6 Tourist Pitfalls in JERUSALEM (and how to avoid them..)

Scammers and also some really kind people. When I was in Jerusalem by myself years ago, on a very tight budget, I was walking all over the Jewish quarter, and it was hot. I was dragging my suitcase with me, trying to find a place to stay for the night, and was getting very tired. I wasn't used to walking so much. I went by a pizza store, and the owner came out, told me to sit down at a shady table, and gave me a big slice of pizza and something to drink with no charge. It was beautiful! I saw him later helping out another tourist in a similar situation.

As a rule of thumb, no matter which country I am visiting, I stay away from restaurants, cafes and shops that are filled with tourists. I always go to the places that I see lots of locals at. 90% of the time you wont get scammed. I am also terrible at negotiating prices, so if a store doesn't have items with a price on them, I won't even consider asking what the price is and just move on.

Now I understand why Jesus overturned all of the merchant’s carts and tables. It was likely the $10 cup of coffee and the $25 falafel.

I think one of the biggest scams is actually the taxis. They will offer you a flat fee without the meter. Always request the meter. Generally they charge 2x the price of the meter.

I had experience with highly aggressive scammers there, too! In fact, the two of them, 2 arabic salesmen, followed and threatened me. That day I was a woman on her own. I spotted a group of Border Police men and joined them. That was so effective!!! The scammers were really scared of the guys, left me alone and returned to their shop. That's my tip for other tourists: the heavy armed guys in the pretty grey uniforms are your friends. ;)

A tip from me. Some of the shops in the old city are very deep. Don’t enter so far that you are cut off from the street. It’s easier for them to pressure you to buy.

I love your videos! I agree with you on the sellers on the Via Dolorosa they are extremely aggressive. You have to just ignore them.

All right, Oren, I will give you a "like" because you are a good man and I reckon an excellent guide. You deserve it. I enjoyed watching your vlogs for a long time and I learn a lot about modern tourism in Israel. If ever someday I visit Israel, I wish you were my tour guide there. Israel and its wonderful and brave people are dear to my heart. Shalom from the Philippines.

At the shuk (central market) also watch out for stalls without listed prices! The covered part of the market has some attractive tourist traps (dry fruit, teas and spices) just make sure the prices are clearly visible

A very interesting video again. 👌

Hello 👋 and thank you for sharing your videos with us I love them. I will one day come to Jerusalem. God bless you 🙏 Rob from Wales UK 🙏 ✌️

I loved this video! The sense of humor (and philosophical stance) really help!

Tip from a friend. When she goes down towards the western Wall instead of giving coins to the needy (they try to "sell" u a red string and a belsing) she gives them sandwiches. I have heard from others that do it too and get a smile back

Thank You Brother Oren for Your useful tipps to protect us in Jerusalem - and the Background Music You choose is Beautiful - GOD bless You and Your Family 🙏 👑🌷🍎💖🍏🌹👑🙏

Oren. Sorry for shouting Hello when you were Filming/recording the other day. Great to see you. Love the videos and your tour guide which we downloaded before coming to Israel. 😊

Your humorous and philosophical comments make your videos interesting to me. Traveling is not my destiny so I'm sure I'll never see Jerusalem in person, but your videos are always enjoyable. Yalla, bye.

Thank you for calling a Spade a Spade. Shalom to you and all Good People there in Yerushalaim.

I’ve been visiting Israel now every year for 15 years. Spot on information. I would add if you feel pressured around Yaffa gate goto the tourist information place they are great 👍 I’ll be there in 2 weeks 😊

What if you tied a red string around each wrist before going out? Scam the scammer.

A very good and vital video ❤