Can I get by in Israel with English?

In Tel Aviv hotels, yes. On a bus, at a clinic, and in a neighbourhood restaurant, Hebrew is the room. A handful of lines plus the camera covers the gap.

What is the one phrase I should learn first?

Slicha (excuse me) and toda (thank you). Then ani rotzeh / ani rotzah, because that is how you order anything.

Hebrew at the airport in Israel

The short answer

Ben Gurion is bilingual until you leave the terminal. The Hebrew you need is short, loud, and gendered when you talk to a person.

Hebrew inflects to the speaker and the listener. Set both before you pick a verb.
baba is a translation tool, not a course. It gets the line right for the room you are in.

By baba TeamLast updated: September 11, 2026

What do you actually say?

Passport, please

דרכון, בבקשה

Darkon, bevakasha

You will hear this before anything else.

I have nothing to declare

אין לי מה להצהיר

Ein li ma lehatzhir

Customs. Keep it short.

Where is baggage claim?

איפה האיסוף מזוודות?

Eifo ha-isuf mizvadot?

Signs also say "hegeia" — arrivals.

To Tel Aviv, please

לתל אביב, בבקשה

Le-Tel Aviv, bevakasha

To the taxi dispatcher, not a speech about your hotel.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get by in Israel with English?: In Tel Aviv hotels, yes. On a bus, at a clinic, and in a neighbourhood restaurant, Hebrew is the room. A handful of lines plus the camera covers the gap.
What is the one phrase I should learn first?: Slicha (excuse me) and toda (thank you). Then ani rotzeh / ani rotzah, because that is how you order anything.

Hebrew for airport