The Definition of Shabbat

Shabbat, or Sabbath, starts from Friday evening to Saturday evening. Public transportation stops from 3 PM on Friday to 9 PM on Saturday.  It’s possible that you just found the cheapest air ticket to Israel… because you are arriving on Shabbat hours!

Transportation Option From Tel Aviv

By the way, Tel Aviv is only 15km to the airport! These are the options that you have on a Shabbat, and how to arrange them.

1.NEW!Abraham’s Airport Shuttle

This is a new service from Abraham Tours, a well-reputed tour company in Israel. The shuttle bus leaves every 2 hours, on every day including Shabbat. You need to book at least 12 hours ahead. Expect to pay ₪70 ($20).

2.Taxi

From the airport, you will see taxis from the taxi stand, expect to pay ₪150 ($40).  There’s no sherut (shared taxi) option.

From Tel Aviv, just ask your hotel reception to assist you in getting a taxi.

3.Flo Taxi?

The other option is by taking Flo Shuttle. It costs $17 per head and you should book advance online. But people don’t recommend it on TripAdvisor as they never show up. So it looks like from on their website, they no longer offer the Airport to Tel Aviv route.

Transportation Option From Jerusalem

Jerusalem is 52km to the airport! These are the options that you have on a Shabbat, and how to arrange them.

1. Sherut Taxi (Cheapest Option)

Since there is no public transportation option on Shabbat, your next option is taking a sherut taxi. It’s like a mini-van, and they do school bus style.

From the airport, you will see sherut taxis from the taxi stand, expect to pay ₪69($19). Or you can pay online (₪75) to Abraham Tours in advance, the taxi will drop you to Abraham Hostel in downtown Jerusalem.

From Jerusalem, just ask your hotel reception to assist you in arranging a sherut pickup.

2.Taxi

From the airport, you will see taxis from the taxi stand, expect to pay ₪273($80). (On regular days it is ₪228)

From Jerusalem, just ask your hotel reception to assist you in getting a taxi.

3.Airport Bus 485

Though there’s no train on Friday, the 485 airport bus runs till 2-3pm. Check their website for schedule. And the bus resumes service on Saturday around 7 pm. A ride costs 16NIS.

Conclusion

If you haven’t booked your air ticket, try not to arrive on a Shabbatas your transportation options are limited to private services. But it’s not the end of the world, as you only need to pay a bit more to hire taxi.

Places such as Masada, Qumran Cave, Beersheva, City of David and Ein Gedi are all included in this package. And there are many more sites worth visiting! And seriously, $50 is nothing! Let me share more in details and a little bit about the tourist cards (not as good as Annual Pass though).

Annual Pass for National Parks in Israel

Israel, due to safety concerns, is generally an off-beaten country for tourists. But there are numerous sites in this tiny country. Best of all, most of these sites are managed under Israel Nature and Parks Authority. You buy this card, and you have access to all 68 sites! (or is it 55?)

With this Annual Pass, I went to 28 sites in 2 weeks. That’s less than $2 for a site! No way!!!! That’s too cheap! That is why I strongly recommend this pass if you plan to visit at least 5 sites (and if the City of David is one of them).

How To Purchase “Annual Pass”

1. Buy it online!

Simply go to https://fe.sales.parks.org.il/subscriptions

Remember to enter your passport number correctly!

You’ll get the bar code once the purchase is done!

2. Buy it at the park

Go to any national park WITH your passport!

Tell the ticket counter that you wish to purchase the “Annual Pass”. It’s for locals and tourists alike, but you need an Israeli address (a hotel address is fine). The actual card will be sent to that address, but you will get a handwritten card like this and with receipt. This can be used as the annual pass immediately.

 The Fees for Annual Pass

It’s pretty cheap. And the crazy part is…..   For one adult is ₪181 ($50). For two adults is ₪275 ($75)。  (The name of the second person will not be registered) 

And 2 adults with 1 kid is ₪340 ($94), and 2 adults with 2 kids are ₪396 ($109)。 Anyone less than 20 years old is considered “kid”. 

For details please go to their website, English version is available now! 

How to Use Annual Pass?

You present the barcode OR present that handwritten card and receipt at the ticket office, and you’ll get an entrance ticket and possibly a new map!

