Places to exchange currency in Israel

My first trip to Israel, I made the mistake of exchanging $100 at Ben Gurion Airport - the rate was awful. Since then, I only use ATMs. I pulled shekels from a Hapoalim ATM in Tel Aviv and it was easy. Later, in Jerusalem, I topped up at a Leumi machine near the Old City. Cash was useful for falafel stands and taxis, but everywhere else I just tapped my card. Lesson learned: never use the airport counters unless you’re desperate.

Airport exchange desks at Ben Gurion are notorious for poor rates. Better to use bank ATMs - Bank Hapoalim, Leumi, and Israel Discount Bank all have machines in the airport and across cities. Withdraw shekels at the official rate and avoid counter spreads. While cards work in most restaurants and hotels, you’ll need cash for buses, taxis, and street food. I usually land, take out 300-400 ILS at an ATM, then refill at city banks. Exchanging at counters should be a last resort.

When I landed in Tel Aviv, I checked the airport counters and their rates were way off. I ended up withdrawing from a Leumi ATM in the arrivals hall, and it worked perfectly with my Visa card. Later, I used Bank Hapoalim ATMs in Jerusalem without issue. Cards are widely accepted, but cash is handy for taxis and local markets like Carmel Market. I’d recommend withdrawing a small sum at the airport and then topping up in the city at bank ATMs.

Ben Gurion Airport has plenty of exchange counters, but the rates are bad. I usually change $20-30 there just for a taxi, then use ATMs in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem. Bank Hapoalim, Leumi, and Discount Bank ATMs are reliable and give better rates than airport counters. Small shops and markets prefer cash, but restaurants and hotels are card-friendly. I withdraw 200-300 shekels at a city ATM and top up as needed. Skip doing big exchanges at the airport.