What to Bring (and What Not to Bring) When

Moving to Israel

A Practical Guide for New Olim and Expats

Moving to Israel requires careful planning — not just for paperwork and shipping logistics, but for deciding what’s actually worth taking with you. Shipping costs can add up quickly, and many items are either unnecessary, easily available in Israel, or incompatible with local standards. Below is a practical guide to help you pack wisely and avoid costly mistakes.

What to Bring

1.  Essential Personal Items

Bring personal documents, academic records, and medical files in both digital and paper form. These are difficult or impossible to replace once you arrive. Include marriage certificates, birth certificates, vaccination records, insurance policies, and anything related to your Aliyah process (such as Nefesh B’Nefesh paperwork and proof of Jewish status, if relevant).

2.  Medications and Prescriptions

If you rely on prescription medication, bring a three-month supply, plus a copy of your prescription and the generic name (brand names often differ). While Israel’s health system is excellent, some medications are imported or require special approvals.

3.  Electronics and Small Devices

Most modern devices (laptops, tablets, phones) work fine on Israel’s 220-volt system with the proper adapter. However, large 110-volt appliances from North America — such as refrigerators, washers, and dryers — usually aren’t worth bringing unless you plan to install a transformer. It’s simpler to sell them and buy locally. Bring only high-value, compact electronics that can operate worldwide.

4.  Clothing and Footwear

Israel’s climate varies by region but is generally warm for most of the year. Bring lightweight clothes, breathable fabrics, and comfortable shoes for walking. Winters in Jerusalem and the North can be chilly, so pack a few sweaters and a light coat, but you won’t need an extensive winter wardrobe unless you’re moving to high elevation areas.

5.  Linens and Towels

Quality linens can be more expensive in Israel, especially U.S.-sized fitted sheets and pillowcases. If you’re bringing beds from abroad, bring matching bedding. Otherwise, standard Israeli sheet sizes are easily available locally. Towels and blankets are widely sold, but bringing a few familiar ones can help make your new home feel more comfortable right away.

6.  Kitchen Items and Spices

Bring your favorite cooking tools and specialty spices that might be hard to find. Basic cookware, pots, and utensils are available everywhere, but high-end brands may cost more. If you keep kosher, bring any specialized items (e.g., meat/dairy labels, oven racks, or sets of utensils) that are important to you.

7.  Sentimental and Irreplaceable Items

Bring photo albums, heirlooms, and keepsakes that can’t be replaced. Israel offers most modern products, but sentimental possessions carry emotional value that transcends logistics. Pack them carefully with proper insurance and labeling.

What Not to Bring

1.  Large Furniture

Israeli apartments are often smaller than North American or European homes, and doorways or stairwells may not accommodate oversized furniture. Consider selling large sofas, sectionals, and heavy dining sets before you move. IKEA, Home Center, and local furniture outlets offer affordable, space-efficient alternatives.

2.  Major Appliances

Electrical standards in Israel are 220-240V and 50Hz. North American appliances (110V/60Hz) typically require heavy, expensive transformers and can fail quickly. Exceptions include dual-voltage or European-spec devices. Generally, it’s more practical to buy appliances in Israel.

3.  Excessive Clothing or Linens

Because the climate is warm most of the year, winter gear and thick bedding are rarely used. Focus on versatile, easy-to-wash items rather than bringing entire wardrobes. Dryers are less common, so lightweight fabrics that air-dry quickly are more practical.

4.  Cleaning Supplies and Food

Liquids and chemicals often cannot be shipped internationally, and food imports may be delayed or confiscated by customs. Israel has excellent local cleaning products, toiletries, and a wide selection of groceries, including most Western brands.

5.  Decorative or Fragile Items

Shipping fragile décor, glassware, or art can be costly and risky. Bring a few favorite items, but avoid over-packing breakables. Israeli artisans and home-goods stores offer beautiful options once you settle in.

6.  Books and Paper Goods

Books are heavy and costly to ship. Keep your most meaningful or professional titles, and digitize what you can. E-readers or tablets are excellent substitutes.

Local Shopping Notes

Israel has modern, well-stocked retailers. IKEA, Castro Home, ACE, and Mega Sport provide almost everything for daily life. Supermarkets like Shufersal and Rami Levy carry international products, and Amazon or Next often deliver directly to Israel. Prices can be higher for certain imports, but availability is rarely an issue.

Strategic Packing Tips

ï           **Weigh sentimental value against shipping cost. **A 40-foot container can cost $6,000–

$10,000; a shared “lift” (partial container) is much cheaper if you limit your volume.

ï           **Label boxes in English and Hebrew **for easy customs identification.

ï           **Photograph your packed items **for insurance documentation.

ï           **Separate essentials **(documents, medications, laptop, basic clothes) into a few suitcases to use during your first weeks in Israel, since containers often take 6–10 weeks to arrive.

ï           **Invest in insurance. **Even careful movers experience delays or damage; full-value coverage provides peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

The golden rule: **don’t bring what you can easily replace. **Bring what you’ll genuinely use, what fits Israel’s lifestyle, and what holds personal meaning. Most newcomers find they use only half of what they shipped — and wish they’d packed lighter. Israel will quickly teach you to live more simply, adapt to local products, and discover that almost everything you need can be found here.

Updated on: 02/02/2026