Israel
Pack lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Include shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, and sandals. Swimwear is a must for the beaches. A light scarf provides sun protection or covers when entering religious sites.
For autumn (September-November) and spring (March-May), layers are useful. Pack t-shirts, Long-sleeved shirts, light sweaters or cardigans, and a Light jacket for cooler evenings. Jeans or comfortable trousers are good for daily wear.
Bring Comfortable walking shoes or Athletic sneakers as you will likely do much walking. Comfortable sandals for summer.
Pack flip-flops or Water shoes for beach days or swimming. A Swimsuit and cover-up are also beach essentials.
Dressier sandals or shoes are a good idea if you plan on upscale dining or experiencing Tel Aviv's fashionable nightlife.
Organize your documents before you leave. Keep both original and digital copies of important papers.
Israel uses 230V, 50Hz with a Type H plug (three round pins, unique to Israel). Types C and M are sometimes found. A Universal travel adapter is highly recommended. Most modern smartphones are compatible. Local SIM cards (e.g., Partner, Cellcom) are easy to find at Ben Gurion Airport or in city stores. Consider an ESIM for Israel for immediate connectivity upon arrival.
Consider a Mirrorless camera for portability and high-quality photos. An extra battery and memory card are always helpful. A Lightweight tripod helps with low-light shots or cityscapes. Use cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) for photos and important documents as a backup. Specialized electronics stores include B&H Photo.
Google Maps for directions, Moovit for public transport in real-time.
WhatsApp (widely used), Gett and Uber for taxis.
Google Translate (offline Hebrew pack), Rav-Kav Online for public transport card management.
Include standard first aid items: Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, Anti-diarrhea medication, antihistamines. For Tel Aviv, add blister plasters (for extensive walking), rehydration salts (for heat), After-sun lotion, and insect bite cream. A Compact travel first aid kit provides a good base. Carry prescription medications in original packaging with a doctor's note.
Use Insect repellent with DEET or picaridin for evenings, especially in warmer months. Pack High SPF broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+), Lip balm with SPF, UV-protective sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat. Tap water is safe, but a filtered water bottle can be useful for refilling. Most personal hygiene items are available locally, but travel-sized toiletries are convenient. A Quick-dry travel towel is useful for beach trips or hostel stays.
Bring a swimsuit, Beach towel, and flip-flops. Consider snorkel gear if you plan to snorkel in Jaffa or nearby.
Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring Tel Aviv's streets and boulevards. You will likely cover significant distances on foot.
Bicycles, paddleboards, and surfboards are easy to rent along the beach promenade. Bring your personal snorkel mask if you prefer your own, or high-quality walking shoes.
A Travel neck pillow and Eye mask aid comfort on long flights or bus rides. A Travel lock for luggage or hostel lockers is helpful. A money belt effectively secures your passport, cash, and credit cards; a concealed money belt works well. RFID protection for credit cards and passports is often integrated into wallets.
A reusable water bottle aids hydration and plastic waste reduction. A Reusable shopping bag is useful for market purchases. A Reusable travel cutlery set helps with street food or picnics. Most common items are available locally. Specific brands of toiletries, medications, or high-quality outdoor gear might be more expensive or harder to find, especially from Amazon or Nordace.
Items for beach relaxation (e.g., lightweight towel).
A book or e-reader for downtime on beaches or cafes.
Ensure sufficient storage and battery life for your camera.
Download maps for offline use on your phone.
Consider a small, foldable daypack for daily excursions. It is ideal for carrying water, snacks, a camera, and souvenirs.
Pack versatile items that mix and match to reduce overall luggage volume. This simplifies dressing for various occasions in Tel Aviv.
