Taxi Fare Manipulation
Meter Tampering or Refusal
In Israel, taxi drivers, particularly at Ben Gurion Airport or major bus stations, often tamper with meters to run faster or claim the meter is broken, charging tourists inflated fares like 150-200 ILS for a standard 50-70 ILS ride to Tel Aviv. They may also take detours through traffic-heavy routes to justify higher costs.
- Insist on using the meter and note the initial reading; if refused, opt for app-based services like Gett or Uber.
- Research average fares in advance, such as 70 ILS from Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv, and have the exact amount ready in shekels.
- Choose taxis with official yellow plates and avoid unmarked vehicles, especially at night in urban areas.
Fake Fixed-Rate Offers
Drivers offer 'fixed rates' that are higher than standard, such as quoting 100 ILS for a 40 ILS trip from Jerusalem to the Dead Sea, exploiting tourists unfamiliar with local pricing by claiming surge fees or road closures.
- Use official taxi stands and compare quotes with apps; fixed rates should match government guidelines, around 40 ILS for short city trips.
- Politely decline and walk away from aggressive offers, then report to local authorities if pressured.
- Pay with a card via apps to avoid haggling and get receipts for disputes.
Marketplace Overcharging
Haggling Pressure Tactics
In markets like Mahane Yehuda in Jerusalem or Carmel Market in Tel Aviv, vendors pressure tourists into overpaying for items like spices or jewelry, starting bids at 200 ILS for goods worth 50 ILS and using false scarcity claims, such as 'This Dead Sea salt is rare and only for export.'
- Haggle firmly but politely, knowing local prices; for example, Dead Sea products typically cost 20-50 ILS in legitimate shops.
- Shop in fixed-price stores or use cash limits to avoid impulse buys, and compare prices via apps like Waze for nearby alternatives.
- Avoid buying from overly aggressive sellers and visit during off-peak hours to reduce crowds and pressure.