Nomad Watch

Essentials

Population
53,000
City
Eilat, Southern District, Israel
Internet Speed
95 Mbps avg (Fiber available in most central areas via Bezeq or Unlimited)
Currency & Banking
Israeli New Shekel (ILS). 1 USD ≈ 3.65 ILS. Note: Eilat is a VAT-free zone (17% cheaper than the rest of Israel).
Tap Water
Drinkable, but very hard minerals; most locals use filtered water or 'Me Eden' delivery.
Power
230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/H/M sockets. Type H is the unique 3-pin Israeli standard.
SIM Card
Partner, Cellcom, or Hot Mobile. Typical 100GB plan costs approx. 50 ILS ($14) per month.
Banking for Expats
Bank Hapoalim or Leumi. Revolut is usable but local cards (Max, Isracard) are better for local apps.
Accommodation
Airbnb, Booking.com, and local Facebook groups like 'Apartments for rent in Eilat'.
Cashless Friendly
Yes, cards and Apple/Google Pay are accepted everywhere from malls to small kiosks.
Short Term Rentals
Airbnb options range from $80-$150/night for central studios.
Budget Accommodation
Abraham Hostel Eilat (Shfifon St 3) - approx. 120 ILS ($33) for a dorm bed.
Best Area to Stay for Tourists
North Beach/Hotel Zone for proximity to malls and the promenade.
Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads
The 'Ye'elim' or 'Amidar' neighborhoods for local vibes and lower rent (approx. 3,500 ILS/month for 1BR).

Culture and Attractions

Museums & Art Venues
Eilat City Museum - Covers the history of the city's founding and development.
Historical Sites
The Ink Flag (Um Rash-Rash) - Commemorating the end of the 1948 Arab-Israeli War.
Religious Sites
Central Synagogue of Eilat - Architecturally unique desert structure.
Annual Events
Red Sea Jazz Festival (occurring February and August).
Cultural Districts
The Artist Gallery Eilat (near the museum) showcasing local desert artists.
Theater Venues
The WOW Show by Isrotel - Long-running Vegas-style acrobatic performance.
Local Markets
The Night Market (Promenade) - Jewelry, local crafts, and clothing.
Music Scene
Mike’s Place Eilat - Live rock, blues, and international sports.
Street Art
Murals along the old 'Amidar' neighborhood social housing blocks.
Cooking Classes
Lasha Bakery desert bread workshops (located in nearby Mitzpe Ramon).
Art Galleries
Artists' Residence Eilat - Studio spaces and rotating exhibitions.
Historic Buildings
The old Eilat Airport terminal (recently decommissioned and repurposed).
Local Heritage
The 'Eilat Stone' (Chrysocolla) - specific blue-green gemstone mined nearby.
Must-See Landmarks
Underwater Observatory Marine Park (99 ILS entry).

Nature and Outdoor Activities

Nearby Nature Escapes
Red Canyon (20 min drive) - Stunning desert hiking through narrow red stone walls.
National Parks Nearby
Coral Beach Nature Reserve - World-class snorkeling right off the shore.
Cycling/Walking Paths
The Eilat Promenade - 5km walk from the Jordanian border toward the Egyptian border.
Scenic Viewpoints
Mount Yoash - Offers views of Israel, Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia simultaneously.
Birdwatching Locations
International Birding & Research Center Eilat - A major stop for migratory birds.
Bonfire-Friendly Spots
North Beach designated areas (check local municipal signs for seasonal bans).

Other Services and Amenities

Parcel Delivery Service
Israel Post (Doar Israel) - Main branch at HaTmarim Blvd.
Tech Repair Services
iDigital (Ice Mall) - Official Apple premium reseller and repair.
Table Tennis Spots
Abraham Hostel Eilat common area.
Language Classes
Ulpan Eilat - Government-sponsored Hebrew immersion for residents.
Libraries & Study Spots
Eilat Municipal Library (near City Hall) - Quiet study environment.
Community Centers
Matnas Eilat - Offers workshops and community sports.
Gaming Lounges
Checkmate Gaming Eilat - PC and console gaming lounge.
Casino & Gaming Halls
Note: Casino gambling is illegal in Israel; local 'gaming halls' are for arcade games only.

