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Money & currency

Money in Israel

Updated 2026-08-15

Money & Currency
₪

Israeli New Shekel (ILS)

Currency code: ILS

Practical Money Tips

New Israeli Shekel (ILS/₪) — exchange USD or EUR on arrival; cards widely accepted

Israel uses the New Israeli Shekel (NIS, symbol ₪, currency code ILS). USD is the most practical foreign currency to carry alongside your card — it is widely accepted at hotels and tour operators and exchangeable anywhere. EUR is also easily exchangeable. Check current rates before travel. The most competitive exchange rates are found at private licensed exchange offices (not banks) in Tel Aviv (Dizengoff, Carmel Market area), Jerusalem (Ben Yehuda St), and at Ben Gurion Airport arrivals hall. Banks charge higher fees and commissions. Avoid exchanging at hotel desks. Notify your bank before travel to Israel.

ATMs widely available in cities — Visa and Mastercard accepted reliably

ATMs are readily available in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, and all major tourist destinations. Bank Hapoalim, Bank Leumi, and Discount Bank ATMs accept international Visa and Mastercard cards. Withdrawal limits are typically 1,500–2,000 ILS per transaction. Foreign transaction fees of 1–3% are common. ATMs in the Old City of Jerusalem and popular tourist areas are accessible but may have queues. In the Dead Sea resort area (Ein Bokek) and Eilat, ATMs are available but can be limited outside hotels. Contactless ATM withdrawals are available at many machines.

Very cashless in cities — Apple Pay and Google Pay widely accepted in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem

Israel is a highly developed, cashless-friendly country. Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted in Tel Aviv, Haifa, and modern Jerusalem — in restaurants, supermarkets (Shufersal, Rami Levy), cafés, malls, and transport. Contactless Visa and Mastercard also work everywhere. Some smaller vendors, shuk (market) stalls, and ultra-orthodox neighbourhood shops may prefer cash. The Tel Aviv Light Rail and buses accept contactless payment. In more conservative areas (Mea Shearim, smaller West Bank entry-point areas) and in Arab market sections of the Old City, cash in ILS is more practical for small purchases.

Budget guide: falafel ~15–20 ILS; restaurant meal 60–150 ILS; Tel Aviv is relatively expensive

Israel is a relatively expensive Middle Eastern destination by regional standards. A street falafel pita: 15–20 ILS. A hummus plate at a traditional hummusiyya: 35–55 ILS. Restaurant meal at a mid-range Tel Aviv or Jerusalem restaurant: 70–150 ILS main course. A coffee: 16–22 ILS. Budget accommodation in Tel Aviv: 100–200 ILS in a hostel dorm; 400–900 ILS for a hotel double room. Eilat and the Dead Sea hotels are priced in USD. The shuk (Mahane Yehuda in Jerusalem, Carmel Market in Tel Aviv) offers excellent value for food and fresh produce. Tipping: 10–15% is customary in Israeli restaurants when service is not included.

Note: Always check current exchange rates before traveling. Currency exchange is available at airports, banks, and authorized money changers.

Common Money Questions

Is USD widely accepted in Israel?

Yes — USD is accepted at most hotels, tour operators, and larger businesses. For daily spending (food, transport, local shops), ILS is more practical. USD is best used for accommodation and larger tourist expenditures or for exchanging into ILS.

Can I use Apple Pay or Google Pay in Israel?

Yes — Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted in modern establishments in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa. Most restaurants, cafés, supermarkets, and mall stores accept contactless payment. Small shuk vendors, some religious neighbourhood businesses, and the Arab markets in the Old City may prefer cash.

What are the best places to exchange currency in Israel?

Private licensed exchange offices (not banks) offer the best rates. Look for them in Tel Aviv's city centre, near Carmel Market, on Dizengoff Street, and in Jerusalem on Ben Yehuda Street. Ben Gurion Airport has reasonable exchange offices in the arrivals hall. Banks and hotel desks typically charge higher fees.

Do I need cash for the Old City of Jerusalem?

A mix is helpful. The Christian and Jewish quarters have many card-accepting shops, but the Arab souk (market) and small vendors in the Muslim Quarter heavily favour cash in ILS. Some shop owners in the Old City also accept USD. Carry 100–200 ILS for market shopping and entrance fees.

Are there ATMs in Eilat and the Dead Sea?

Yes, in both areas — at hotels, shopping centres, and some street locations. ATMs can be limited outside the main resort areas, so withdraw sufficient ILS before arriving in more remote stretches. Eilat is a duty-free zone with no VAT on purchases.

Can I use my UK or EU card in Israel?

Yes — Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards work reliably throughout Israel. Foreign transaction fees of 1–3% typically apply. If offered dynamic currency conversion (DCC), choose to pay in ILS for better rates. Notify your bank before travel.

Is tipping obligatory in Israel?

Not legally, but 10–15% is strongly customary in sit-down restaurants when service charge is not included. For taxis, rounding up is common. Hotel porters: 5–10 ILS per bag. Tour guides: 20–50 ILS per person per day.

Is the Israeli Shekel accepted in Palestinian Authority areas like Ramallah or Bethlehem?

Yes — the Israeli Shekel is the de facto currency throughout the Palestinian Authority (West Bank). JD (Jordanian Dinar) is also used near Jordan border areas. USD is widely accepted. Most tourism in Bethlehem and Ramallah is cash-based; card acceptance exists but is inconsistent.

Entry rules, visa types and practical notes live on the Israel overview.

Treat this Visaja page as your starting point: verify the current rules directly with the official source before you submit an application.