Your Guide to Renting a Car at Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)

US tourists can legally drive in Israel with a valid US driver's license for up to 90 days. However, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is STRONGLY recommended—many rental companies won't hand over the keys without it, and police may not accept your US license alone if you're pulled over. The IDP costs about $20 and takes 15 minutes at any AAA office. Get one before you leave the US to avoid headaches.

Israel's Highway 6 uses electronic tolling with no cash booths—you'll be billed later. Most rental cars come equipped with a "Passrag" device that tracks tolls, which you'll pay when returning the car (typically 10-30 ILS per trip depending on distance). Some rental companies charge a flat daily fee (15-25 ILS/day) for this convenience. Highway 1 and other toll roads work similarly. Budget roughly 50-100 ILS total for a one-way trip on Highway 6.

Yes. The minimum driving age in Israel is 18, but most rental companies require drivers to be 21-23 to rent a car. If you're under 24, expect to pay a "young driver surcharge" of 30-50 ILS per day on top of the base rate. Some companies charge up to 80 ILS/day for drivers under 21. This fee is often non-negotiable, so factor it into your budget before booking.

Israeli gas stations dispense 95-octane and 98-octane unleaded gasoline (listed as "95" and "98" on pumps). Diesel is available at most stations but confirm your rental uses diesel before filling up—diesel damage isn't covered by standard insurance. Most Israeli rentals operate on a full-to-full or full-to-empty policy. To avoid inflated refueling charges at the rental counter, bring the car back with at least the same fuel level you received it with.

Three things trip up American drivers: (1) Right turns on red are legal UNLESS posted otherwise, unlike the US where they're only legal where permitted. (2) Roundabouts (traffic circles) are everywhere—yield to cars already inside, not to entering traffic. (3) Speed cameras are active on most highways; fines arrive by mail 2-4 weeks after your trip. Speed limits: 110 km/h on highways, 50-70 km/h in urban areas. Driving is right-hand side, left-hand drive vehicles.

Probably—but read the fine print. Many US premium credit cards (Visa Infinite, Mastercard World Elite) provide Collision Damage Waiver coverage overseas, but typically only covering the rental company's excess (which can be 1,500-5,000 ILS). Basic liability and personal injury coverage are usually NOT included. Verify with your card issuer before departure. Also confirm whether your card covers ALL of Israel—some exclude disputed territories.