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Israel
16 scams
For the spiritual, Israel offers iconic mosques, churches and synagogues. For nature lovers, you can explore the Dead Sea, Negev desert and spectacular scenery in Galilee.
Although there is a risk of terrorism, the country is largely safe. That said, watch out for tourist targeted scams and theft.
Note: vast majority of trips are trouble free and there is no need to be paranoid. That said, it always pays to be aware, careful, and prepared.
Emergency numbers
- Emergency: 1221
- Police: 100
- Fire: 102
- Ambulance: 101
Travel resources
Pickpockets in Israel
4 0How it works: Version 1: they work in a gang – one onlooker, one blocks, pushes, distracts, or engages you, one grabs and the final hides the loot under a…
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Al Aqsa Mosque entry scam in Israel
5 0How it works: If you are not a Muslim, you cannot enter the Al Aqsa Mosque or the Dome of the Rock. However, some young kids may offer to bring…
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Fake Rabbi scam in Israel
5 0How it works: Opening: a scammer posing as a rabbi approaches and ties a string around your wrist, claiming this is a free blessing. Set-up: however, he requests for a…
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Fraudulent tour operators in Israel
5 1How it works: Situation 1: there are rogue tour operators who advertise low price tours. If you engage, there is a good chance that you will end up going to…
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Unofficial guides in Israel
4 0How it works: Version 1: offers to bring you to the Tomb of David and then claim that you have to pay an entry fee although it is free to…
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Jaffa Gate “fake” ATM in Israel
4 0How it works: Opening: At Jaffa Gate, you will find that the ATM at the Currency Exchange Office is not functional. The staff then proposes this solution: Set-up: He will…
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Fake sheruts in Israel
2 0How it works: Opening: fake sheruts will get you to load your luggage claiming that once the sherut is filled up, they will send you to your destination. It will…
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Restaurant scams in Israel
2 1How it works: Situation: Most food places are fine, it’s generally just a few bad eggs around touristy areas that spoil it for the rest. Set-up: Version 1: prices reflected…
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Shopping scams in Israel
2 0How it works: Version 1: quoting in shekels, but charging in USD when it’s time to pay. Version 2: touts who tell you about great deals at their shop due…
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Shawl scam in Israel
2 0How it works: Situation: to visit religious sites, you need to dress modestly, i.e. cover knees, shoulders, upper arms, chest. Set-up: however, shawl/scarf sellers will tell you that your attire…
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Taxi scams in Israel
2 0How it works: Version 1: taxis at the Ben Gurion Airport have certain flat fares to charge depending on where you are going. However, there have been cases of inflated…
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Credit card skimming in Israel
2 0How it works: Situation: the vast majority of tourists would probably not fall for this but on the off-chance that you do, you need to know how to spot the…
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Snatch thefts in Israel
1 0How it works: Street, mall, shop, park, transportation hub: distracting and snatching from you, then escaping via a getaway car or down a street corner. Beach: where tourists are relaxed, or when…
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Gas station scam in Israel
1 0How it works: Opening: at all gas stations in Israel, an attendant will pump gas for you. Often they will also offer to check your car’s oil and radiator fluid…
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Vacation apartment scam in Israel
1 0How it works: Situation: fake apartment listings on online classified ads sites (e.g. Craigslist, Gumtree). Red flags: cheap prices, copy-pasted description, dodgy sounding reviews, difference in photos and Google Street…
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