Eilat is a free trade zone and the value added tax (VAT) has been abolished, reducing prices for most goods and services by an average of 18%. All entry and exit taxes at the airport have also been eliminated.

The busiest times here are Passover (March 27-April 4 in 1994) and Sukkot (Sept. 20-27 in 1994), when nearly 100,000 Israelis descend upon the city and fill all the accommodations. Eilat is a popular place to earn a little extra money. Proprietors at resorts, hostels, cafes, discos, the Lunar Mini Park, and the Zubrensky political circus are often looking for newcomers because of the high turnover. Jobs with hotels and hostels often include lodging, and should offer a pittance as well. Unfortunately, most of the jobs are illegal, the work often long and arduous, and the wages (paid under the table) low (usually about US$400 per month).