Apps to be Israeli: Important Phone Applications to Download

In a modern world, apps have become an essential part of our lives. Here we've put together a list of apps that can be very useful in your day-to-day life. We've done the research so you don't have to.

Sections in this Article

7 Apps to start with:

1. Gett - Gett is a taxi ordering application. You can input your pick up and drop off points within and easily hail a cab. Once you are connected with a driver, you will be able to see the name, license plate number and call your driver. You can also view your drivers ETA in real time. Big grocery run and can't carry it all on the bus? Need a cab? Download Gett. I recommend that all my family and friends download the app during their visit in case they find themselves in need of a taxi and aren't able to hail one. The app also allows for fixed meter rates. So no haggling required! Availability varies in different areas of the country.

2. Moovit - Moovit is an app many Israelis use for public transport. Get route suggestions and alerts to get on and off your busses. The app allows you to see live arrival times for various public transport options. Including busses, the light rail and train systems. A new relatively new feature to the app allows you to pay for your ride through the application. For busses: scan barcode the barcode by the Rav Kav reader when getting on the bus. Paying through the Moovit app means not having to worry about picking up a Rav Kav within your first few days and it's very easy to apply and receive transportation discounts to your account. For example, students can log on to the app and upload a picture of their student card and certificate of enrolment. Then receive approval within a few days. (In the past, you could only receive discounts by going to a Rav Kav office.

3. Google Maps - Google Maps offers public transport, driving and walking directions. I personally find the walking directions to be the most useful. Going to a friend’s house and want to think about E=mc^2 or the latest episode of your reality TV show? Google maps also offers voice directions so you don't need to be looking at your phone while in the fresh air.

4. Google translate - This may sound like an obvious one. However, many people don't realize that you have the option to take a picture of a document and the app will translate it for you. Great for using on all the paperwork you'll be filling out during your first few months of Aliyah. Don't know the difference between שם משפחה and שם פרטי? While I don't recommend relying on Google Translate for overall document translation, it's a great tool to have to help you out while you build up your Hebrew skills. The translation software has also improved over the last few years.

5. A scanning app such as Genius Scan for iPhone- Making Aliyah comes with a lot of different paperwork. Having a scanning app, that allows you to take pictures of documents and send them in pdf format, will come in handy. I recommend Genius scan because it is fairly easy to use and is free.

6. Your banks app: All banks in Israel offer banking applications for your phone. Having the application of your phone will let you check your account activity, contact your banker and make bank to bank transfers all on your phone.

7. Your Kuppas app: Each Kupat Cholim (HMO) will have an application available through the app store. It is highly recommended to download the app for your HMO. Through the app you will be able to book appointments, see hafnayot (referrals), submit Hitchavut (approvals for payment outside of the HMO) and much more. Some Kuppot have additional applications such as מכבי עור which allows you to contact a dermatologist without making an appointment

More Apps to consider:

While the above apps are a great place to start and essential for every new oleh/olah to have, you will likely find that your app library could use some expanding. Here are some great apps to look into. Not sure what apps are available for paying for parking or what food ordering apps are available in Israel? Keep scrolling for a list of some great apps we’ve put together.

For Take Out Food:

When you first make Aliyah, get back from a long trip or just had a hard day at work, you are not going to want to start cooking dinner. Here are some recommendations for popular meal ordering apps. Service may vary depending on your area. Please also keep in mind that different restaurants may use only one of these applications.

1. Wolt – Wolt makes it easy to order take out from local restaurants. Recently, they have expanded their database to include local grocers! Including one of the major health food store chains. The App is available in English. However, not all of the menus are translated by the restaurant. When you go to the restaurant menu, you will be given the option to translate the text into the language of your choosing. You can also choose the option “order with friends” which will let everyone choose what they want from the menu via their own phone and break down what each person owes you once the order is placed. Wolt provides a great costumer experience. From the moment you order, you are able to see real time updates about your order and a countdown timer until delivery.

2. Ten Bis – Ten Bis is another popular app for ordering take out. They do not currently offer grocery services. Their app is available in English (you must change this in the settings). Unlike Wolt, changing the app into English automatically translates the menus. Sometimes, the translations lead to some funny results so be aware that some names of menu items will not translate well. Just like Wolt, you can see a countdown timer for your estimated delivery time.

For Improving your Hebrew:

Whether we have pretty great Hebrew or are in desperate need of Ulpan (Hebrew learning course), here are some great apps to help you out.

1. Google Translate – As mentioned above, the Google Translate App allows you to take a picture of a document to translate. While I don’t recommend relying on the app for all your Hebrew translation needs, it’s a great tool to scan cereal boxes and help you fill out documents while you build up your Hebrew skills.

2. Duolingo – Duolingo is an app many people all over the world use to help them learn a new language. Using visual and audio cues, the app allows you to build vocabulary and grammar skills as well as practice speaking and listening in the language of your choosing.

