Renting a car in Israel

Posted by lgalen on 04/21/18 12:36 AM

So far, my friends who live there have not had much to suggest--they don't rent cars much. I'm hoping you might know more!

As I've mentioned in earlier posts, we're staying in Jerusalem for about 5 days, and want to rent car there, to drive down to the Dead Sea for two nights (we're staying at the Ein Gedi guesthouse). Then we'll be driving up to the Galil where we'll stay with friends in Rosh Pina and do day trips in that area. From there we'll go to Akko,, for my reunion. We fly out of TA, so I'd like to drop the car off there. Is it expensive to drop it off in a different location from where you'll rent?

Are some companies better and/or less expensive than others? Anything important to know about extra charges? When we rent in the US and in Europe, we don't need to get the "collision damage waiver" if we use our AMEX card. Anything else we should be aware of?

Thanks in advance! And good luck with planning your US trip!

Posted by Chani

Tel Aviv

04/21/18 06:51 PM

15576 posts

Hi Lisa,

Eldan is local and usually very good. Just avoid Sixt - I've seen some really bad reviews. As long as you use Eldan or one of the big companies, like Hertz, I'd go with whoever gives you the best price. You will have to buy insurance - most credit cards don't cover rentals here any more, though maybe Amex does - check with them to be sure. There's one toll road in Israel, but based on your route, you won't be using it. You may hit a snag filling the tank if you use self-service. The machines are usually only in Hebrew and limit foreign credit cards to NIS 200. They also ask for an ID number, not sure what would work - maybe zip code. There's usually no extra charge for returning a car at a different location, even the airport. Are you going to spend any time in Tel Aviv? How long are you going to be in Akko? I have recommendations. It's one of my favorite places in Israel.

If you're going to the Dead Sea on Monday, consider renting the car on Friday before the offices close around 1 pm. It's pretty easy to find street parking on Friday afternoon, Shabbat and holiday - it's free though some streets may be restricted to resident-only parking. That way you can get an early start on Monday morning and miss the rush hour traffic in Jerusalem.

Posted by Kelly’d Rather Be Traveling

Atlanta, GA

04/21/18 07:15 PM

1075 posts

Do NOT assume your credit card covers the CDW waiver in Israel! Many, many don't! (Also in Ireland and Jamaica.) See https://usa.visa.com/support/consumer/card-benefits.html/ for example - expand "Auto Collision Waiver" and then click "Show More." According this this 2015 link, AMEX was excluding Israel. https://thepointsguy.com/2015/04/chase-improves-rental-car-insurance-with-fewer-exclusions/ Actually, I just found it - AMEX does not cover Israel (or Australia, Italy, and New Zealand, in addition to 2 above): https://www.americanexpress.com/us/credit-cards/category/travel-rewards/

Posted by Chani

Tel Aviv

04/22/18 08:51 PM

15576 posts

One more thing I forgot to add. Don't leave stuff visible in the car when you park at sights or on city streets. Put everything in the trunk and take valuables (passports, cash, plastic) with you. You can leave a guide book or a jacket on the seat, but I once had my car broken into because I left a small cooler on the back seat.