Rav-Kav Travel Card: Instructions for Beginners
Reading time: 5 minutes
- Personal smart card for travel throughout Israel
- Automatic application of the most advantageous fares
- The process of obtaining the card takes only a few minutes
- Can be topped up at various locations and through apps
- The card is mandatory for travel on buses and trains
What is Rav-Kav and why is it needed
How to get your first card
Topping up balance and types of passes
Rules of use on buses and trains
Solving common problems and questions
What is Rav-Kav and why is it needed
“Rav-Kav” is a unified electronic travel card valid throughout Israel. Unlike single-use paper tickets, it is designed for multiple uses. Its main advantage is the automatic application of the most advantageous fares. The system itself counts trips and at the end of the day or month applies the most economical package, whether it’s a single ride, a daily pass (“hofesh yomi”) or a monthly pass (“hofesh hodeshi”). Additionally, all eligible discounts (for students, soldiers, pensioners) are recorded on the card, eliminating the need to prove your right to a discount each time.
How to get your first card
You can get a new “Rav-Kav” in several places. The most common distribution points are central bus stations (Tahana Merkazit), ticket offices of transport companies such as “Egged” and “Dan”, as well as some post offices (“Doar Israel”). To apply, you will need an ID: teudat zeut for citizens or a passport for tourists. The process takes only a few minutes. You fill out a form, present your document, and receive your personal card. The initial cost of its production is symbolic. If you are looking for a job in the service or logistics sector, knowledge of this system will be a big plus. Post your resume in the Jobs section, and your ad will automatically become available to thousands of potential employers in four languages.
Topping up balance and types of passes
You can top up your “Rav-Kav” balance through special terminals (for example, at bus stations), at transport company ticket offices, pharmacies, supermarkets, or via a mobile app. It’s important to understand the difference between topping up the balance (“ha’arakha”) and purchasing a travel pass (“kofsar nose’a”). When you top up the balance, you simply put money on the card, and the system deducts it for each trip at the advantageous fare. A travel pass, on the other hand, is a fixed package, for example, for a month of unlimited travel. The choice depends on the frequency of your trips. If you often travel between cities and transport items, you might find the Second Hand section useful for finding travel companions or small transport services.
Rules of use on buses and trains
When boarding a bus, you must tap your card on the validator (terminal near the driver). An audible signal will sound and information about the deduction of funds or the status of your pass will appear on the screen. On trains, you need to tap your card on the terminals when entering and exiting the station. This allows the system to accurately calculate the cost of the trip by zones. Remember to always have your card with you, as inspectors have the right to check it at any time. If you lose your card, you must immediately block it by calling the hotline *8787 or at a transport company ticket office to prevent unauthorized use.
Solving common problems and questions
The most common problem is that the card is not being read. In this case, check if it has any severe damage or scratches on the chip. Sometimes wiping the contacts helps. If the card is functional but the balance is zero, the driver may not let you on the bus. Another situation is an incorrectly applied discount. For example, if you are a student but the card does not recognize your discount, you need to contact the transport company’s service center with the appropriate document (student ID) to update the data on the card. To solve everyday issues related to transport, for example, finding an auto service, use the Services section.
Owning a “Rav-Kav” is not just a necessity, but a step towards full integration into life in Israel. This card opens the door to convenient, fast, and budget-friendly travel throughout the country. We have covered the key stages: from obtaining and topping up to rules of use and problem-solving. Remember that saving time and money starts with a proper understanding of this system. And don’t forget that when placing any ads – whether it’s selling a car in the Motors section or renting an apartment in Properties – our platform will automatically translate your text into Hebrew, English, Arabic, and Russian. This ensures that your offer is seen and understood by all residents of multilingual Israel, significantly increasing your chances of a successful deal.