Things To Do In Israel Master Thread

[flyingace]

At least, as a tourist, you can always use Waze/Google Maps to determine if they're going a long route.

Gett also records the route, time and distance. A couple of times I felt they were going slowly, but nothing compared to the drivers who wanted flat rates triple the usual rate!  YMMV as with everything. If you’re a good bargainer and not desperately trying to get home from the Kosel with 3 girls at 12 AM go the haggle route, by all means. We personally felt that Gett provided an easy way to get around with minimal issues.

[Euclid]

YMMV

Love it

[yshad]

Especially since when they use the meter a lot of times they go much slower and in roundabout ways to rack up the meter. I've cought them a few times on this on routes where I knew the area well

I've heard about this, but after living in Israel for seven years (albeit not taking taxis on a regular basis) never had this experience. Maybe tourists are more likely to be targets? But even when I was a tourist staying at a hotel in other cities, such as Ashdod, I never felt like I was being taken for a ride.

[Euclid]

I was being taken for a ride.

Another one. Love it

[Spoon]

At least, as a tourist, you can always use Waze/Google Maps to determine if they're going a long route.

I don't think you want to spend every cab ride checking waze to make sure you aren't getting ripped off. Especially many times it may look like he's going out of the way but he's not due to not being allowed to turn on many streets (especially in geula area).


Another disadvantage to the meter is if you get stuck in traffic (very common on narrow streets) while with flat rate you are protected.

[Euclid]

I don't think you want to spend every cab ride checking waze to make sure you aren't getting ripped off. Especially many times it may look like he's going out of the way but he's not due to not being allowed to turn on many streets (especially in geula area).

I'd set Waze to the destination and follow along on the phone. See if the ETA changes egregiously

[aygart]

I don't think you want to spend every cab ride checking waze to make sure you aren't getting ripped off. Especially many times it may look like he's going out of the way but he's not due to not being allowed to turn on many streets (especially in geula area).


Another disadvantage to the meter is if you get stuck in traffic (very common on narrow streets) while with flat rate you are protected.

I once had a driver refuse the meter then got stuck in traffic and wanted more that what he originally said. I told if he would have used the meter he would have been gotten it.

[mevinyavin]

Especially since when they use the meter a lot of times they go much slower and in roundabout ways to rack up the meter. I've caught them a few times on this on routes where I knew the area well

My favorite taxi hack is to the Misrad Hapnim or Bituach Leumi. The route there by car passes a major bottleneck and averages 35-50 shekel. Instead, I ask them for Recov Heleni Hamalka, accessible from Haneviim and right across Yafo from the government buildings. I've paid 20 shekel for that. (One driver suspiciously asks me, "What do you need on Heleni Hamalka, anyway? Tell me where you really need to go!" So I told him, "The main branch of Bank Mizrachi.")

I don't think you want to spend every cab ride checking waze to make sure you aren't getting ripped off. Especially many times it may look like he's going out of the way but he's not due to not being allowed to turn on many streets (especially in geula area).

Another disadvantage to the meter is if you get stuck in traffic (very common on narrow streets) while with flat rate you are protected.

Common problem when society is desperate to make the most off the other person at all times - how is someone who knows nothing about a business to know when he is WRONG in accusing the expert of ripping him off? It's the biggest recipe for machlokes...

You are NOT protected from the driver if you agree to a flat rate and then get stuck somewhere. Instead you get more arguing. You'll get no arguing if you were on the meter in the first place, though.

If you get into an argument with a driver and are convinced he is wrong, and you don't pay him, but he happens to be right - you are in big trouble. Not worth it IMHO.

[Spoon]

You are NOT protected from the driver if you agree to a flat rate and then get stuck somewhere. Instead you get more arguing. You'll get no arguing if you were on the meter in the first place, though.

If you get into an argument with a driver and are convinced he is wrong, and you don't pay him, but he happens to be right - you are in big trouble. Not worth it IMHO.

You are absolutely protected- same way you can't complain if he gets there in 5 min.


Maybe I've gotten grumbling a few times but that's it. Even if they argue I doubt you would be in big trouble.

[SHL]

You are absolutely protected- same way you can't complain if he gets there in 5 min.


Maybe I've gotten grumbling a few times but that's it. Even if they argue I doubt you would be in big trouble.

By law if flagged they are supposed to do meter so their is a record of the trip
 what are they going to complain?that they broke the law and got messed over?

[herb]

Another advantage of doing flat rate is they will most certainly do everything they can to get you to your destination faster (such as drive like a real Israeli, speeding through yellows, and cutting everyone off).This way they can move on to another job and make more money.

[mevinyavin]

You are absolutely protected- same way you can't complain if he gets there in 5 min.


Maybe I've gotten grumbling a few times but that's it. Even if they argue I doubt you would be in big trouble.

I think we define 'protected' differently.  My point was that, especially in today's environment of construction logjams, protests, and the like, there's nothing stopping the driver from asking for more money if the situation changes - which is off the table if you are on a meter.

[elikay]

By law if flagged they are supposed to do meter so their is a record of the trip
 what are they going to complain?that they broke the law and got messed over?

By law they have to do meter if you ask, but they are allowed to do agree on a price qith you and they are supposed to put it into the meter and print a receipt.

[flyingace]

By law they have to do meter if you ask, but they are allowed to do agree on a price qith you and they are supposed to put it into the meter and print a receipt.

Never had any driver do that. If they want set price they don’t use meter at all.

[elikay]

Never had any driver do that. If they want set price they don’t use meter at all.

They don't do it. But officially they're supposed to.

[mevinyavin]

They don't do it. But officially they're supposed to.

If you want a really mad driver, agree on a price when you get in - then ask them for a receipt when you get there.

[elikay]

If you want a really mad driver, agree on a price when you get in - then ask them for a receipt when you get there.

Your Hebrew vocabulary will vastly expand.  You will learn many new words you never knew existed

[clark_henry]

I've heard about this, but after living in Israel for seven years (albeit not taking taxis on a regular basis) never had this experience. Maybe tourists are more likely to be targets? But even when I was a tourist staying at a hotel in other cities, such as Ashdod, I never felt like I was being taken for a ride.

This is kinda common problem everywhere. They always try to loot tourists. 

[yfr bachur]

This is kinda common problem everywhere. They always try to loot tourists.

which is why you should ask a local how much is should cost before you get in a taxi. (especially if you're in a busy area)

[Shmelly]

Take cash from an ATM if your bank doesn’t charge a exchange fee.
Eat the ATM fee, it’s well worth it

Anyone know how much it will cost to take out cash in Israel with either a Chase or BoA debit card, and is it worth it? I am too late to set up any other bank at this point.