Currency in Israel
The complete Israeli New Shekel (ILS) travel guide
The Israeli New Shekel (ILS, symbol ₪, often abbreviated NIS) is the official currency of Israel and the de facto currency of the Palestinian Territories. Issued by the Bank of Israel, banknotes come in ₪20, ₪50, ₪100, and ₪200 denominations; coins in 10 agorot, 50 agorot (half-shekel), ₪1, ₪2, ₪5, and ₪10. Despite ongoing regional tensions, Israel remains a top destination for religious tourism (Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth), Tel Aviv beach/nightlife tourism, and Dead Sea/Masada visits. The "Startup Nation" reputation drives significant business travel.
Cash, cards, and ATMs in Israel
Israel is extensively card-friendly in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, and tourist destinations. Visa and Mastercard work nearly everywhere; tap-to-pay is standard. Amex acceptance is moderate. Cash is useful at the Carmel Market, Old City Jerusalem souks, and small West Bank towns. ATMs at Bank Hapoalim, Bank Leumi, Discount, and Mizrahi-Tefahot branches accept foreign cards, with per-transaction limits of ₪1,000–3,000 ($270–810) and fees of ₪20–40 per withdrawal. Bit and PayBox are dominant local mobile-payment apps for Israelis but require Israeli bank accounts. Tourist Rav-Kav transit cards are required for public transport in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
Tipping culture in Israel
Tipping in Israel is expected and significant. Restaurants: 12–15% is standard at sit-down restaurants (NOT typically added to the bill — must be left separately, ideally in cash). Taxis: round up to nearest ₪10, more if the driver helps with bags. Hotels: ₪10–20 per bag for porters; ₪10–20 per night for housekeeping. Tour guides at private tours: ₪150–250 per person per day. Spa/salon: 10–15%. Many restaurants display "tip not included" — Israeli waitstaff earn relatively low base wages and tips are a meaningful income component. Tipping in shekels is preferred — USD tips are accepted but awkward.
Best way to get Israeli New Shekel (ILS)
For USD-to-ILS, multi-currency cards (Wise, Revolut) deliver rates within 0.5–1% of mid-market. Avoid Ben Gurion (TLV) airport currency exchange counters — spreads of 4–7% above mid-market are common. Authorized money changers in central Tel Aviv (Ben Yehuda Street) and Jerusalem (Jaffa Street) offer competitive rates — compare 3–4 booths. For substantial transfers ($10,000+), Wise and OFX beat traditional Israeli bank wires by 1.5–3% on total delivered amount. Israeli residents have fewer FX controls than many countries but face strict reporting for transfers above ₪50,000.
Practical money tips for Israel
- •Buy a Rav-Kav transit card immediately — works on Tel Aviv buses, light rail, Jerusalem light rail, and intercity buses (Egged, Dan, Metropoline)
- •Get a tourist SIM card on arrival (Cellcom, Pelephone, Partner, HOT Mobile) — 7-30 day plans available for ₪50–200
- •Gett (Israeli taxi-hailing) is the local equivalent of Uber and works in all major cities
- •VAT (17%) refund available for foreign visitors on single purchases over ₪400 from participating stores; claim at TLV departure
- •Shabbat (Friday sunset to Saturday sunset) shuts down most public transit, many restaurants, and shops nationwide — plan around it
- •Israel plug types C, H, M (Type H is unique to Israel — most universal adapters don't fit); voltage 230V/50Hz
- •Carrying valid passport on you at all times is required — police can request ID at any time
Common money scams to avoid in Israel
Common tourist money scams in Israel include: aggressive Old City Jerusalem souk vendors pressuring purchases of "antique" coins, "real" olive-wood crosses, and "holy water" of dubious authenticity; rigged taxi fares from TLV airport (use the official sherut shared taxi service or pre-booked transfer instead of street taxis); restaurant bills with auto-added "service charge" that you might tip on top of (rare but happens at tourist-area places — check carefully); Dead Sea "spa pass" scams at non-affiliated beaches (use Ein Bokek public beach or established hotel spas only); and credit-card skimming at standalone ATMs — use bank-branch ATMs only.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use US dollars in Israel?
Some Tel Aviv and Jerusalem tourist businesses accept USD but at terrible rates (8–12% loss). Always convert to ILS. Use a Wise or Revolut card for the best rates, or visit an authorized money changer on Ben Yehuda Street (Tel Aviv) or Jaffa Street (Jerusalem) for competitive in-person rates.
How much cash should I bring to Israel?
Plan on ₪150–400 ($40–110) per day in cash for tips, taxis, Old City Jerusalem souks, and small shops. With cards accepted at hotels and restaurants, your supplementary card spend covers the rest. Israeli ATMs typically cap foreign-card withdrawals at ₪1,000–3,000 per transaction.
Is Israel expensive for tourists?
Yes — Israel is one of the world's more expensive destinations. Tel Aviv hotel rooms run $200–400/night for mid-range; restaurant meals are $25–50 per person. Self-catering from Shufersal or Rami Levy supermarkets reduces costs significantly. Public transit is reasonable (₪6 for Tel Aviv bus rides) but private taxis are expensive (₪70 minimum).
How does Shabbat affect tourism?
Shabbat runs from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset. Public transit largely shuts down nationwide (some private services like Gett still operate); many restaurants, shops, and museums close. Tel Aviv is the most "Shabbat-tolerant" city — many beaches, cafes, and entertainment venues remain open. Jerusalem largely shuts down. Plan around it: do museums and tours Sunday-Friday afternoon; use Shabbat for beach time and walking.
What's the best way to send money to Israel?
For USD-to-ILS, Wise consistently offers the lowest total cost (typically 0.5–1% margin). Traditional Israeli bank wires charge 1.5–3% in disguised margins. For Israeli residents receiving USD, settling the transfer in USD at the receiving bank (rather than auto-converting) preserves currency optionality.
Convert to and from ILS
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Exchange rates refresh hourly from Frankfurter (European Central Bank reference data). Travel money information was compiled in 2026 and reflects current cash/card culture, tipping norms, and common scam patterns.