Business

Studio Purchase Price (City Center)
Approx. 28,000 ILS per m² (e.g., 35 m² = 980,000 ILS / $268,000)
Studio Purchase Price (Outside City)
Approx. 20,000 ILS per m² (e.g., 35 m² = 700,000 ILS / $191,000)
1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
Approx. 25,000 ILS per m² (e.g., 50 m² = 1,250,000 ILS / $342,000)
1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
Approx. 18,000 ILS per m² (e.g., 50 m² = 900,000 ILS / $246,000)
2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
Approx. 22,000 ILS per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 1,760,000 ILS / $482,000)
2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
Approx. 16,000 ILS per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 1,280,000 ILS / $350,000)
Corporate Tax
23% (Standard Israeli rate; some Eilat tech startups get benefits).
Dividend Withholding Tax
25% - 30% depending on shareholder status.
Tax System
Personal tax resident based on 183-day rule; worldwide income taxed.
Highest Income Tax Bracket
50% (on income over 55,271 ILS per month).
VAT
0% in Eilat (Standard 17% elsewhere in Israel). Huge benefit for digital nomads.
Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules
Yes, Israel has comprehensive CFC rules to prevent tax deferral.
Property Tax
Arnona - Municipal tax based on square footage and zone; approx. 40-70 ILS per m² annually.
Property Transaction Tax
Purchase tax starts at 8% for investment properties, lower for primary residences.
Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads
Eilat residents (183+ days) receive a 10% tax credit on income up to a certain ceiling.

Working and Networking

Best Coworking Space
Hub Eilat (HaTmarim Blvd 2) - Modern space with hot desks from 60 ILS ($16) per day.
Best Cafe for Work
Avenue Cafe (HaTmarim Blvd 13) - Reliable Wi-Fi, plenty of outlets, and great coffee.
Networking Events
Eilat Tech Hub meetups and 'Digital Nomads Israel' Facebook group events.
Social Events for Expats
Friday night dinners at Abraham Hostel or English-speaking nights at Mike's Place.

Transportation

Best Taxi/Ride App
Gett (Global Taxi) is the primary app. Uber is not active in Eilat for private cars.
Bike/Scooter Rental
Eilat Moto (Kamen St) - Electric scooter rentals approx. 100 ILS ($27) per day.
Best Beach Nearby
Mosh's Beach - Sustainable, chill vibe, great for working with a view.
Top Regional Airline
Arkia and Israir (flights to Tel Aviv Ben Gurion or Ramon Airport).
Top International Airline
Ryanair and Wizz Air (seasonal flights directly to Ramon Airport ETM).
Highway Access
Route 90 (The longest road in Israel) connects Eilat to the Dead Sea and Jerusalem.
Main Train/Transit Hub
Eilat Central Bus Station (HaTmarim Blvd). No train access yet.
Public Transport Passes
Rav-Kav card used for all Egged buses. Day pass 'Hofshi Yom' approx. 15 ILS.
Regional Travel
Egged Bus 444 to Jerusalem or 390 to Tel Aviv (Approx. 4-5 hours, 70 ILS).

Health and Wellness

Best Hospital
Yoseftal Medical Center (Yotam Rd) - Full-service public hospital.
Yoga & Wellness Centers
Yoga Arava (seasonal festivals) or Studio Sol Eilat for daily classes.
Gyms & Fitness Centers
Icon Fitness Eilat (Ice Mall) - Modern gym with memberships around 200 ILS/month.
Laundry Services
Wash & Go (Eilat St) - Self-service or drop-off available.

Food and Drink

Best Food Delivery App
Wolt is the primary delivery service for almost all restaurants.
Best Local Dish to Try
Shakshuka or fresh grilled fish from the Red Sea (Denis/Sea Bream).
Vegan/Vegetarian Options
Pesto (HaTmarim Blvd) - Excellent vegan-friendly Italian and Mediterranean salads.
Best Dessert Spots
Golda (Ice Mall) - The most popular high-end Israeli boutique gelato chain.
Affordable Shopping Spots
Rami Levy or Yohananof supermarkets for the best local prices.
E-commerce/Online Store
KSP.co.il for electronics (VAT-free pickup in Eilat is significantly cheaper).
Grocery Delivery
Shufersal Online provides scheduled home delivery.
Bar/Nightlife Area
Tourism Center (Merkaz HaTayarut) - Packed with pubs like The Three Monkeys.
Local Brewery
The Soof Brewery (HaOrgim St) - Local craft beers brewed in the Eilat desert.
Wine Bars
Wine Glass (Promenade) - Boutique Israeli wines with sea views.
Street Food Stalls
Falafel Halev HaRahav (Tourism Center) - Famous local pita and falafel for 25 ILS.
Popular International Cuisine
Pasta Basta (Big Center) - Affordable, fresh handmade pasta.

Continue exploring Eilat