20%
Discount
In Israel, vehicles drive on the right side of the road, and pedestrians are given priority. Be vigilant at pedestrian crossings. Some streets feature dedicated lanes for public transport, marked with yellow lines, which are off-limits to private vehicles. Unlike in some countries, Israel does not use the typical traffic light arrows; instead, they have special traffic lights for indicating turns, which may take some getting used to. Additionally, intersections are monitored with security cameras.
As stated on the Ministry of Transport's official website, speeding can result in severe penalties, including fines, license suspension, and even imprisonment. Unpaid fines increase by 50% after three months and by an additional 5% every six months thereafter. In court, a police officer may confiscate a driver's license for a month.
All vehicle occupants must wear seat belts, and children under 15 are not permitted in the front seat. Children under 4 years old must be seated in a child safety seat. Headlights must be turned on when driving outside urban areas, and the use of fog lights is prohibited in clear weather. It is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving unless you have a wireless headset. Here are some examples of fines:
Israel has only one toll road, known as road number 6, with tolls based on the distance traveled. Payment by card is recommended at the entrance.
Finding free parking in Israeli cities can be challenging for tourists, as most spaces are typically taken by local residents. Parking illegally can result in substantial fines. Avoid parking where the curb is painted red and white or red and yellow, as this could lead to your vehicle being towed to an impound lot. It is advisable to use paid parking facilities.
Exploring Israel by car grants you the ultimate freedom to travel. Unlike tourist buses, a car allows you to reach every corner of the country. One must-see destination is the holy city of Nazareth, a site of great significance for Christians, as it is where Christ spent his childhood and youth. The city is steeped in stories from the gospels and historical records. Notable sites in Nazareth include the temple of the Annunciation, the largest church in the Middle East, the Orthodox Church of the Archangel Gabriel, and several other Christian places of worship.
If you're traveling with family, consider visiting the expansive Safari Zoo near Tel Aviv and the amusement parks in Eilat. The Underwater Observatory offers a glimpse into marine life, and at the Dolphin Reef Country Reserve, you can even swim with dolphins.
In Tel Aviv, immerse yourself in the local culture by exploring authentic markets and neighborhoods such as Neve Tzedek, Rothschild Boulevard, and Old Jaffa. Known for its vibrant and cosmopolitan atmosphere, Tel Aviv is a city that never sleeps, filled with constant entertainment and shows, allowing you to celebrate life and enjoy its simple pleasures.
Make sure to visit the Wailing Wall, an iconic site for Christians located in Jerusalem. This remaining piece of the Temple Mount's fortifications is not only historically significant but also a place where visitors leave notes containing their wishes and prayers. It is believed that these requests will come true. The wall is named for the moisture that sometimes appears on its stones, resembling tears, especially before significant events.
The ancient city of Akko, situated north of Haifa, is another must-visit location. Here you can explore the Akko Fortress, the Hospitaller Monastery, and the Al-Jazzar Mosque, all of which hark back to the time of the Crusaders and are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
For those interested in religious history, the Shrines of the Mount of Olives are a significant pilgrimage destination. Visitors often flock to the Garden of Gethsemane, where it is said that olive trees from the time of Jesus still stand. Nearby, you'll find the Orthodox Church of the Assumption of the Virgin.
Nature enthusiasts will delight in the green, lush landscapes of the Galilee region in northern Israel. With its mountains, forests, caves, and streams, Galilee is an ideal spot for outdoor activities, including water sports and rafting.
When traveling to Israel, especially if it's your first time, you have limited driving experience, or you're unsure about your driving skills, it's advisable to opt for full insurance. This insurance covers the risk of paying a deductible and is typically quite affordable, costing around 8.8 euros per day. With full insurance, you can enjoy the benefit of renting a car without a deposit.
Both international (such as Budget, Sixt, Hertz) and local Israeli companies (including ELDAN, Shlomo, CAL AUTO, and others) offer this option. However, reviews tend to favor international companies over local ones. Therefore, if it's an option, consider renting from a well-known international firm. You can arrange for full insurance directly at the rental office when you pick up your car.
Be aware that large international rental companies will place a hold on your credit card for the deposit, and they do not accept cash. When you opt for full insurance, make sure to thoroughly inspect the vehicle for any existing damage, such as chips or scratches, in the presence of the rental agent. Document any imperfections on the inspection sheet and take clear photographs as evidence in case of future claims.
It's important to note that the insurance typically included in the rental price does not extend to areas under the Palestinian Authority. Any charges will be processed on your card after you return the vehicle. Remember that cash deposits are not accepted, and cards like Electron and Maestro are not valid for payment. Additionally, most insurance policies, even comprehensive ones, do not cover damage to the windshield, tires, or the underside of the car.
In Israel, the shift from traditional gasoline and diesel vehicles to electric vehicles is becoming more pronounced. Notably, the Israeli startup ElectReon, in collaboration with the Tel Aviv-Jaffa municipality, has initiated a pioneering road project that enables electric vehicles to charge while driving. This innovative approach is reflected in the fact that Israeli police often refrain from towing Tesla cars that are parked in violation of regulations.
Rental costs for electric cars in Israel vary by model and time of year, with prices ranging from 30 to 80 euros per day. Leading rental companies, including Avis and ELDAN, provide a selection of electric vehicles and their variants for rent in Israel, such as:
