So here are the ESSENTIAL travel apps we feel you really should have on your device when you start thinking about that trip to Israel – and the best thing is, they’re all FREE!

1. XE Currency

OK, first things first, do you have enough money when converting it over to Israeli shekels (Warning: Israel is a lot more expensive than you might think…)? The XE Currency app will convert to and from almost all currencies and will be a big help when trying to work out if the taxi driver has just conned you out of your hard-earned cash… XE Currency is available for all the main platforms, including iPad, iPhone, Blackberry, and Android.

2. Hipmunk

If you need to check flights and the most efficient way of getting to Israel, the Hipmunk app is a great little addition to your smartphone. There’s even a nice graphical way of working out the most hassle-free way to fly, in regards to stopovers (it also integrates nicely with your phone’s calendar). Don’t even bother with the (er, crappy) hotel search option – use Trip Advisor’s app for that (see below). Hipmunk is available for iPad, iPhone, and Android.

3. Trip Advisor

It’s no accident these guys are one of the very best for independent travel reviews. The Trip Advisor app is a great tool for searching for restaurants and hotels in Israel, and we’d highly recommend it for its extensive coverage of options, especially based on some of the weak rival apps we checked out. Not everybody loves Trip Advisor, but this is a wonderful resource for a whole bunch of things to keep you fed and happy. Trip Advisor is available for iPad, iPhone, iPod, Nokia, Windows and Android.

4. Lingopal OR Google Translate

One of the first things you’ll come across on a trip to Israel is…Hebrew. We’ve got two options for you: Lingopal (you have to be 17+), or the old standard Google Translate. Both are great, although Lingopal will also teach those of you who need it how to flirt in Hebrew (and upgrade to get even more fruity, plus access to more languages). Great apps if you want to learn some of the local lingo. Both are available on the App Store and for Android.

5. Instagram

Taking pics on any vacation is, of course, a must. Taking pics on a trip to the Holy Land is an ABSOLUTE MUST! Instagram has become our favorite tool for taking pics and has fast become one of the most popular apps around. We love those filters, so come and find us – just search for igoogledisrael, we’ve already clocked up over 500 pics! Facebook may have recently purchased them, but Instagram looks like it’s here to stay… Instagram is available for the iPhone and Android.

6. Wi-Fi Finder OR Skype Wi-Fi

Finding some Internet-juice is often a tricky task, with most options we’ve ever come across when traveling demanding payment of some sort. But use either Wi-Fi Finder or Skype Wi-fi to locate those wi-fi spots, whether paid or free. It might be a good idea to use both if you’re in real need, just so you double your chances of finding a spot – and use your Skype Credits to pay for your online juice with the Skype Wi-Fi app. Both are available for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad.

7. VISITLV

There weren’t too many Israeli apps that impressed us, but the VISITLV app was definitely one we’d add to this list. It had a pretty comprehensive list of things to see and do and some decent info for users too. It’s officially part of the Tel Aviv-Jaffa municipality’s tourism push, and does a pretty good job, especially with the call and map options to each place and info on the free tours you can take. VISITLV is available for iPhone, iPod touch, iPad and Android.

8. Waze

If you’re going to be driving around in Israel, this Israeli-created app is a MUST. Waze is a community-based driving app, meaning other drivers out there have posted updates, including police traps (which have saved my bacon on a number of occasions) and reports of heavy traffic. It’s a great navigational tool, with a useful GPS engine that will help you out if you don’t know where you’re heading in Israel. Waze is available for iPhone and Android, as well as Windows and Symbian devices.

9. Old City Walking Tours

Let’s face it, the Old City of Jerusalem is one of the places you’re more than likely going to squeeze in to a visit to Israel. And what better way to enjoy the twists and turns of the Old City than with the Old City Walking Tours app. You have to download each tour before you begin, but they only take a few seconds to get up and running. And they provide you with pretty much all the info needed for a great little tour! Available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch, and Android devices.

10. Skype

Making free / very cheap calls (and don’t forget the video and messaging options) back home is what it’s all about, right? So we’d suggest getting the Skype app installed and jumping on a wi-fi network. We’ve not always experienced the best quality when calling internationally, so if you’re calling others with an iPhone, definitely try Viber, another FREE option but only available for iPhones (download it from the App Store – and make sure the person you’re calling also has it!). Skype is available for the iPad, iPhone, and Android.

And another couple of apps that were almost in the running (and if you know of any other must-have apps, please let us know!)…

Get Taxi – If you plan to catch taxis in Israel, the Get Taxi app is a great little app to have. You have to sign up using your mobile number, via which you’ll get sent an SMS with a code which will enable you to use the system, but it does look like a great option to  have if you’re unsure how to grab a taxi in the Holy Land. Available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

telobike – If you fancy taking advantage of the bicycle rental system in Tel Aviv, install telobike, which gives you live updates on the status of bike stations around the city (but is mostly in Hebrew only). Available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

Since those 2004 days (wow, that was pre-kids for me!) they’ve been continuing onwards and upwards (some might say sideways), still singing in English (like my other favorite Israeli singer Asaf Avidan) and touring the world.

