City in Southern District, Israel
Eilat
Red Sea resort city for reef diving, desert hikes and winter sun, next to Aqaba and Taba. Hot and artificial, with Houthi missile and drone alerts and Shabbat slowdowns.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$3,930–6,550Comfortable, one person · ₪12,000–20,000Details
- Value for money2/100Better value than 1% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goNov–MarWarmest: Jul, 40°CDetails
- Internet281 MbpsFixed broadband, Israel medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water is safe nationwide; many people filter it for taste.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: spoken almost everywhereDetails
- Doctor's visit$98–196Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundGettWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and phones are accepted nearly everywhere.Details
Where to stay in Eilat
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| City center / Promenade | Hotels, restaurants and the lagoon; walkable core |
| North Beach | Resorts, nightlife and airport access |
| Coral Beach / Aqaba Gulf south | Reef snorkelling, dive centres and quieter hotels |
Apps that work in Eilat
Ride-hailing
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Gett | Metered taxis; limited coverage compared with Tel Aviv |
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Wolt | Covers most of the city |
- Maps: Waze or Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Home Front Command: Rocket alerts and shelter instructions
- Moovit: Bus and train routes, live times
- Rav-Kav Online: Paying bus and train fares
- Taxis: Use meter taxis; ask for the meter. Taxi shortages occur at peak.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Israel.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and phones are accepted nearly everywhere. Carry small cash for tips and desert kiosks.
- Currency: Shekel (ILS). US$1 ≈ ₪3.05 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Use bank ATMs; standalone private cash machines charge higher fees. Decline currency conversion.
- Tipping: Restaurants expect 10–15% (12% is standard), often in cash; ask if you want it on the card. Taxis: round up.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted; Bit and PayBox need an Israeli bank account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Visa-exempt visitors need an ETA-IL before travel: ₪25, valid two years, apply only on the official site.
- You get a paper entry card, not a passport stamp; keep it until departure.
- Expect long security questioning, especially with Arab heritage or travel to Muslim countries.
Emergency numbers
Police 100 · Ambulance 101 · Fire 102
Plugs
Type C, H · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Prepaid SIMs and eSIMs from carrier shops and convenience stores; passport needed. Airport kiosks cost more. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Israel
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.