What’s Included? Is the City of David Included?

Yes, the City of David is included in the annual pass.

The exceptions are the following (not free, but 50% discount is available): Akhziv, Horshat Tal, Gan Hashlosha, Beit Yanay, and Palmachim. Probably tourists won’t find interests in going these parks anyways.

And of course, cable car rides and night activities are not included. And Poleg Nature reserve and Jerusalem Wall Promenade are not included.

What about the Israel Pass?

The new option, Israel Pass, is a combined ticket designed for tourists, you can save some shekels with this pass if you only intend to visit 3/6 parks within 2 weeks! But as a park lover, it isn’t as good as an annual pass in my opinion.

Let’s take a look:

• 3 sites: 78NIS ($22)
• 6 sights:110NIS  ($30)
• Unlimited sites in 2 weeks 150NIS ($42)

Though these combined tickets are transferable, the city of David is NOT included in this ticket, and these tickets  are good for 2 weeks only. 

The City of David ( ₪29) is where the Hezekiah Tunnel and Siloam Pool is, so when you cannot use this ticket for the site, then go for the annual pass!! In terms of pricing, the annual pass is better.

It looks like this (2019)

It can also come with  Israel’s oyster card called Rav-kav card. This is called “Israel Pass& Ride”

But there’s no further discount, you still need to pay 5NIS to get the unloaded card.

There’s a small feature of 20% discount on some sites, which I don’t find so relevant for tourists who are visiting Israel for just 2 weeks. (The logic is, if you have more than 2 weeks, there’s a ton of more important sites that can be used with annual pass). But here’s a list: https://www.israelpass.biz/north

You can buy Israel Pass online, here at https://fe.sales.parks.org.il/tickets 

And since March 2019, you can purchase the new at the airport!

And also from the following places

Conclusion

The Israeli national park annual pass is a GREAT option!! If you are in Israel for more than 2 weeks or if you are traveling as a family, consider the annual pass option!

*Anyone less than 20 years old is considered “kid”. 

You get roughly 14.5% back! Not too bad! But not all stores participate in giving tax refund, especially small souvenir shops… so make sure you ask the shopkeepers first!

Tax Refund Conditions

There are 4 requirements

The souvenir shops in Jerusalem claim the prices they offer are already “tax-free”, in that scenario I would say… BARGAIN HARDER!

VAT Refund Method

There’s a VAT Refund counter before check-in. You are supposed to show your purchase and present the VAT tax return form.

But in Terminal 1, I saw VAT refund counter after check-in…

Tax Refund Service Charges

Updated in 2019.Feb

There’s a fixed 17.66NIS service fee per bill. You can get 17% back when you purchase for more than 125NIS. So here’s the calculation:

You get 17% from 125NIS, which is 21.5NIS.

And you must pay 17.66NIS service fee. And you’ll be left with 3.84NIS (around $1) after the hard work…. haha!

Service Charges

1. Over 400NIS (roughly $120), you receive 14.5% VAT tax refund.
2. From the amount you receive, for example, 58 shekels from your 400 shekels purchase, you have to pay a service fee. It ranges from 15% being the highest rate, and 4.8% being the lowest. *see the picture below
3. If you want cash on the spot, there’s a 2% extra service charge. If you want bank transfer, then there’s an additional 30.9NIS charge… so receiving return through credit card is the cheapest option.

That’s it!

Where Can You Buy a SIM card in Israel?

You can find SIM cards being sold at grocery stores… like this one in Tel Aviv. Or in any store that sells mobile phone accessories. Yes, in this country, that’s how you buy a SIM card. Very loosely regulated. And no passport is needed.

If you are in Jerusalem, this shop is recommended by a local (but there are plenty of shops like this one around).

Your Options of SIM Cards Packages

As of 2019, the main competitors are Pelefone or 019.

Before 2016, Golan popular. In 2016, Hot Talk became popular. In 2018, Pelefone was popular. And in 2019, 019 is getting popular.

1.Pelefone

The price was 85 shekels ($24), and you get a 4G SIM card with 7 GB data!  And calling any number in Israel is free! The validity of this package is for 1 month!

Tips: Try not to lose this number, because it is valid for 1 year.

