Money in Israel

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.