I just spent two months living near Chicago, and I have to agree. The fact that taxes (city + state + county) and tips aren't included in prices means that the

I just spent two months living near Chicago, and I have to agree. The fact that taxes (city + state + county) and tips aren't included in prices means that the amount you really spend isn't at all obvious until it comes time to pay. It was quite maddening. Tipping is virtually unheard of in Israel (except a standard 10% in restaurants), and all prices are required to include tax. So if the taxi meter says that you need to pay 15 shekels, you can be sure that this is the price.