You can sell this card to someone else or keep it for your next trip! The value of this card is ₪25, which means if you are ever coming back to Israel, just load ₪60 and you will have 20GB of 4G internet again! (or 50NIS for 10GB)

My receipt for reloading internet package in 2019

When you receive this text…. it means success Mazel Tov! (Congratulations in Hebrew)

2.019

Available for purchase in Ben Gurion airport for $29.

However, if you purchase in the city, you can get it for a much cheaper price. The price for the number is 20NIS, and the 20GB package is for 50NIS! Very cheap!

3.Hot Talk

For a slightly cheaper price, you can get 5GB data (3G SIM) with Hotmobile at ₪70, validity is for 14 days or ₪80 for 30 days. It includes 5000 minutes free call to Hot Mobile number and 3000 SMS. So you might want to go for Pelefone.

Who is Snapir?

On the TA forum many people have had good experiences with Snapir. If you want to buy a SIM card in advance (just don’t forget to bring it!), you can order online from his website. https://www.simtoisrael.com

The price is starting from $25 for 20GB data + unlimited international calls to USA/Canada. Yup! The price is reasonable, so if you are based in that part of the world, this is a good choice.

Is it Expensive to Buy a SIM card in the Airport?

You can order a SIM card at Ben Gurion Airport’s newly opened 019 mobile shop. Note that the store opens 24/6 as they close from Friday 4pm to Saturday 9pm for Shabbat. You can order from their website: https://019mobile.com

The price is starting from $29 for 10GB data + unlimited calls and texts in Israel + unlimited international calls to landline numbers of 40 countries (click here). So the price is very competitive as well. (Comparing to Pelefone’s $24 plan for 7GB but without free international calls)

If you want to buy from them, make sure you order online first! There’s a different price at the counter. (In that case, forget about getting a SIM card at the airport, just go to the city!)

Do I Need to Unlock My Phone?

Please remember to unlock your phone. Call T-Mobile, make sure you get this sorted out. Once you get to Israel, you’ll be so busy to get this sorted out. So yes, you do need to unlock your phone. Or the other option is to buy an international roaming package for $50 or something. In this way, you don’t need to change your SIM card. Ask your connection provider.

Conclusion

I’ve tried Pelefone, hot talk and even bringing my own SIM card from Europe. But I’d recommend 019 mobile’s SIM card at the airport if you arrive on a day that’s not Shabbat. If you are an experienced traveler, just wait till you get to the city! You’ll save roughly $10!

Rav-Kav Types & Purchase Methods

• Anonymous/Rav Kav Anonimi: It costs ₪5. You can get it from train stations, central bus stations, some hostels and from some bus drivers.
• Personal/Rav Kav Ishi: It’s free, but you can only get this personal card at sales points. Your photo will be taken, and your name will be written in this card. The discount for elders and students apply only to residents of Israel. So this card will not give you more discount than the anonymous one, it’s fun but you cannot transfer this.

Where can Rav-Kav be Used? 

Except for Arab buses and Shabbat sheruts in Tel Aviv, you can use it on most transportation systems, for example, Jerusalem Light Rail, train, Egged bus, Superbus, GNB tours, Haifa’s Metronit etc.  

How to Use Your Rav-Kav Card? 

1. Validate when You Board

When you board intracity buses or light rail, you will see a sensor near the door. Use your card to validate only when you board, and since the ride is fixed (for example, 5.9NIS per ride).

2. Communicate with a Driver

If you board an intercity bus, it’s pretty cool that you can use Rav-Kav card to pay for your ride. But you have to tell your bus driver your destination, and the driver will deduct the fee accordingly.

On every bus, there is a sensor like this. Place your Rav-Kav card on it, and tell the driver your destination. You don’t need to (and can’t) do the math. The driver will tap a few buttons.  Don’t remove your card until the driver finishes. If you are paying for more than 2 passengers with this card, make sure you tell the driver in advance.

You’ll get a receipt (useless though) when it’s done!

3. Use it for Ticket Machine/Ticket Counter

For trains and Haifa’s metronit, you need to buy your ticket in advance with cash or this Rav-Kav card.  This is a train station:

And this is Haifa’s metronit.