3. Pealim – Pealim is different from other Hebrew<->English dictionary out there. It shows you the different verb conjugations, past, present, future, male, female, etc. As well as tables of noun and adjective forms. It is a super useful app if you are studying in an academic ulpan. Or just to have in your pocket when you need to write an email. They have a free website as well as the paid app.

For transportation:

Below you will find a few different applications that many Israelis use in their day to day lives. From public transport to essential apps for driving in Israel. While Pango and Cello are similar different users will have to choose their personal preference.

1. Moovit – as discussed above, Moovit is an app many Israelis use for public transport. You can receive route suggestions and get on-off alerts directly to your phone. You’ll be able to view live arrival times for various public transport options. Including busses, the light rail and train systems.

A new relatively new feature to the app allows you to pay for your ride through the application. For busses: scan barcode the barcode by the Rav Kav reader when getting on the bus. Paying through the Moovit app means not having to worry about picking up a Rav Kav within your first few days and it's very easy to apply and receive transportation discounts to your account. Students can log on to the app and upload a picture of their student card and certificate of enrolment. Then receive approval within a few days. In the past, you could only receive discounts by going to a Rav Kav office.

2. Google Maps – Google Maps is my preferred method of receiving walking directions. While Moovit does off directions for pedestrians, the interface is not as user friendly. With Google Maps you will receive step by step visual and audio guidance. The audio guidance is very convenient since you don’t have to look at your phone constantly for directions.

3. Waze – If you have a driver’s license, you’ve probably used Waze in the past. With real time traffic updates, Waze will help you avoid unnecessarily long routes. You should always use caution in unfamiliar areas.

4. Pango – Pango allows users to pay for street parking as well as a variety of transport services. Including parking lots, public transport and making payments at gas stations. Pango also allows visitors to Israel to use their passport number instead of a Tudat Zehut (Israeli ID). The app is available in English, Hebrew and Arabic.

5. Cello – Cello (formerly Cellopark) allows users to pay for blue and white street parking as well as many paid parking lots and tolls directly from your phone. It will also help you find available parking in your area and send activation and deactivations to your phone. The app is available in English, Hebrew, Arabic, and Russian.

Money Transfer Apps:

While bank to bank transfers are a popular option for payments of goods and services, as well as a popular options for repaying family friends, there are several convenient apps that many Israelis use to repay friends for smaller amounts. For example: when my friends and I order takeout, well often pay each other back via the bit app. Many Israelis have both bit and Paybox downloaded on their phones.

1. bit – bit, which does not stand for “Bitcoin” to the dismay of an Israeli visitor who could not stop laughing while telling a story of the Shuk vendor who only accepted “Bitcoin”. The bit app was developed by Bank Hapoalim and is available to all Israelis. You can make payments by inputting your credit card information and receive payments by uploading your bank information. There is a daily limit on the amount you can transfer each day. When you receive a transfer, you will be sent a text message to validate the payment which will open the app. Your money will arrive in your account within 1-2 days. However, there have been several issues in regards to phone numbers being inputted incorrectly and users are advised to use caution. With the Paybox app you are able to cancel incorrect payments but with bit you must wait for the approval link to expire before resting easy that a stranger did not collect your money. The app is only availed in Hebrew.

2. Paybox – Paybox is another app used for transferring money, while similar in idea to bit, it has many other features. You can now receive credit through Shufesaul Supreme (the grocery chain Shufersal’s rewards program) directly through the app. One of the handiest tools users can access through the app is the ability to add money to your Rav Kav while on the go. It is one of the main menu options and takes less than a minute to add funds directly to your card. Eliminating worries over getting on the bus with insufficient funds. The app is only available in Hebrew.

For Living With Roommates:

1. Splitwise – Splitwise is an easy way to input and split expenses. You can make a group with your roommate(s) and add bills, takeout, house supplies etc. you’ll have the option to split it equally, be repaid the full amount or input a custom percentage. The app will automatically calculate each individual’s balance. When your ready, you can request to settle up. You can choose the option to settle up all at once or in several payments.

Living in Jerusalem:

1. Jerusalem weather app : ירושמיים- The ירושמיים is probably the best place to find accurate forecasts for the Jerusalem area. While also available online, the application provides a better user experience on your phone. The app is available in English and users can choose to view temperatures in Celsius or Fahrenheit. My favorite feature in the app are the recommendations for appropriate clothing for different times of day. Going be out all day and not sure if you should bring a sweater for later on? Check the app before heading out.

2. Israeli Museum – While not a Jerusalem resident specific application, it is a great application to improve your experience at the museum. My favorite feature? The audio walkthrough being available straight from your phone!

For Students:

1. My Study Life – While not an Israel specific app, it’s a great website to help you track and break down assignments. You can view your classes, upcoming assignments and exams right in the dashboard. The very handy color coding allows for easy differentiation between different cloasses Have an long assignment? You can update your progress so you know how much work you’ve already completed. My Study Life is a student planner that allows you to upload and track all your class schedules, homework, assignments and exams in one place. I highly recommend that all students try this app at least once in their lives.