrew skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Israel includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - is widely spoken in Israel, making it relatively easy for travelers to navigate the country. Many Israelis, especially in urban areas and tourist destinations, have a good command of English due to its prevalence in education, media, and international business. In cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, you’ll find that most people in the hospitality industry, such as hotel staff, restaurant workers, and tour guides, are fluent in English.
Signage in public places, such as airports, train stations, and tourist attractions, is often bilingual, featuring both Hebrew and English. Additionally, younger generations tend to be more proficient in English, as it is taught from an early age in schools.
However, in more rural areas or among older populations, English proficiency may be less common. While you can generally communicate effectively in English, learning a few basic Hebrew phrases can enhance your experience and interactions with locals. Overall, travelers should feel comfortable using English throughout most of Israel.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Israel is ILS (₪).
ATMs: ATMs are all over Israel and work with international cards, so you won’t have trouble finding one in big cities or even smaller towns. Just be aware of possible international ATM fees that your bank might charge.
Cash: It’s smart to carry some shekels for small purchases, street food, or when you’re exploring rural areas. Cash is always handy for those no-card-accepted moments.
Dollars or Euros: No need to bring a stack of dollars or euros. While they’re sometimes accepted in tourist-heavy spots, you’ll likely get a poor exchange rate. Stick to using local currency.
Card Acceptance: Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Israel, especially in cities. Always good to have a backup card in case one fails.
Currency Exchange: For the best rates, hit up exchange shops rather than banks. These are everywhere in city centers and tourist spots. Avoid airport exchanges unless you’re in a pinch since rates aren’t as great.
Tipping in Israel is generally expected, with 10-15% being the norm in restaurants. Taxi drivers and hotel staff don’t typically expect tips, but rounding up the fare or a small gesture is appreciated. For tour guides, around 10% is considered customary if you’re satisfied with the service.
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Best Backpacking
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.