💰 Quick Context: The Israeli New Shekel
Israel uses the Israeli New Shekel (ILS / ₪). A falafel costs ₪15–25, a restaurant meal ₪60–120, and a hotel night ₪400–800. Quick math: divide by 3.7 for a rough USD estimate (e.g., ₪370 ≈ US$100). Or simply divide by 4 for a fast approximation. Check the current ILS/USD rate before your trip. Israel is very card-friendly, but carry some cash for markets and shared taxis.
🎧 Order Israeli New Shekel Before You Fly
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Order ILS → CEI Currency ExchangeCash vs. Card: What to Expect in Israel
Israel is a very card-friendly country. Contactless payments are widely accepted, and cards work at most restaurants, shops, supermarkets, and gas stations. That said, cash is still useful in certain situations.
Cards dominate. Contactless payments work at restaurants on Tel Aviv's Rothschild Boulevard, shops along Jerusalem's Jaffa Road, Rami Levy and Shufersal supermarkets, gas stations, and most tourist attractions. Cash is needed at shuk (market) stalls in Carmel Market (Tel Aviv) and Mahane Yehuda (Jerusalem), some smaller restaurants, sheruts (shared taxis), and for tips.
Keep ₪200–500 in small notes (₪20, ₪50) since market vendors may not have change for ₪200. Avoid paying in USD: some businesses near the Old City in Jerusalem accept US dollars, but at poor exchange rates. Always pay in shekels.
How to Get Shekels for Your Israel Trip
Israel runs on cards. Tap-to-pay handles Tel Aviv's Rothschild Boulevard cafes, every Rami Levy and Shufersal supermarket, gas stations, train and Light Rail tickets, and most full-service restaurants in Jerusalem and Haifa. The cash holdouts are the shuk stalls (Carmel Market in Tel Aviv, Mahane Yehuda in Jerusalem, and the Old City's Arab market), shared sherut taxis, the small Druze villages on Mount Carmel, and tips. There's also a Jerusalem Old City temptation worth resisting: some shops happily accept US dollars at terrible rates. Pay in shekels, full stop. Two cheap ways to get them: pre-order before takeoff, or pull from a major Israeli bank ATM after landing at Ben Gurion.
Order shekels before you fly
For pre-arrival shekels, two paths. A currency-exchange service like CEI Currency Exchange ships physical Israeli new shekels to a US address with insured 2–5 day delivery, at a small spread over the bank rate. A practical use case: arriving at TLV after a long Newark or JFK flight when the only thing standing between you and a cab to Tel Aviv is a queue at the airport exchange counter (which gives one of the worst rates in the Middle East). Your home bank can also order ILS (Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citi all stock it as a flagship currency), free for many premium accounts and a modest fee otherwise. Allow 3–7 business days. Israel does not have a Bank of America Global ATM Alliance partner, so BoA debit users will pay BoA's standard 3% non-network fee on Israeli ATM withdrawals. The cleanest setup for most travelers: a Wise card for everyday card spending, plus a small starter envelope of shekels for shuk runs, sherut fares, and tips.
Withdraw from an Israeli bank ATM
On the ground, the cheapest source of shekels is a major Israeli bank ATM. Bank Hapoalim, Bank Leumi, Israel Discount Bank, Mizrahi Tefahot, and First International Bank of Israel (FIBI) all give the actual interbank rate with no markup. Most do not charge their own operator fee for foreign cards (a few specific Bank Hapoalim machines have started charging a small ₪5–10 fee, posted on the screen before you confirm). Withdrawal caps run roughly ₪1,000–3,000 per transaction depending on the bank. Two procedural rules: stick to ATMs in bank branch lobbies, in shopping centres (Azrieli, Dizengoff Center, Mamilla Mall), or in main train stations rather than street-facing standalones, especially around the Tel Aviv Central Bus Station and the Damascus Gate area in Jerusalem. And decline DCC every time the screen offers "charge in USD". The standalone Change Spot and Globalnet machines you'll see in tourist areas of the Old City and around the Western Wall layer aggressive operator fees on top of DCC pitches. See the Best ATMs section below for the bank-by-bank lineup, or our Tel Aviv money guide for neighborhood-level locations. Want to know what a Bank Leumi withdrawal will actually cost on your debit card? Drop it into our ATM fee calculator first.
Airport counters & "0% commission" booths
Three traps to walk past in Israel. The Change Spot, Money Net, and Travelex counters at TLV (Ben Gurion) Terminal 3 advertise rates that look reasonable but routinely run 6–12% off the interbank rate, plus fixed fees. Honest exception worth knowing: the licensed exchange shops along Allenby Street in Tel Aviv (especially the cluster near the corner of Yehuda HaLevi) and the licensed shops along Jaffa Road in Jerusalem near Mahane Yehuda often beat the airport rate substantially; many savvy travelers use them rather than ATMs. The unlicensed money-changers in the Old City Christian and Muslim quarters use the "0% commission" framing while baking the markup into the rate, and a few have a reputation for short-changing tourists. Stick to bank-branded ATMs at Hapoalim, Leumi, Discount, Mizrahi, or FIBI, or use a licensed shop on Allenby Street, decline DCC always, and pay shekels not dollars wherever shekel prices are quoted. Heading to Tel Aviv or Jerusalem? Our Tel Aviv and Jerusalem money guides walk the cleanest cash strategy.
