Car rental in Israel at the lowest possible price
I always knew how to rent a car in Israel - for many years of work in tourism in general and in the company "Classic Travel" in particular, I learned a lot : ) But I didn’t do it myself - I used either public transport, or my car, or transfers on tourist buses. On this trip I decided to feel like an independent tourist. It was not easy, because. I'm used to using my connections - after all, we are tour operators in Israel...
So, I started by comparing prices and guaranteeing the availability of the required car in Eilat. I wanted to rent the smallest car with a manual transmission. If I had done it ahead of time, there would be no problem. But I realized it a couple of days before departure, and this is the peak of the season - New Year and Catholic Christmas... In addition, neither the conditions of our partners for renting a car, nor on the websites of large international companies suited me. After spending several hours searching, we came across the recommendation of a tourist who rented a car from a purely Israeli company. It so happened that they just had cars of the required class with mechanics (Israel is not Europe, finding a car with a manual transmission is not easy... ). And the price amazed me - for 4 days they asked me only 75 dollars!! ! Upset only by the amount of collateral on a credit card - 4000 shekels. (that's just over $1.000). But there were no options - I made an order (this is also extremely inconvenient for them - you have to call and explain to the employee).
After a few days of rest - on the day of departure to the Dead Sea - I took the car from the point of issue / acceptance. It is located very inconvenient - far from the hotels. The service was polite, but relaxed (would you like tea and coffee? It's not a question - the kitchen is over there, there are cups - pour it yourself... ). I am calm about this. Finally getting a car. Noted where some scratches, abrasions and - on the way out. There is no need to rush with this - the correct troubleshooting of the car (i. e. , an indication of damaged elements in the acceptance certificate) can then. An employee of the company noted on the diagram what was wrong and I signed almost without looking. This is not correct - it is advisable not only to mark on paper, but also to photograph. And not later, when there is time and desire, but immediately and so that it can be seen where the "photoshoot" takes place. I photographed only a defect that obviously rushed to me - the absence of a nameplate on the tailgate. The next day - at the Dead Sea - I took 3 more photos. It's better than nothing. But then - when handing over the car - they could find fault with me in 3 positions:
1. pollution on the upholstery of the ceiling was not noted at all in the act
2. a crack in the paintwork of the rear bumper was also not noted in the act
3. One defect was noted on the right front, and there were two - bumper wear + cracked cap.
I was lucky - they didn’t find fault... But why risk money and spoil the rest? Especially when you drop off a car at the Ben Gurion airport before flying home.
To celebrate, I forgot to check if there is a road map. I don’t really need it - for the most part I know the roads of Israel even without a map. But I would still like to have it on hand. But she didn't show up. I learned about it already at the Dead Sea.
I got a very small car - "Fiat Panda". For 1-2 people quite suitable. A large suitcase fits in the trunk. On the back seats - bags-things-. . . Not the best option for long trips, but suitable for transfers from point "A" to point "B". I took a few photos, but I can't find it. So I'm posting what I have. I took a photo in the parking lot of the Isrotel Princess hotel. I went there for the beach - it's a quiet and comfortable beach. There are footbridges for those who like to dive (there is no direct entrance - corals are protected).
I drove a Fiat Panda approx. 400 km: Eilat - Dead Sea - Jerusalem - Tel Aviv and surroundings. For everything about everything, it took me a little less than 60 dollars. Therefore, I can safely recommend this method of transportation to those who have already visited Israel at least 1-2 times and know which roads lead where!
