Israel

Currency in Israel: what to use and how to exchange

Israel uses the new Israeli shekel (ILS, symbol ₪), divided into 100 agorot. Pay by card almost everywhere; carry a small cash float for markets, buses and tips. Change money at a bank or post office rather than a street kiosk, and always choose to be charged in shekels, not your home currency.

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Updated Sep 20263 min read

GuideIsrael

Key facts

Currency: New Israeli shekel (ILS), symbol ₪, 100 agorot
Card acceptance: Widely accepted, including contactless; some market stalls and small buses are cash-only
Best exchange place: Bank or post office branch; compare the posted rate and commission before you hand over cash
Avoid: Airport and hotel desks for large amounts; dynamic currency conversion at card terminals
ATMs: Common in cities and towns; fees vary by bank and card network
Cash you actually need: A small float for markets, tips and small purchases; most spending can go on card
Notes and coins: Notes from ₪20 up; coins include ₪10, ₪5, ₪2, ₪1 and agorot

Details

The shekel is a floating currency, so the rate you get moves with the market. Check the current rate on the day you travel rather than planning around a figure from months ago. Prices in Israel are high by most visitors' standards, so a card that avoids foreign transaction fees saves real money across a trip.

Cards work for the large majority of spending: hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, fuel stations, trains and most taxis. Contactless is normal. Keep some cash for market stalls, small food stands, tips and anywhere the terminal is down. Do not assume every bus or sherut accepts a card; check before you board.

For cash, banks and post office branches are the standard route and give a posted rate with a stated commission. Street change kiosks are convenient and sometimes competitive, but the rate and fee can be less clear, so ask what the total cost is before agreeing. Airport and hotel desks are the most expensive option and best kept for a small arrival amount.

At an ATM, your home bank's fee plus the Israeli operator's fee applies, and the machine may offer to convert to your home currency. Decline that: choose shekels and let your own bank do the conversion. Withdraw larger amounts less often to reduce fixed fees.

If you are paid in dollars or euros, note that some tourist-facing businesses quote in those currencies. The price is still legally in shekels, so ask for the shekel total and compare before paying in another currency.

Summary table

Carry a mix: one card, a backup card and a modest cash float.
Tell your bank you are travelling if it still requires it.
Keep small notes for tips and market purchases.
Photograph your card numbers and store them separately from the cards.

Summary table
Situation	What to do	Why
Arriving at the airport	Change a small amount or use an ATM	Airport desks usually give the weakest rate
Everyday spending	Pay by card, contactless where offered	Widely accepted and avoids carrying cash
Markets and small stalls	Carry shekel cash	Card may not be accepted
Changing a larger sum	Bank or post office branch	Posted rate and stated commission
ATM withdrawal	Choose shekels, not your home currency	Avoids dynamic currency conversion
Tipping	Cash is easiest	See the tipping page for amounts

Rates, fees and card acceptance change; confirm on the day.

Tips

Withdraw from a bank-branded ATM inside a branch or a busy public place rather than a standalone machine on a quiet street. Check the machine for anything attached to the card slot before you use it.

If a terminal or ATM offers to charge you in dollars, pounds or euros, decline and choose shekels. The conversion offered at the machine is almost always worse than your bank's.

Keep receipts for larger purchases if you may claim tax back at departure; rules and minimum amounts change, so check at the airport.

Shabbat matters for cash planning: from Friday afternoon to Saturday evening, many businesses in Jerusalem and other cities close, though ATMs and card payments still work. Carry enough cash for Friday evening and Saturday if you are outside the main tourist areas.

For budgeting, pair this page with the cost and budget pages before you book, so the exchange rate is only one line in the plan.

Questions people ask

What currency is used in Israel?

The new Israeli shekel, code ILS and symbol ₪. It divides into 100 agorot. Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but carry some cash for markets, small stalls and tips.

Where is the best place to exchange money in Israel?

A bank or post office branch is the standard choice, with a posted rate and a stated commission. Street kiosks can be fine but ask for the total cost first. Airport and hotel desks are usually the most expensive.

Is it better to bring cash or use a card in Israel?

Use a card for most spending and bring or withdraw a modest amount of shekel cash. Cards cover hotels, restaurants, transport and most shops; cash covers markets, small vendors and tips.

Deep dive

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