Taxi App – Uber is not a thing here (yet). You can download Gett and connect your credit card so you won’t have to deal with hailing a cab or paying with cash. There is no need to tip your taxi driver in Israel. Scooters – Electric scooters such as Lime and Bird are everywhere around the city. You can download one of the apps and connect your credit card to activate your ride. I suggest riding only in designated bike lanes, if possible, and to actually wear the helmet attached to the scooter. Buses & Trains – A convenient and cheap way to get around. You can download the app Moovit to look up what lines to take and where the bus stops are. (Google maps works too but doesn't show real time data.) To pay, you can tap your credit card on the machine once you're on the bus.
Most providers have international plans that are pay-per-day. I've used the one through AT&T, it works great but can get pricey. I recommend using an Esim like Airalo if you can, it tends to be a lot cheaper and works just as well.
Credit Cards & Cash – Most, if not all, major US credit cards are accepted in Israel. Paying with cell phones/Apple Pay is almost always available. The only places you may need to pay in cash are at markets like the Carmel market, the flea market in Jaffo, or the market in Jerusalem. USD cash is not accepted in most places. You can exchange your dollars for shekels either at the airport or at one of the money exchange shops around the city. Simply google “USD to NIS” (new Israeli shekel) to see if you’re getting a good deal (usually at the airport it’s not). If you're using a credit card, check whether that card has any exchange/conversion fees.
Tipping – When dining in Israel, if you have good (or even OK) service it is customary to leave a 12% tip. If you liked your waiter/waitress then 15% is even better! Unlike in the US, when you hand over your card to pay for the meal you need to tell the server how much tip you want to add before they swipe the card (unless you plan to leave cash, there is no way to add a tip on the receipt afterward).
VAT/Taxes – Tourism related services such as car rentals, hotels, and tour guides, you do NOT have to pay the 18% VAT (tax). At a hotel or car rental location, you will be required to show the blue ticket that you get with your passport when entering the country (Israel doesn't stamp passports). Please do not lose this ticket as you will most likely be asked to present it at the hotel. For purchased goods, you can get the VAT back at the airport. You will need the tax exemption form given by the store at the time of purchase, as well as the original receipt and the physical purchased to present at the airport. Make sure to give yourself at least an extra half hour for this step.
Emergency Numbers (although rumor has it if you dial 911 you will reach an ambulance) Police 100 Ambulance 101 Fire Service 102
It's the same as Europe (not UK). You can read about which adapters to buy/bring here: https://www.go-telaviv.com/israel-electric-plug.html
Wolt is the food delivery app in Israel (like Uber Eats). If you are planning on ordering food to your hotel, your beach location, park spot etc. you can download the Wolt app.
We suggest making reservations through the restaurant's website 1-2 weeks in advance, or you can use Ontopo, the Israeli version of OpenTable. You can always talk to your hotel as well. Ontopo: https://ontopo.com/en/il
Israelis work Sunday to Thursday. Most of the country “shuts down” from Friday evening to Saturday. While the malls and shops are indeed closed (including the main markets), in Tel Aviv you can still sit at most of the cafes, restaurants, and bars and order cabs to get around. Parks, movie theaters, gyms, etc. are all open. Around Tel Aviv, you have special buses that run during Shabbat for free. You can use the Moovit app to find out when and where they're coming. Alternatively, use an electric scooter app (Bird, Lime, Dott) to get around during Shabbat.