How to Load Your Rav Kav?

There are 6 ways…  (Rav-Kav Online)

I’ve used these methods:

1.Rav-Kav Machines near bus stations or Light rail stations

2.Ticket machines at train stations

3. Drivers can load your card for you (but this option is no longer applicable in Jerusalem) This method exists because you cannot find Rav-Kav machines in rural areas.

Benefits of Using Rav-Kav

 1. Extra 25% Value

This is the reason why people use Rav-Kav! When you load 100, you get 125! That’s a big difference!  You can only load 30 / 50 / 100 / 150 / 200, and you get 37.5/62.5/126/187.5/250 stored value in return.

2. Discount on Return Ticket

If you are making a return trip to a city on the same day (for example Jerusalem to Tel Aviv), then instead of buying 2 single rides, you can buy a return ticket with your Rav-Kav card. I think you get 20% off! (Ask the driver!)

 This is probably cancelled! 

3.The Day Pass Option

You must have a Rav-Kav card to buy a Day Pass. It means you can have unlimited travel in one area or region. For example, you can use #501 Day Pass for Haifa + Akko, you pay 21.5NIS this trip would have cost you at least ₪38.8.

By the way, you cannot use your stored value to buy a day pass. You must use cash or credit card to buy a day pass. Stored value is only good for buying single tickets. And you can have different packages of a day pass (or weekly pass) PLUS having some stored value for single rides in one single Rav-Kav card.

4. You can pay for 9 people with 1 Rav-Kav card

Maybe you are traveling as a group, so it saves time to pay for everybody with 1 Rav-Kav card. (But you cannot pay for multiple passengers for using day pass)

With an exception on Jerusalem’s Light Rail

5. The 90 Minutes Free Transfer Rule

When you use your Rav-Kav card to buy for a single ride, the system will record the time you board your first ride. You can have unlimited transfers for 90 minutes! Using the same single-ride ticket!

With an exception on Jerusalem’s Light Rail

The Disadvantages of Rav Kav

1. The loading amount is fixed,  30 / 50 / 100 / 150 / 200.  So if you are a tourist in Israel, then for sure you will have unused stored value in this card.

2. Anybody can use your anonymous Rav-Kav card

3. There’s no refund？？？？？

4. Maybe there’s still some integration problem? I’ve heard someone had less than 10NIS balance, but when he loaded his card, he lost that balance?!

Where to Get Personal Rav-Kav Card? (Rav Kav Ishi)？

I think it makes more sense to buy the anonymous card and NOT this personal one as tourists. But in case you want your name in Hebrew and a photo taken, the make sure you bring your passport to certain Sales Points. Here is the list.

Conclusion

1. If you are going to give away this card, get an anonymous card even though it costs 5NIS (which is nothing in Israeli standard)

2. Except for Jerusalem, you can load your card on buses

3. You have to buy a ticket using train and metronit. For other transportation, you can jump on and validate Rav-Kav on board

4. There’s a discount of an extra 25% value when loading money on Rav-Kav card

References

www.trans-reform.org.il/docs/english.pdf

Rav-Kav card is like a SIM card, you can buy ‘add-ons’.

What’s a Day Pass?

A day pass allows you to have unlimited traveling in a certain zone for the whole day. You will NOT get another physical ticket, but everything is stored your purchase in the system. (see below)

Should I buy a Day Pass?

The rule of thumb is you should get a day pass if you are making a return trip to a destination on the same day. For example, if you are making a day trip to Akko from Akko.

Without a day pass, it would have cost you ₪38.8, plus bus ride fare if you cannot walk to train station. But with #501 Day Pass (Haifa + Outskirts Extended), it costs ₪21.5 ONLY!

In Jerusalem, a one-way ticket is 5.9NIS. And if you plan to take at least 3 rides in a day, consider the #671 day pass that costs 13.5NIS.

How to Find a Day Pass that Suits You? 

There are so many types of a day pass. Go to either of these 2 websites:

1.Rav-Kav Online

Rav-Kav Online

Rav-Kav integration started in 2016. So always check up-to-date information from the official website. Though it’s in Hebrew only. (Open it in chrome for Google translation). 以

2.Trans-reform Website

http://www.trans-reform.org.il/docs/english.pdf

This document is in English, though only Haifa, Jerusalem, Jerusalem, and Beersheva are included.

