Israel’s blend of ancient history, buzzing cities, and sacred sites makes it a compelling destination – but understanding money in Israel and how currency works is crucial for a hassle-free trip. Whether you’re shopping in Jerusalem’s markets, paying for a Tel Aviv café, or tipping on a guided tour, knowing how to pay makes all the difference. This guide explains what currency to bring, the best ways to get money and currency in Israel (Israeli New Shekel – ILS), safety tips for cash and card use, and essential dos and don’ts. With the right knowledge, you’ll avoid fees and enjoy Israel with ease.
How to pay in Israel – cash or card?
Israel offers a balance of cash and card payments for visitors. Card usage is widespread – especially in urban centers. Cash however still plays a role for smaller purchases. Israeli new shekel (ILS) is the official currency.
You can use cash for:
- Street Vendors and Markets: Shuks (markets) and small kiosks often prefer cash.
- Public Transportation: Buses and light rail mostly use transport cards, but some local services still accept cash.
- Small Businesses: Independent cafés, corner stores, and small eateries may prefer cash for small amounts.
- Hostels and Guesthouses: Some budget accommodations request cash payment.
- Tips and Gratuities: Cash tips are common for guides, drivers, and hotel staff.
You can use card for:
- Hotels: All types of hotels accept Visa, Mastercard, and often AmEx.
- Restaurants: Almost all sit-down restaurants in urban areas take cards.
- Retail Stores: Malls, supermarkets, and branded stores widely accept cards.
- Car Rentals and Tours: Cards are standard for deposits and bookings.
- Online Bookings: Flights, accommodations, and event tickets can be paid by card.
What’s the best currency to take to Israel?
The Israeli Shekel (ILS) is the best currency to take if you’re traveling to Israel. While US Dollars and Euros may be accepted at some hotels or tour operators, this isn’t common practice for everyday purchases, and the exchange rate will rarely be in your favor. Locals expect to be paid in ILS.
GBP and Euros are not accepted here.
Where to get currency in Israel?
There are 3 main ways to get cash in Israel. They are:
- ATMs, or
- Currency exchange, or
- Money transfer & local pick-up
Types of cards to swipe in Israel
Visa and Mastercard transactions are commonly accepted for swiping. You might also find some places that accept Amex and other cards, albeit less frequently.
Types of cards at ATMs in Israel
If you’re withdrawing money in Israel from an ATM, ATMs commonly accept Visa, Mastercard and ChinaUnionPay. Only a handful might accept Plus, Cirrus cards. Others like JCB, Maestro, American Express, Diners, Discover and Rupay cards are generally not accepted.
Should I exchange money before travelling to Israel?
It’s helpful to bring a small amount of Israeli New Shekels (ILS) before traveling for immediate expenses like airport transport or tipping. However, exchange rates outside Israel are often less favorable, and not all foreign banks stock ILS.
A better option is to withdraw ILS from ATMs upon arrival. ATMs are widely available in Ben Gurion Airport, city centers, and tourist areas, and most accept Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, and Plus cards. Always check with your bank for international withdrawal fees.
If you prefer exchanging foreign currency, do so at local banks or licensed exchange bureaus, which offer better rates than airport kiosks or hotel desks. USD, EUR, and GBP are widely accepted for exchange.
Where to withdraw money in Israel
You can withdraw money in Israel at leading bank ATMs in the country. The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Israel are those owned by popular banks such as:
- Bank Leumi,
- Hapoalim,
- Bank Yahav, and
- Discount Bank.
There are other banks with ATMs that also accept international debit and credit cards.
For a detailed guide, read Cash and ATMs in Israel.
Where to exchange currency in Israel
You can exchange currency in Israel at licensed currency exchange offices and banks branches.
Currency Exchange Offices (Change Bureaus): Known as “Change” offices, these are widely available in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, and most tourist areas. They usually offer better exchange rates than banks, often with no commission. Popular areas include:
- Ben Yehuda Street (Jerusalem),
- Allenby and Dizengoff Streets (Tel Aviv),
- Jaffa and Old City tourist zones.
Well-known chains include, Change Place, SuperChange and Change HaYarkon.
Popular Banks Offering Currency Exchange Services are:
- Bank Leumi,
- Bank Hapoalim,
- Israel Discount Bank.
Banks operate Sunday to Thursday, from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM, with some branches open additional afternoon hours or Fridays.
Airport Services: ATMs and exchange counters are available at Ben Gurion International Airport, but the exchange rate is generally less favorable than in the city.
You can find good currency exchanges in Israel using the ATM Fee Saver app – it will guide you to the nearest currency exchange on the map. The app helps you with forex places in 160+ countries, including Israel. Download now from the App Store or Play Store.
Avoid Airport Exchanges and no-fee exchange offices: They have the highest fees and poorest exchange rates. Wait to get to the city to exchange cash.
Download ATM Fee Saver now.
Is carrying cash in Israel safe?
Carrying cash in Israel is generally safe, particularly in cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, which have low rates of petty crime. Still, in crowded tourist areas or on public transport, pickpocketing can happen – so basic precautions are recommended.
To safely carry cash in Israel:
- Carry only what you need for the day and leave excess money in a hotel safe.
- Use a front-pocket wallet or crossbody bag with zippers for extra security.
- Avoid openly displaying large amounts of cash, especially in markets or public transit.
- Stay alert in busy areas like Mahane Yehuda Market, Jaffa, or the Western Wall plaza.
- Use ATMs located inside banks or shopping malls for safer withdrawals.
- Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but keep small bills on hand for taxis, tips, or smaller shops.
Is it better to use debit or credit cards or pay by cash in Israel
Use a card if it is fee-free i.e. your bank does not charge any fees to swipe the card, when the merchant / POS also does not impose any extra charge to use a card, you need to use the insurance of the card, don’t want to block cash of large purchases and card’s swipe fees are lower than withdrawal fees.
Pay by cash by withdrawing cash from ATM or exchanging currency where – fees on ATM withdrawals are lesser than fees on swiping cards, you don’t want to leave any digital footprint of your expenses, it is convenient and easier to conduct transactions.
