Country Information




Currency

New Shekel (ILS; symbol ₪) = 100 agorot (singular, agora). Notes are in denominations of ₪200, 100, 50, and 20. Coins are in denominations of ₪10, 5, 2 and 1, and 50 and 10 agorot.

Note: Many hotels, tour companies, car rental agencies and other tourist services quote their prices in US dollars. It is customary to tip 12-15% in restaurants and cafés. Tipping in bars is appreciated but not expected, and it is the norm to round up to the nearest shekel in taxis. Bargaining is done only in open markets.


Currency Exchange

Most major currencies can be exchanged for shekels at the airport, banks, post offices, many hotels or licensed exchange booths in most towns and cities. To exchange travellers' cheques you will need to show your passport. All public services such as banks and post offices are closed on Shabbat. At the end of your trip it is possible to change money from shekels back to your currency of choice, only at the airport.


Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs

All major credit cards are accepted. ATMs are widely available.


Traveller's Cheques

These are widely accepted. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars.


Currency Restrictions

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. However, amounts exceeding ILS90,000 or equivalent must be declared.


Banking Hours

Sun-Fri 0830-1200 and Sun, Tues, Thurs 1600-1800 although these can vary slightly between banks.


Exchange Rate Indicators

1.00 GBP = 5.93 ILS
1.00 USD = 3.58 ILS
1.00 EUR = 4.69 ILS
1.00 CAD = 3.29 ILS
Currency conversion rates as of 1 September 2014