3. Egged

http://www.egged.co.il/Article-801,1427-Monthly-Weekly-Day-Pass.aspx

It has the most detailed information in English. Egged is the company of public bus. It’s easy to search on this website.

Common Day Passes

These ones are probably the more common day passes

• #671, Jerusalem + Outskirts, Band 1) ₪13.5
• #698, Dead Sea Valley (Bik’at Yam Ha-Melech, Band 3) (Ovnat, Vered Yeriho, Kalya, Almog, Beit Ha-Arava, Mitspe Shalem, Ein Gedi) ₪ 13.5
• #677,  (Jerusalem Metropolitan Area, Band 1+2+3)₪37.5
• #740, Golan Heights, Kinnereth, Upper Galilee  ₪21.5
• #501 Haifa + Akko (Band 1+2) ₪21.5

How to Buy a Day Pass? 

You can tell the driver, go to the counter in a train station, or use the ticket machine in each station. The step by step guide will come later!

The easiest way is probably by getting help from Rav-Kav counter!

But ticket machines are easy to operate!

Land Border

These are the 3 land crossings. They all have two names… That is why it can be confusing sometimes.

Here’s the confusing part: Which border accepts Jordan Pass? (equivalent to visa), and the other rules.

Basically, all 3 crossings accept Jordan Pass, including King Hussein Bridge/Allenby Bridge crossing!

Opening Hours on Jewish Holidays

Note that during Jewish holidays, the opening hours are shortened. It’s recommended that you refer to this document to confirm the hours.

And just a heads up on how a ‘day’ is defined. Jewish days start 6 hours earlier. So if 19th Sep is the Day of Atonement, that actually means the sunset on 18th. So it means there will be no public transportation afternoon on 18th. You just have to convert the time, as this is something that “you are supposed to know” in Israel!

Transportation Tips

1. Jordan River Crossing

Go to Beit She’an by bus. Then it’s ₪50 a taxi to the border. Luggage is ₪5 a piece. Remember there’s a departure tax for ₪106. Shuttle Bus between two borders is compulsory and charges ₪5.5. From Jordanian side, get a taxi to Amman for 44JD. Alternatively, spend some time in Jerash before going to Amman, expect to pay 55-60JD.

You can read this experience here.

3. Yitzhak Rabin Crossing

There are two borders in Eilat. One goes to Aqaba in Jordan. The other goes to Taba in Egypt. Don’t go to the wrong border! From Jerusalem, taxi bus 444, get off early at Rabbin border-Road 90, then walk to the border! 

Besides getting a taxi, you have the option to travel with this 10-seater mini-van called Sherut in Israel. There’s no fixed timetable or stop. You see it, you wave. Don’t be over conscious, just wave. That’s how it’s done!

This is a happy sherut. It’s in yellow!

Sherut Route

The first one is No.4. This is the approximate route:

The first one is No.5. This is the approximate route:

How do you know which mini-van’s route number? Look closely! The number is hanging behind the window shied!

If you cannot see No.4 and No.5 ….  maybe it’s better to ask the hotel reception which other sherut runs in that area.

Sherut Fare

It is normally 8NIS. Maybe it is 10NIS on a Shabbat. When you board the bus, find a seat first. You can pass your money to the person in front of you, there will be someone helping you. And they will pass change back to you if there’s any.

Sherut Stops

Since there’s no formal stop, when you see a sherut… just wave!!! You don’t need to wave like a drowning person. Just wave like you are waving for a normal taxi.

Confirm your destination with the driver. There’s always someone willing to help you. Israelis are quite reliable in their willingness to help strangers.

Sherut: Interior

It’s kind of spacious! If you are traveling with luggage, I actually think it’s easier to travel with sherut. There’s more room on a sherut since it can only carry 10 people. (I think?)

You can try sherut in Tel Aviv!

*Disclaimer: The author hasn’t used the card yet, but is simply sharing information found online + corresponding emails

What is “Jlm City Pass”?

