The popularity of Israeli resorts has skyrocketed in recent years. Despite the difficult relationship with the Arabs and the hot climate, this country offers many leisure activities, including religious tourism, event tourism, beach activities and medical treatment. During the holidays, tourists often have to use a taxi in Israel, so you should be aware of some of its specific features related to the religion and mentality of local residents.
Taxi specifics
There are three main types of cars that belong to taxis:
- taxis familiar to everyone, ready to drive around the city and the surrounding area;
- "Sherut" - fixed-route taxis are cheaper, but they are taken along a certain route;
- tourist taxis with a driver acting as a guide.
Depending on the purpose of the trip and the direction, you can choose one or another way of getting around the city.
You can order a taxi in Israel by calling +972 526-480-407 (when calling from the Russian Federation), 052-6480407 (when calling from Israel).
Features of taxi rides in Israel
This type of transport becomes a real salvation for the Israelis themselves and guests of the country on certain days of the week, since from Friday evening it is Sabbath time throughout the territory, when shops stop working and transport does not go. And only taxi drivers tirelessly serve, firstly, you still have to move around the city, and secondly, this is a great way to make money, especially since there are no other public transport vehicles. It is clear that the cost of travel on such days increases by a quarter. The same applies to holidays for Israel.
Fare
At the same time, the tourist needs to be ready to pay 5 ILS (shekels) for boarding a taxi, and then about 3 ILS for each next kilometer of the trip. The final amount of the trip should be displayed on the counter.
Here it is worth being extremely careful with nosy taxi drivers, demanding a check and making a payment according to the amount specified in it. Do not believe the words that the meter suddenly broke down. On average, travel through the center for a tourist in the center of the capital can cost 30–40 ILS; to go to the suburbs by taxi, you will have to prepare already 50–60 ILS.
Israeli tariffs
In this country, the world practice of dividing tariffs into day and night is preserved. The daily rate is valid from 5.30 am to 9 pm, much longer than in many other European countries.
Other features:
- the cost of a night taxi ride in Tel Aviv and other cities is 25% higher;
- ordering an Israeli taxi by phone is not a problem, the cost of this service is 5 ILS;
- carry-on baggage is not paid, and taxi drivers may charge up to 4 ILS for carrying baggage;
- the third passenger also increases the fare by ILS 5;
- there is a surcharge of 2 to 5 ILS for travel from Haifa Port or Ben Gurion Airport.
A taxi ride in Israel is associated with many nuances that are best known before arriving in the country.
