Israel (IL)
Start-Up Nation with world-class tech ecosystem, rich ancient history, stunning Mediterranean beaches, and a vibrant expat and immigrant community.
Digital Services
Digital ID, e-government and essential apps in Israel.
Digital Teudat Zehut / Gov.il Digital Services
Israel's national digital identity system enables residents to access government services using their Teudat Zehut number and biometric verification. The gov.il portal aggregates hundreds of government services in one place. A digital identity app (Misrad HaPnim App) is available for secure document access.
How to get it: Register at gov.il using your Teudat Zehut number. Biometric verification via the app or at Ministry of Interior branch. For Olim: use your new Teudat Zehut (Israeli ID card) issued upon registration.
E-Government Portal
https://www.gov.ilThe gov.il portal is Hebrew-dominant with limited but growing English content. Google Translate handles most pages adequately. Mobile apps from individual government bodies are generally better designed than the web portal. WhatsApp is increasingly used by government bodies for citizen communications and service notifications.
Essential Apps
Waze (ווייז)
FreeCommunity-driven navigation app invented in Israel. Dominant for road navigation. Provides real-time traffic, road hazards, police alerts, and incident reports. Essential for any driver in Israel.
Moovit (מובייט)
FreeReal-time public transport routing app. Shows bus and train arrival times, disruptions, and routing options. Essential for navigating Israeli buses, trains, and light rail. English interface available.
Bit (ביט)
FreeIsrael's dominant peer-to-peer payment app (equivalent to Venmo). Used to split bills, pay for services, and transfer money between individuals instantly. Essential social/financial tool.
Pango (פנגו)
FreeUsed for all paid parking in Israel (most cities use Pango). Activate parking by location, pay per minute, and stop remotely from phone. Avoids parking tickets in paid zones.
Tzeva Adom / Red Alert (צבע אדום)
FreeRocket alert notification app. MUST download immediately upon arrival in Israel. Sends area-specific alerts for incoming rocket fire, allowing residents to reach shelter within seconds. Life-saving in security incidents.
10bis (עשר ביס)
FreeIsrael's most popular restaurant delivery platform. Extensive restaurant coverage in major cities. Integrates with employer meal vouchers (Tenot Ochel) common in Israeli tech companies.
Wolt (וולט)
FreeEuropean food delivery platform with strong presence in Israel. Good restaurant selection and reliable delivery. Alternative to 10bis.
Clalit / Maccabi / HMO App
FreeEach HMO has its own app for booking GP and specialist appointments, viewing lab results, ordering prescription renewals, and accessing health records. Download your HMO's app immediately after registration.
ExpatCheapRent
FreeExpat-focused cheap rental finder at expatcheaprent.com — compares listings across major rental portals to help newcomers find affordable apartments.
Yad2 (יד2)
FreeIsrael's main classifieds platform for rental properties, vehicle sales, furniture, and general goods. Essential for apartment hunting.
Gett (גט)
FreeIsrael's primary taxi/ride app. Works with licensed taxis (not private drivers like Uber). Available 24/7 including Shabbat.
The primary communication platform in Israel — used for everything from family groups to business communications to official government notifications. Not optional.
Bituah Leumi App (ביטוח לאומי)
FreeNational Insurance mobile app for submitting benefit claims, checking payment status, and accessing contribution records. Essential for self-employed and during any benefit application.
Israel is a highly digitized society — most services, bookings, and payments can be handled via app or online. Internet infrastructure is excellent in urban areas (gigabit fiber widely available). 5G rolling out across major cities. However, many government portals default to Hebrew — use Chrome with automatic translation, or ask for help from Hebrew-speaking colleagues when navigating complex government websites.