Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel

1. Business Card Scam

A local offers a business card and promises to show you an amazing place or event but instead takes you to a shop where they receive a commission.

Unsolicited Invitation: Be wary of unsolicited invitations from strangers.
Commission-Based Tours: Some locals may try to take you on commission-based tours.
Ask for Recommendations: Ask your hotel or trusted local sources for recommendations.

Someone sets up a beach chair near you on the beach and later demands payment. Or they offer to watch your things while you swim, then disappear.

Chair Rental: Be aware of chair rental scams on the beaches.
Valuables Safety: Never leave your valuables unattended on the beach.
Official Signs: Look for official signs or rental services when using beach chairs.

Taxis not using the meter or charging inflated prices. Some taxis may refuse to turn on their meter.

Meter Usage: Always ensure the taxi uses a meter.
Prepaid Taxis: Use prepaid taxis for peace of mind regarding pricing.
Avoid Nighttime Travel: Avoid travel at night to reduce the risk of taxi scams.

Selling counterfeit goods in souvenir shops or markets. These items may appear authentic but are often low quality or illegal.

Legal Consequences: Buying counterfeit goods can lead to legal consequences.
Quality of Goods: Counterfeit goods are often poor quality and may not last long.
Official Stores: Buy souvenirs from official stores or reputable markets.

Unscrupulous tour operators may offer tours at a discounted price but then take you to less desirable locations or oversell the experience.

Reputable Operators: Use reputable and well-reviewed tour operators.
Research Destinations: Research the destinations beforehand to avoid being misled.
Check Reviews: Always check reviews of tour operators and excursions online.

You're offered a drink for free but then later presented with an inflated bill. Or someone slips a roofie in your drink.

Bill Verification: Always verify the bill before paying.
Drink Safety: Never accept drinks from strangers or leave your drink unattended.
Avoid Secluded Areas: Avoid going to bars alone in secluded areas.

Some street artists will create a painting on the spot but then demand an inflated price for it.

Price Negotiation: Always negotiate the price beforehand.
Legal Status of Art: Ensure the artist has permission to create and sell art in that location.
Tips for Quality: Offer a small tip for quality work, but do not overpay.

Criminals use skimmers on ATMs to steal your bank card information.

Secure ATMs: Use secure and well-lit ATMs, preferably those located in banks.
Cover Your PIN: Always cover your PIN when entering it at an ATM.
Monitor Your Account: Regularly monitor your account for unauthorized transactions.

Unscrupulous sellers may provide a stolen or inactive SIM card. Or they overcharge for the service.

Reputable Stores: Buy your SIM card from reputable stores.
Check SIM Card Activation: Ensure the SIM card is activated and can be used for calls and data.
Shop Around: Shop around to find the best deals on SIM cards.

Some restaurants may overcharge tourists for food and drink.

Scammers will approach you with a fake golden calf statue and offer it to you for a high price. The statue is typically made of plaster.

Know the Value: Understand the actual value of the golden calf statue.
Ignore Offers: Politely decline offers for fake or overpriced items.
Avoid Secluded Areas: Stay in well-lit and populated areas to avoid scammers.

Fortune tellers or psychics may give vague, non-specific predictions and then ask for money for a more detailed reading.

Be Skeptical: Stay skeptical when dealing with fortune tellers or psychics.
Don't Share Personal Information: Never share personal information with strangers.
Ignore Offers for Further Services: Ignore offers for further services or follow-up readings.

Renting a bicycle and then being charged an excessive price or for damages that weren't caused.

Check the Bike Before Riding: Always check the bike before riding to ensure it is in good working condition.
Reputable Rental Shops: Rent your bicycle from a reputable and well-reviewed shop.
Return the Bike on Time: Always return the bike on time to avoid additional charges.

Unlicensed tour guides or agencies may offer poor service, oversell experiences, or even lead you to fraudulent attractions.

Licensed Guides: Always choose licensed tour guides and agencies.
Check Reviews: Read reviews of the tour guide or agency online.
Ask for Recommendations: Ask your hotel or trusted local sources for recommendations.

Fake charity collectors will approach you on the street, asking for donations. The collected funds may not go towards charitable causes.

Legitimate Charities: Donate to well-established and legitimate charities.
Avoid Street Collectors: Avoid donating to street collectors, as they may be fraudulent.
Donate Online or Directly: Donate online or directly to the charity's official website.