Jerusalem is a great city, personally, it attracts tens of thousands of pilgrims and travelers with or without this card. But hopefully, this card will attract more people to come! You buy Jlm City Pass, and you get to visit 3 attractions. And from the 4th attraction onwards you get discounts. That’s pretty simple!

Go to Jlm City Pass official website >>

What are the Benefits of Jlm City Pass?

☆Free entry to 3 Jerusalem Museums/some attractions

☆The 4th attraction onwards, you can enjoy discounted tickets

☆ Discounts on tours

☆ Maybe get a drink with Bitemojo

Where Can “Jlm City Pass” be Used?

These are 20 popular attractions in Jerusalem that work with Jlm City Pass. More details will come later because this card is still new. You can definitely pick 3 free museums to visit in Jerusalem. These are the other attractions that can be visited free: Ramparts Walk, Temple Mount Ascent Tour from City of David/Entrance to City of David, Night Spectacular at Tower of David, or Entrance to Tower of David.

Note that you need to visit the 3 museums you want to visit in order. Also, you can’t use 2 free entries at the same attraction. For example, if you use 1 of your 3 free entries to Night Spectacular Show in Tower of David, you cannot use another of 3 free entries to Tower of David. (You wouldn’t want to anyway, but it’s just their rule)

Now the burning questions are which 3 attractions should you choose? Well here is a list. You can pick 3 from the top, read the exception from the notes. Once you used up 3 attractions, the 4th attraction onwards will be discounted. And the attraction/tour categorized in the bottom such as Segway aren’t offered for free. You get some discounts though!

Some Rules to Know…

Conclusion: Should You Buy Jlm City Pass?

While everyone seeks different things in traveling, the short answer is yes. Can you save money with this card? Sure, even though not a whole lot. And the purpose of this card is truly simple- get more tourists to come and know this beautiful city. And when you have this card in hand, for sure it will make you want to explore Jerusalem deeper.

1.Parking at Mamilla Mall

There’s parking in the basement (B3 I think).  It’s not expensive in Jerusalem’s standard. The good thing is you’re not restricted to how long you want to park, you’re sure to get a spot here, and you’ll not get a fine for not knowing local rules!

 Good for:  those who have 2-3 hours in Jerusalem and don’t want to walk

: The 1st hour is free!  Then the second hour is ₪12. After this, it’s ₪3 per 15 minutes and ₪48 for the whole day.

It’s 350 meters to Jaffa Gate… and you can do some shopping too (just kidding)

2.Parking Lot on Mt.Zion

 Good for:  those who are here on Shabbat (free), or just here for a short while

There are 3 parking here, one for the tour bus, the other is in front of Zion Gate. And the other is this one. It’s free on Shabbat…. we found parking here on a Shabbat, but it could be mostly full on other days.

: By parking meter I think 

3.First Station’s Parking

 Good for:  those who are spending a full day in the Old City

The old train station. It looks like a good option as it is much cheaper than Mamilla. And it’s not too far away!

:  A day for ₪17.1

Details：http://firststation.co.il/en/around/the-old-city/

4. Free Parking Lot in Mt.Herzl (Next to Yad Vashem)

There’s a FREE P+R parking in Mt.Herzl. You only need to pay for light rail that goes to Old City (Damascus Gate) for 6NIS. It takes 15 minutes. You can catch free shuttle from here to Yad Vashem too (otherwise you pay for 28NIS for parking in Yad Vashem).

 Good for:  those who want to save money on parking

: free (but you need to have a Rav-Kav card)

: 6NIS per person for light rail (one way)

5.Next to Supersal 

In case you need to shop for grocery, this is the place.

 Good for:  those who need parking for a short while

: There’s a parking meter here.  ₪5.7 per hour.

6.Mt.Olives

 Good for:  those who are just taking some pictures on Mt. Olives

This is a parking on the road. It’s just empty space. It was easy to find parking space as it was shabbat and in morning. I parked here only because we were exploring Mt.Olives.

7.Next to Garden Tomb

There are some spaces where you could park on the road. We didn’t have to pay because it was shabbat. But this area is East Jerusalem and it is kind of messy.

:  400 meters or 6 minutes walk to Damascus Gate

: Free on shabbat

These are all parking places in Jerusalem that I know of!

More Info from Jerusalem Municipality