City in Tel Aviv District, Israel
Tel Aviv
Mediterranean beach city with a big startup scene, restaurants and nightlife, and the most LGBTQ+-friendly place in the region. Very expensive; Shabbat shuts transport, and rocket alerts remain possible.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$4,910–7,860Comfortable, one person · ₪15,000–24,000Details
- Best time to goApr–May, Oct–NovWarmest: Jul, 35°CDetails
- Air quality23 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2019) · PollutedDetails
- Internet281 MbpsFixed broadband, Israel medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water is safe nationwide; many people filter it for taste.Details
- LGBTQ+5/5Very welcomingDetails
- Solo travel5/5English: spoken almost everywhereDetails
- Doctor's visit$98–196Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundGettVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and phones work almost everywhere, even at markets.Details
Where to stay in Tel Aviv
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Florentin / Neve Tzedek | Young, creative, cafés and bars; walkable to the beach |
| Old North / Dizengoff | Residential, Bauhaus architecture, parks and quiet cafés |
| Jaffa | Old port, flea market, mix of Arab and Jewish culture |
| Rothschild / city center | Startups, restaurants and central transport |
Apps that work in Tel Aviv
Ride-hailing
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Gett | Metered taxis; works in English and accepts cards |
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Wolt | Widest restaurant choice, English app |
| 10bis | Popular among locals; mostly Hebrew |
- 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: Taxis should use the meter; avoid unmetered street taxis. On Shabbat, only taxis and sherut vans run.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Israel.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and phones work almost everywhere, even at markets. Buses use Rav-Kav, not cash; keep small cash for tips.
- 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
Going to Tel Aviv solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Tel Aviv meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
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.