Here’s a comprehensive, detailed guide to the most essential apps for new immigrants (olim) in Israel:
GOVERNMENT & BUREAUCRACY
MyGov (גוב) - HIGHEST PRIORITY
- Download: iOS | Android
- What it does: Personal Government Zone is a new application that makes digital services accessible to residents MyGov - Apps on Google Play
- Key features: Pay taxes, download official documents (like Teudat Zehut appendix), vehicle registration, benefits applications
- Setup tip: You’ll need to register for Gov.ID first using your passport and credit card for identity verification
My Aliyah - For new immigrants
- Download: Available in the same Gov.IL developer page
- What it does: Specific services for new immigrants including Aliyah benefit applications
- Pro tip: Essential for accessing your Aliyah benefits and tracking immigration paperwork
TRANSPORTATION
Moovit - ESSENTIAL
- Download: iOS | Android
- What it does: Transform the way you navigate your city with Moovit, the all-in-one app for urban transit Moovit: All Transit Options on the App Store - Apple
- Key features: Real-time bus/train arrivals, route planning, allows users to pay via app Israelis, tourists can now pay for public transportation with all-in-one app | The Times of Israel - you can now pay for public transport directly through the app
- Pro tips:
- It gives you travel duration estimates that are usually far from reality. It seems like it doesn’t consider the huge traffic jams in Israel The Best Apps for Travelers in Israel - Backpack Israel - always add 15-30 minutes to estimates
- Available in multiple languages including English
- Works offline for maps
Rav-Kav Online - ESSENTIAL
- Download: iOS | Website: ravkavonline.co.il
- What it does: Load your Rav Kav travel card straight from home using the mobile app or the website and pay with a credit card Rav-Kav Online | The official website for loading Rav-Kav travel cards
- Setup process:
- Get physical Rav-Kav card first (airport, train stations, Super-Pharm)
- Register online with passport (for non-Israeli citizens)
- Load money via app by holding card to back of phone
- Card costs: 5 NIS for anonymous card, free for personalized
Waze
- Download: Available on all app stores
- Why essential: Israeli-founded, best navigation for local traffic and road conditions
- Pro tip: Much more accurate than Google Maps for Israeli traffic patterns
Gett - Taxi/Rideshare
- Download: iOS | Android
- What it does: Israeli B2B Ground Transportation Management (GTM) platform and marketplace, and B2C ride-hailing app WikipediaThe Times of Israel
- Pro tips:
FOOD DELIVERY
Wolt - MOST POPULAR
- Download: iOS | Android
- What it does: The Wolt app makes it easy to discover and order (almost) anything from your city. From delicious food and fresh groceries to pharmacy and pet supplies Wolt Delivery: Food and more - Apps on Google Play
- Key features:
- Food delivery in ~30 minutes
- Groceries, pharmacy items, alcohol
- Wolt is currently available in 170+ cities located in Azerbaijan, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Japan, Kazakhstan Wolt - Wikipedia
- Subscription: Wolt+ offers free delivery and exclusive deals
Ten Bis (תן ביס) - WORKPLACE FAVORITE
- Download: iOS | Android
- What it does: 10bis (Ten Bis) is the leader in online and mobile food ordering from restaurants in Israel TenBis | Join
- Special features:
- More then 70% of the high tech companies in Israel are using 10bis TenBis | Join
- Many employers provide Ten Bis cards as a benefit
- A popular option amid Tel Aviv startups and offices looking for lunch delivery Ordering food delivery in Tel Aviv | Tourist Israel
- Pro tip: Can be used without company card - individuals can order directly
BANKING & PAYMENTS
Bank Apps - ESSENTIAL
Bank Hapoalim:
- Download: iOS | Android
- Important note: right now the app only exists in Hebrew בנק הפועלים - ניהול החשבון - Apps on Google Play, but you can now bank in english on their site without using google translate Want to bank in english in Israel? We found which banks have interfaces in English!
Bank Leumi:
- Key advantage: Currently, the statement that Leumi is the only Israel Banking app with an english interface is true Want to bank in english in Israel? We found which banks have interfaces in English!