Their latest release “On My Way” however, has captured a little more worldwide attention thanks to the video’s awesome use of iPhones. Check it out below. The ending is a great little mosiac of iPhone screens that forms into a huge live video of the band.

Apparently 2G, 3G, and 3GS iPhones star in the clip, with Izabo now so smitten by iPhones they are set to release their own iPhone app simultaneously with the release of their new album.

I love this band!

Forget your luggage, your backpack, your whatever – just don’t forget to bring your iPhone!

1. UltraSn0w – If you want your iPhone to work with one of Israel’s mobile operators, you’re going to need to software unlock your iPhone 3G (this software unlock works on firmware version 3.0). By the way, if you want this software unlock to work on your phone, do not upgrade your firmware! You can get the file by adding repo666.ultrasn0w.com to your Cydia sources.
2. Skype – Quite possibly the best way to keep in contact with friends and family back home. Skype provides unlimited country and world plans and is easily downloaded from the App Store on your iPhone.
3. Dopplr – Known as “The Social Atlas app”, Dopplr enables you to share your travel plans with your family and friends, plus check out who you know that is already here in Israel. There are also city specific travel tips available. Easily downloaded from the App Store on your iPhone.
4. Flickr – Only officially released very recently, it enables you to easily share the photos you’ve taken with your iPhone camera, geo-tag them, and add them to sets. You can also search for photos and videos. Easily downloaded from the App Store on your iPhone (but not available worldwide).
5. Sit or Squat – If you’re searching for a public toilet in the nearest vicinity, this app points you in the right direction. Unfortunately, according to its map there are only four places to relieve yourself in Israel, but hey, this is your opportunity to be a hero in restroom folklore and genuinely put Israel on the map! Easily downloaded from the App Store on your iPhone.
6. HebDict- If you’re looking for a Hebrew-English dictionary to help you out on your travels in Israel (maybe our survival Hebrew guide is enough), get this download (via Cydia), which is an addon to wedict which is easily located in the App Store on your iPhone (but no longer down-loadable for free).
7. IsraelMoney – When you’ll be haggling your socks off in Carmel Market, you might well need this app on your iPhone, just to make sure you get yourself a bargain. It gives exchange rates for the Israeli shekel with a number of foreign currencies. Easily downloaded for free from the App Store on your iPhone.
8. On The Road – Use this as a mini-blog to keep your friends and family updated. This app enables you to add photos, videos, slideshows, and GPS locations to your posts. Easily downloaded from the App Store on your iPhone.
9. Postino – Don’t bother looking for the same old “Holy Land” postcard to send to friends and family – this app gives you the ability to mail real postcards (printed on high quality paper) including photos of yourself in the perfect landscape (the Old City of Jerusalem, Tel Aviv beach…it’s all up to you!). Easily downloaded from the App Store on your iPhone.
10. Fring – This application lets you interact with your friends on all your favorite social networks including Skype, MSN Messenger, Google Talk, ICQ, SIP, Twitter, Yahoo! and AIM. Easily downloaded for free from the App Store on your iPhone.
11. Backgrounder- This nice little app enables you to keep an iPhone app up and running even after you exit it. This is particularly useful for an app like Skype, which you can keep running in the background in case someone calls. This app can be downloaded from Cydia.
12. English Israel News - You can’t visit Israel and avoid the news. This little app will set you back a dollar but keep you updated with all the latest breaking news from the Holy Land, in English of course. Easily downloaded from the App Store on your iPhone.

But no, up til now there hasn’t been an official way of getting your hands on an iPhone. All those iPhones you see in Israel are cracked copies usually brought over from abroad.

Everybody knows what the iPhone is and what it looks like (even my wife’s 10 year old nephew), so you’ve got to say Apple have done an outstanding branding job, extending worldwide. And now, in just a few days (36, but hey, who’s counting!), Israel is finally getting on board the iPhone express! Everyone who wants an iPhone in Israel (the 3GS), complete with full Hebrew and Apple’s official support, will be able to get their hands on one.

Well, in theory at least.

Firstly, because demand, as in many countries throughout the world, is high, very high, and that scheduled 36 days might end up being longer, as stocks of iPhones in Israel dry up and get replenished. Secondly, the official release date of 15th October depends on answers from the antitrust authorities here in Israel, who may end up causing the postponement of the official release.

Apple apparently is trying to ensure that its agreements with Israel’s three mobile phone companies will not be ruled as restraint of trade, or cause other problems with the antitrust authority. However, because of the upcoming holiday season (including the Jewish New Year and Sukkot), reaching a ruling by the planned release date looks unlikely. Will Apple still go ahead with the release anyway, especially as they know the hordes will be waiting impatiently? And this is an Israeli horde, somebody better remind them…

All three of Israel’s main mobile phone operators, Pelephone, Cellcom and Orange, are launching the iPhone simultaneously. Apple usually never makes a general launch like this one, usually pickling one or two operators to offer different pricing options and improve sales. As the Israel launch will be simultaneous, it is assumed Apple has the same contracts in place with all three operators, something that could be considered as restraint of trade.

Never mind. Apple has a local version of their website, all in English with lots of pretty pictures of iPhones, go check it out if you can’t wait for your iPhone…