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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Planning a backpacking route through Palestine can be tricky — you need to balance must-see places, travel times, budget, and how long to stay in each destination. Our personalized Palestine itinerary planner creates a route based on your travel style, trip duration, and interests, so you can spend less time researching and more time exploring.
Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
It’s recommended to have routine vaccines up to date, such as MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis), and the yearly flu shot. Consider getting vaccinated for hepatitis A, as it’s possible to contract through contaminated food or water. Hepatitis B is advisable if you might be exposed to blood or bodily fluids. Typhoid vaccine is recommended, especially if visiting rural areas. Rabies vaccination is optional but can be considered if you plan on interacting with animals or spending extended time outdoors. Always check for any updated advisories from health authorities.
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 Palestine, 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
Holafly, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
HolaFly eSimCulture & Customs
Be respectful when visiting mosques or churches; dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees. Ask for permission before taking photos, especially of people. Fridays are holy days, so many shops may be closed.
Do shake hands with men; women should wait to see if a handshake is offered. Public displays of affection are frowned upon, even for heterosexual couples.
LGBTQ+ travelers should exercise discretion, as same-sex relations can be culturally sensitive. Women should consider wearing a headscarf in conservative areas for added comfort.
Avoid discussing sensitive political topics unless invited to do so. Always accept offered refreshments as a sign of respect.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Palestine.
- Musakhan: A quintessential Palestinian dish, musakhan features sumac-seasoned chicken roasted atop taboon bread with a generous spread of caramelized onions and pine nuts. It’s often hailed as the national dish and is a staple at family gatherings.
- Maqluba: Translating to ”upside-down,” maqluba is a hearty casserole of rice, vegetables, and meat (often lamb or chicken) that’s flipped over before serving. It’s a comfort food deeply rooted in Palestinian culture, perfect for sharing.
- Knafeh: This sweet treat is made of thin noodle-like pastry soaked in syrup, layered with cheese, and sometimes topped with crushed pistachios. It’s a staple at celebrations and is often enjoyed with a cup of strong coffee.
- Hummus: While hummus is popular across the Middle East, the Palestinian version is known for its creamy consistency and vibrant flavors. Made from blended chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic, it’s a great accompaniment to many meals.
- Mansaf: Though often associated with Jordan, Palestinians make a version of mansaf featuring lamb cooked in a fermented dried yogurt sauce served over rice. It’s a dish of hospitality and honor, often served on special occasions.
In Palestine, locals often drink tap water, but it’s generally not recommended for tourists due to possible contamination issues. Opt for bottled or filtered water to be safe. If you’re staying long-term, investing in a good water filter might be a wise choice.
The main language in Palestine is
Arabic. 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 Arabic skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Palestine 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 - In Palestine,
English is spoken to varying degrees, primarily in urban areas and among younger generations. In cities like Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Nablus, you’ll find many people, especially those in the hospitality industry, who speak English fluently. English is also taught in schools, so many young Palestinians have a basic understanding of the language.
However, in more rural areas, English proficiency may be limited, with many residents speaking primarily Arabic. While signs in tourist areas are often bilingual, outside these zones, you might encounter challenges communicating in English.
Overall, while you can navigate most urban settings with English, having some knowledge of Arabic phrases can enhance your experience and interactions with locals.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Palestine is NIS (₪).
When backpacking in Palestine, it’s worth knowing that ATMs are widely available in cities like Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Hebron, but they might be scarce in rural areas. Most ATMs dispense shekels, and some might offer USD. Always have some cash on you, as not every place takes cards, especially small shops and local eateries.
While dollars are sometimes accepted, it’s generally better to use shekels for small transactions, as you’ll likely get a better rate. Euros aren’t as commonly accepted, so stick to dollars if you want a backup currency.
Card acceptance is growing but still not universal, so don’t rely solely on plastic. Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted, but it’s always safer to ask before you order that extra falafel.
For exchanging money, stick to banks or official exchange offices in larger towns. Avoid doing it at the airport or near tourist hotspots where rates can be less favorable. A quick tip: keep an eye on your notes, as worn or torn bills might not be accepted.
Tipping in Palestine is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, leaving around 10% is a kind gesture, while for taxi drivers, rounding up the fare is common. Hotel staff and guides will also appreciate a small tip for their services.
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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.