Has anyone used this guide before we commit
 

Hi ,
In preparation for a trip to Israel Oct 11-19 we are conversing w/ some guides.
Has anyone used Shalom Langer?Reliable?
prices seem high to me $2750 for 5 days.
Any comments?
Thanks,
CCF

I can't comment on the guide himself as I don't know him - but I can tell you that when we researched our recent trip to Israel we got a feel for what different guides charge.

Is this quote including transportation - does he have a car/van that he will use while driving you around and guiding? If this price includes that too then the price is definitely in the ball park and quite reasonable. The average cost for a driving guide is at least $600 a day, sometimes more depending on how much driving is involved.

This comes to $550 a day - so on the low end.

My response re: the cost would have been the same as Sharon's above. In terms of the guide himself, where did you find his name? Have you SPOKEN with him on the phone? Are you able to understand his English? Does he listen to you when you tell him what you want to do, as well as offer suggestions to supplement your ideas. Is he able to give you a list of happy clients? ( this I view as the least important because no one will share the names of unhappy clients) Is he licensed? If driving what kind of vehicle does he have? If these are overnight days do you realize that common practice is that YOU have to pay for the guides bed and board.

Never heard of him price seems quite high

Careful many shysters scammers never wire money

always pay with CC/Paypal insuremytrip.com wise

did it last WAY cheaper when there last

www.viator.com/Israel

ourguides.viator.com/...type=tourguide&Country=Israel.

many reputable guides here shop around

very cheapest for me www.carrentals.com DIY out of TLV

Avis for me last had an amazing time spent very little.

Happy Travels!

1. HIs price is not high for a guide who drives. If anything he is less than the standard $600 per day!
2. He is licensed ( a google search shows that)

I would be more likely to attach the word "shyster' to someone who is not licensed and breaking the law, than to this man. ( who I never met and know nothing about re: his abilities as a guide)

If he is a licensed guide that means he went through extensive training and has to meet certain criteria.
That price is right on target for a licensed guide.

You may want to contact Arnon Eschel, a licensed and excellent guide located in the Tiberias area. He will come to Tel Aviv or Jerusalem to pick you up.
We used him for 5 days in 2010 and his cost, including transportation in his vehicle and the pick-up and return to Jerusalem was significantly less that the price you were quoted.
The first question, of course, is where are you going with this Guide? If the Guide is located in Jerusalem and you are going to be up North for most of the time, you will also be responsible for his/her lodging and meals. Suggest you check with each Guide, whether that will be so.
In any event at [email protected].
FYI, he is a former major in the Israeli Army and is 44 years old.
Have a great trip.

Thanks all for your advice.
Have checked into some other areas.Like a tour company who has tours and guides. Will keep at it.