Israel

Cards, ATMs and cash in Israel: what to expect

Yes — cards are widely accepted in Israel, so most travellers can pay by card for hotels, transport, supermarkets and restaurants and only carry a small cash float. Take a few hundred shekels for markets, small falafel stands, tips and Shabbat closures; if a terminal offers to charge you in your home currency, decline and pay in shekels.

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Updated Sep 20263 min read

GuideIsrael

Key facts

Card acceptance: Visa and Mastercard widely accepted in cities, hotels, fuel stations and chains; patchier at market stalls and small eateries
Cash you actually need: A small float of a few hundred shekels for markets, tips and Shabbat
Currency to be charged in: Shekels (ILS) — decline dynamic currency conversion at the terminal
ATM fees: Bank ATMs usually charge a per-withdrawal fee to foreign cards; the amount varies by bank
Shabbat: Many businesses close from Friday afternoon to Saturday evening; plan cash and food ahead
Contactless: Common on cards and phones; useful on buses and light rail

Details

Israel runs on cards. Hotels, chain supermarkets, fuel stations, pharmacies, car rental and most restaurants take Visa and Mastercard, and contactless payment by card or phone is normal. American Express is accepted in fewer places. If your card is issued abroad, tell your bank you are travelling so a fraud block does not stop you at the till.

Cash still has a job. Market stalls in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, small falafel and shawarma counters, some taxis, and tips for guides and drivers are easier with shekels. Keep small notes and coins; a 200-shekel note can be hard to break early in the morning. Many places that do take cards have a minimum spend for card payment.

ATMs are everywhere in cities and at Ben Gurion Airport, and most accept foreign cards. Two things to watch: the machine may offer to convert your withdrawal into your home currency (decline — you get a worse rate), and your own bank may add a foreign transaction fee plus a flat withdrawal fee. Withdraw larger amounts less often to reduce the per-withdrawal cost.

Shabbat changes the rhythm. From Friday afternoon until Saturday evening, many shops, restaurants and market stalls close, especially outside Tel Aviv. Card terminals still work, but if you need cash for a Saturday, take it out on Thursday or Friday morning. The same applies on Jewish holidays, when closures can run longer.

Security checks at malls, stations and some public buildings mean a bag search before you go in; this does not affect payment, but it slows a quick errand. Keep a card and a little cash in separate places in case one is lost.

Details
Situation	Card	Cash	Note
Hotel, chain supermarket, fuel	Yes	Yes	Contactless common
Restaurant in a city	Usually	Yes	Ask before ordering if unsure
Market stall, small falafel stand	Sometimes	Preferred	Carry small notes
Bus, light rail	Contactless or app	Rarely	Check the current ticketing app
Taxi	Usually	Yes	Agree or use the meter
Friday afternoon to Saturday evening	Yes	Plan ahead	Many places closed

Tips

Always choose to be charged in shekels (ILS), not your home currency, at ATMs and card terminals.
Use bank-branded ATMs rather than standalone machines in shops or bars; fees and rates are usually clearer.
Withdraw a larger amount less often to cut per-withdrawal fees.
Carry a few hundred shekels in small notes for markets, tips and Shabbat.
Keep one card and some cash separate from your main wallet.
Tell your bank your travel dates before you fly.
Check whether your card charges a foreign transaction fee; a no-fee travel card saves on every purchase.

Questions people ask

Are credit cards widely accepted in Israel?

Yes. Visa and Mastercard work at hotels, supermarkets, fuel stations, pharmacies and most city restaurants, and contactless is common. Expect cash to be easier at market stalls, small food counters and some taxis.

Which ATMs have the lowest fees in Israel?

Bank-branded ATMs are generally the safer choice over standalone machines in shops and bars, but per-withdrawal fees for foreign cards vary by bank and change over time — compare the fee shown on screen before confirming.

Should I pay in local currency or my own?

Pay in shekels. If an ATM or card terminal offers to convert the amount into your home currency, decline — that dynamic currency conversion usually costs you more than letting your bank convert.

Do I need cash in Israel?

Not much, but not none. A few hundred shekels covers market stalls, small eateries, tips and any Saturday or holiday closures when card-friendly places shut.

Do ATMs work on Shabbat?

ATMs generally keep working through Shabbat, but many shops and restaurants close from Friday afternoon to Saturday evening, so take out cash before Friday if you will need it.

Deep dive

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