Although Israel is a fabulous destination, it’s also not the cheapest place on the planet, and still, there are many ways to make your trip that much more affordable and not at all less fun.
Check out our 5 top tips below and, most importantly, welcome!
1. Stay in a hostel or rent an Airbnb apartment
In recent years, Tel Aviv and Jerusalem have been filled with apartments for tourists, Airbnb, and sublets. This phenomenon occurred due to the high prices of hotels in Israel and became the main accommodation option long before the option of hotel accommodation.
For the price of a double room in a hotel, you can rent an apartment for the whole family and save a few hundred dollars for the entire period of your trip to Israel.
2. Enjoy fine street food
Tel Aviv and Jerusalem are full of many restaurants, from chef restaurants to street food restaurants that serve dishes that will not embarrass any luxury restaurant.
Falafel, Hummus, Shawarma, and Pita may sound like dishes in every Western country today. Still, Israel’s location in the Middle East puts it in a different position regarding Middle Eastern food. A full meal at a street food restaurant will cost around $ 10- $15 without compromising taste or portion size.
3. Don’t pay full for guided tours
Israel has a lot to offer in terms of history and Bible stories, and if you have already arrived in the biblical land, you will probably want to hear the stories of the Holy Land from a local guide.
A day tour in Israel costs a few tens of dollars (if it is a group tour) and a few hundred dollars (if it is a private tour). This may sound like a lot, assuming you want to take a few guided tours, but you can lower these costs by about 10%-30% and even more with a small effort of a quick search on Google.
Almost all tour companies offer discount coupons, which you can redeem online.
These discount coupons are available online for everyone; all you have to do is search on Google: [tour company name] + “promo code” and you will receive a list of relevant coupon sites, for example, www.topcoupons4u.com, which offers coupon codes for Bein Harim Tours.
4. Change money wisely
Never exchange money at the airport, neither the departure nor Tel Aviv airport.
Travelers exchange money at the airport only if they really need to, and the exchange places are taking advantage of this situation.
Another place where tourists exchange money without justification is ATMs; the unprofitability is that when you look at the printout of your bank account, you will find that the bank charged a high fee for the exchange operation.
Instead, find the best exchange place in your city of residence, and before each flight abroad, exchange your money there. This will save you time in searches, money, and unpleasant surprises
5. Take a low-cost flight
In recent years, the Israeli government has led a reform to lower the cost of flying to Israel and make the country accessible to tourists from all over the world, especially from Europe.
As a result of the reform, more airlines, including low-cost airlines, opened new routes from Europe to Israel.
Low-cost airlines like Wizzair, Ryanair, EasyJet, and others have started operating flights at prices that were not before, sometimes even for a few tens of dollars.
For those planning to travel to Israel, we recommend visiting the websites of low-cost companies and finding the discounted flights that these companies offer; the more spontaneous you are, the more likely you are to find a cheap flight.
6. Take public transportation
Another great way to save money while traveling in Israel is to take advantage of the country’s extensive public transportation system.
The buses, trains, and light rail in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem are efficient, reliable, and affordable. You can purchase a Rav-Kav card, which is a multi-use smart card that can be used on all public transportation in Israel. The card can be loaded with different amounts of money and can also be used to pay for parking and other services.
By taking public transportation, you can save money on taxi fares, rental cars, and parking fees, and you’ll also have the opportunity to experience the local culture and see the city from a different perspective.
7. Explore the outdoors
Israel is known for its beautiful and diverse landscapes, from the deserts of the Negev to the mountains of Galilee. Exploring these natural wonders doesn’t have to be expensive. Many national parks and nature reserves in Israel offer free or low-cost admission, and there are plenty of hiking trails and outdoor activities that you can do on your own or with a group.
You can also take a day trip to the Dead Sea or the Red Sea, which are both easily accessible from Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, and enjoy the natural beauty of these unique locations without spending a lot of money.
8. Take advantage of free activities
Many cities in Israel, such as Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, offer a variety of free activities and events that can be enjoyed by tourists and locals alike. Many museums, galleries, and cultural centers offer free admission or have special free days.
Additionally, there are many outdoor markets and festivals that take place throughout the year, such as the Carmel Market in Tel Aviv, which is a great place to find unique souvenirs and gifts at affordable prices.
9. Plan your trip during the off-season
Israel is a popular tourist destination, and prices can be higher during peak season. To save money, consider planning your trip during the off-season, which typically falls between November and April. During this time, you can often find deals on flights and accommodations, and there will be fewer tourists, which means you’ll have more space to explore and fewer crowds to contend with.
In conclusion
Israel is a wonderful destination that offers a rich cultural and historical experience, delicious food, and beautiful landscapes. With a little bit of planning and research, you can make your trip to Israel affordable and enjoyable. Whether you’re looking for an affordable place to stay, delicious street food, or outdoor adventures, there are plenty of ways to save money while exploring this unique country.
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