City in Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, Palestine
Ramallah
The West Bank's most liberal city, with cafés, galleries, bars and NGO crowds, and a good base to understand daily Palestinian life. Raids, checkpoint closures and settler violence nearby set the limits.
At a glance
- Safety2/5High riskDetails
- Monthly budget$2,130–3,110Comfortable, one person · ₪6,500–9,500Details
- Value for money10/100Better value than 9% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMar–May, Oct–NovWarmest: Jul, 29°CDetails
- Internet85 MbpsFixed broadband, Palestine medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledSupply is intermittent and stored in rooftop tanks; drink bottled or filtered water.Details
- LGBTQ+1/5DangerousDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$49–98Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundShared service taxiWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards work in hotels, malls and many cafés in Ramallah; cash in shekels for taxis, markets and day-to-day use.Details
Where to stay in Ramallah
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Al-Manara and city center | First-timers: cafés, restaurants, markets, walkable |
| Al-Masyoun | Newer area with apartments, restaurants and offices |
| Al-Tireh | Quieter, residential, near the Arab Studies centres |
| Al-Bireh | Cheaper rents next to Ramallah, local markets |
Apps that work in Ramallah
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Taxis: No ride apps; use yellow taxis or a hotel-arranged driver. Israeli-plated cars and taxis cannot enter Area A.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Palestine.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards work in hotels, malls and many cafés in Ramallah; cash in shekels for taxis, markets and day-to-day use.
- Currency: Shekel (ILS). US$1 ≈ ₪3.05 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: ATMs in Ramallah, Bethlehem, Jericho and Nablus; fewer in villages, so carry cash.
- Tipping: Around 10% in restaurants; tip guides and drivers.
- Paying by phone: Little beyond cards at bigger businesses; bring cash.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Israel controls all entry: fly into Ben Gurion with an ETA-IL, or cross from Jordan at the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge.
- Some visitors get 'Palestinian Authority only' stamps that restrict travel into Israel.
- Gaza is closed to visitors; its crossings have been shut to civilians since May 2024.
Emergency numbers
Police 100 · Ambulance 101 · Fire 102
Plugs
Type C, H · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Jawwal and Ooredoo SIMs in town shops with a passport. Many visitors use an Israeli SIM or eSIM, which covers much of the West Bank.
More places in Palestine
Going to Ramallah solo?
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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.