Setup tips for banking:
- Open account ASAP - needed for apartment rentals, utilities, salary
- Bring passport, proof of address, and employment letter
- Most banks offer English-speaking customer service
SHOPPING & GROCERIES
Shufersal - LARGEST SUPERMARKET CHAIN
- Download: iOS/Android
- What it does: Shufersal is the largest supermarket chain in Israel, with a 20% market share Shufersal - Wikipedia
- Features:
- Quick buy using lists Instead of spending hours compiling online shopping lists, the Shufersal app will load the shopping basket for you with the products you buy regularly שופרסל App - Apps on Google Play
- Digital services in Shufersal branches…releasing a shopping cart with a click without the need for coins שופרסל App - Apps on Google Play
- Important: The online ordering is only available in Hebrew, but with Google Translate from your browser, you can get by Ordering Groceries Online in Israel — Delicious Israel
Super-Pharm
- Download: Available on all app stores
- What it does: Israel’s largest pharmacy chain, also sells cosmetics, baby products
- Pro tip: You can buy and load Rav-Kav cards here
KSP/Zap
- Download: Available on app stores
- What it does: Electronics price comparison and shopping
- Pro tip: Essential for comparing prices on electronics and appliances
SAFETY & EMERGENCY
Red Alert Apps - CRITICAL FOR SAFETY
RedAlert (Most Popular):
- Download: iOS | Android
- What it does: The most fastest, reliable emergency alerts app in Israel. Over 3,000,000 downloads and a 4.7 star rating to prove it RedAlert - Emergency Alerts in Israel
- Features: Speed & reliability - alerts are received before / during the official siren thanks to dedicated notification servers RedAlert - Alerts in Israel on the App Store
Tzofar (Alternative):
- Download: iOS
- Features: receive alerts based on city selection, entire areas, current location, and relevant threats Tzofar - Red Alert on the App Store
Setup tips:
- Choose specific cities/regions you care about
- Enable location-based alerts if you travel frequently
- Test the app regularly to ensure notifications work
- The application will override silent / vibrate mode to sound alerts RedAlert - Alerts in Israel on the App Store
COMMUNICATION
WhatsApp - ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL
- Why: Primary communication method in Israel for everything from family to business to apartment hunting
- Pro tip: Join local community groups for your neighborhood/city
Telegram
- Why: Very popular alternative to WhatsApp, many Israeli groups and channels
Hebrew Learning Apps
- Ulpan Aviv: Structured Hebrew courses
- Hebrew Pod101: Audio-focused learning
- Duolingo: Free, gamified Hebrew learning
UTILITIES & SERVICES
Israel Electric Corporation
- Download: Available on app stores
- What it does: Pay electricity bills, report outages, track usage
Water Company Apps
- Mei Avivim (Tel Aviv area)
- Hagihon (Jerusalem area)
- Mekorot (national water company)
Pango (Parking)
- Download: Available on app stores
- What it does: Pay for parking, tolls, gas stations
- Pro tip: Founded in 2007, the Pango app allows its more than 3 million users to pay for parking, toll roads, rescue services, refueling services and even purchases at Sonol convenience stores Israeli parking payments app inks deal to buy ridesharing startup Gett for $175m | The Times of Israel
SETUP PRIORITIES FOR NEW OLIM
Week 1 (Survival Apps):
- MyGov - government services
- Moovit - transportation
- Waze - navigation
- WhatsApp - communication
- Red Alert - safety
- Wolt - food delivery
Week 2-4 (Financial Setup): 7. Bank app (Hapoalim/Leumi/etc.) 8. Rav-Kav Online - public transport payment 9. Shufersal - groceries 10. Ten Bis - workplace food orders
Month 2+ (Quality of Life): 11. Hebrew learning apps 12. Utility company apps 13. Pango for parking 14. Shopping apps (KSP, Buyme)
CRITICAL LANGUAGE NOTES:
- Most apps have Hebrew interfaces - use Google Translate camera feature for menus
- Bank Leumi is the only major bank with English app interface
- Government apps (MyGov) have some English support
- Wolt and Moovit work well in English
FINANCIAL SETUP TIPS:
- Get Israeli bank account immediately - required for almost everything
- Many services require Israeli credit card - foreign cards often rejected
- Set up direct debit (הוראת קבע) for utilities to avoid late fees
- Keep cash handy - some small businesses still prefer cash
This comprehensive setup will handle 90% of your daily needs as a new immigrant in Israel!