Traveling abroad can be a bit stressful, especially when visiting a new place. Luckily with technology racing ahead, it’s never been easier to find local information with the simple swipe of a finger. Prepare for your Holy Land travel adventures by downloading our top 18 smartphone apps (in no particular order) to simplify your trip and make you look like a local!

1.Moovit

Your guide to public transportation, this app contains local bus routes and train schedules. With availability in several countries, it is a travel must have for locals and tourists alike.

2. Instagram

What better way to capture your journey and share it with friends and family at home? Upload pictures and videos to your account and share across multiple social media platforms.

3. GetTaxi

Hail a cab to the airport or just out to dinner with this convenient app. Car service arrives in minutes and you can pay either with cash or credit card, so one less thing to worry about. Available in Jerusalem, Haifa and Tel Aviv.

4. TripAdvisor

Get tips from other travelers on the best spots in Israel, from hotels to restaurants to tourist attractions, you’ll never run out of things to do!

5. Waze

Crucial if you’re planning on renting a car during your trip to the Holy Land, Waze will help you navigate through Israel using the real-time advice of other drivers. Learn about traffic, adverse conditions, or simply receive alternate route suggestions.

6. XE Currency

Convert every world currency and calculate your travel expenses in advance using this free app.

7. Kayak

Thinking of booking a quick trip to Eilat or want to keep track of your return flight in real time? Kayak will aggregate hundreds of sites to help manage your travel logistics.

8. TravelSafe Pro

Built for Android, this app will give you life-saving information for your travels abroad. Easily access local numbers for police, fire, medical, or even your country’s embassy.

9. Telobike

Telobike is a great way to find the closest bike rental stations for your adventures around Tel Aviv on the city’s communal bike system.

10. Israel App Digital Guidebook

This digital travel guide focuses on the countless historical sites throughout Israel, and allows users to also get detailed cultural and social information as well.

11. Chronus Imaging

This app provides self-guided tours of the Holy Land complete with audio and video explanations of specific site heritage.

12. A Hebrew/English translator. There are so many options out there, it’s best to test a few and see which ones are the most comfortable for you.

13. i24News

Stay up-to-speed with the latest local and world news broadcast in English, French, and Arabic from studios at the port of Jaffa.

14. Skype

Stay in touch with friends and family back home with Skype’s easy communication interface. You can pre-pay for minutes. (FaceTime is another great –free- option if you’ll be within reach of WiFi.)

15. Packing Pro

If you’re prone to over- (or under-) packing, this app will help you stay organized using lists and reminders of your Holy Land travel must-haves.

16. Palestine and Palestinians – a new travel app (no reviews yet at the Apple store) but if its like the travel book of the same name – it should be good

17. Palestine Guide and Map – also unrated – ($7.99) though worth checking out on the Apple Store

18. Israel Travel Guide – Rated 3 stars ($.99)

It’s also a good idea to search for city-specific guides if you’re planning to spend an extended period in a certain place. Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Haifa, and Tel Aviv are just some of the cities that offer detailed information for your mobile device.
Also, for most travel destinations it can be crucial to have a reliable weather app in your device. Israel and the Palestinian Territories has relatively consistent regional weather, so if you check on the weather one day, it will most likely stay the same for the duration of your trip. Hope you enjoy sunshine!

Other honorable mentions:

WhatsApp – A messager that allows you to SMS friends worldwide at no additional cost.
Chabad’s Shabbat & Holiday Times – Determine what times businesses will close for the weekend based on your satellite location.

Even without a smartphone, your trip to Israel will be amazing. But doesn’t it feel wonderful to have all this information available at your fingertips?

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