For a side-by-side comparison of every method (bank wire, travel card, pre-order, ATM, exchange counter) including USD-to-ILS timing tips, see our complete Getting Currency guide →.
Best ATMs to Use in Israel
Israel's major banks operate ATMs throughout the country. These machines generally do not charge an operator fee to foreign card withdrawals, though your home bank may charge its own foreign transaction fee. Always choose ILS when prompted.
Bank Hapoalim
Israel's largest bank with the most extensive ATM network. Found in cities, shopping centres, and at Ben Gurion Airport. Reliable machines with English-language option.
Recommended
Bank Leumi
Israel's second-largest bank with wide ATM coverage. No ATM withdrawal fee charged to foreign cardholders. English-language interface available.
Recommended
Discount Bank
Good coverage across Israel, particularly in city centres and commercial areas. Straightforward ATM interface with English support.
Recommended
Mizrahi Tefahot
Israel's third-largest bank with solid ATM coverage. Reliable machines in cities and towns across the country.
Recommended⚠ Watch Out for Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC)
When an ATM or card terminal offers to charge you in USD instead of ILS, always decline. Choosing USD means accepting a 3–5% markup hidden in their exchange rate. Some ATMs and card terminals will offer conversion to your home currency. Always select "ILS", "NIS", or "local currency" at every prompt.
ATMs to Avoid in Israel
Standalone ATMs near the Old City in Jerusalem, Ben Yehuda Street, and airport exchange counters typically offer the worst rates. Stick to the four major bank ATMs listed above for the best deal.
Standalone Tourist ATMs
Found at tourist hotspots like the Old City in Jerusalem and Ben Yehuda Street. These machines charge high fees and push DCC prompts with inflated exchange rates.
Avoidchange.co.il ATMs
Branded exchange ATMs found near Jaffa Gate, the Western Wall area, and Tel Aviv's beachfront. Poor exchange rates and additional fees compared to standard bank ATMs.
AvoidAirport Exchange Counters
Exchange offices at Ben Gurion Airport offer very poor rates with large spreads. Use the bank ATMs in the arrivals hall instead for a much better deal.
AvoidPaying by Card in Israel
Card Networks
Visa and Mastercard are accepted virtually everywhere in Israel, from restaurants and Rami Levy supermarkets to gas stations. American Express is accepted at many hotels and larger restaurants, but smaller businesses decline it. Discover has very limited acceptance.
Contactless & Mobile Payments
Tap-to-pay works at most modern terminals in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa. Apple Pay launched recently and is spreading. Google Pay works at many locations. Coverage is expanding quickly, especially at chain restaurants like Aroma and Cofix.
Where Cards May Not Work
Shuks (markets): many stall holders at Carmel Market (Tel Aviv) and Mahane Yehuda (Jerusalem) are cash-only, especially spice vendors and fruit sellers. Sheruts (shared taxi vans to Jerusalem, Beer Sheva, and Haifa) require cash. Smaller restaurants in Jaffa, Akko, and neighbourhood hummus joints may prefer cash.
Tipping in Israel
Tipping Guide
At restaurants, 10–15% at sit-down places. Service charge is not always included, so check the bill. At cafés like Aroma or Cofix, rounding up or leaving a few shekels is appreciated. Taxis: round up to the nearest ₪5 or ₪10. Hotel porters: ₪10–20 per bag. Tour guides at Masada, the Dead Sea, or Jerusalem's Old City: ₪50–100 per day for private guides, ₪20–50 per person for group tours. Housekeeping: ₪10–20 per night is a nice gesture.
Shabbat, Shuks & Practical Money Tips
Things to Know
For city-specific tips, see our Tel Aviv and Jerusalem money guides. Each covers neighborhood-level card acceptance, ATM locations, transport payments, and local spending tips.
Shabbat closures: from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset, most businesses close across Israel. ATMs still work, but bank branches are closed. Plan your cash needs before Friday afternoon. Tel Aviv is the most secular city and has more businesses open on Shabbat than Jerusalem.
Shuks are cash territory. Carmel Market in Tel Aviv and Mahane Yehuda in Jerusalem are primarily cash-based. Bring small bills (₪20, ₪50) for the best experience. Sheruts (shared vans) are cash-only. Keep ₪20–50 notes handy.
Rav-Kav transit card: buses and light rail require a Rav-Kav (rechargeable transit card). Foreign contactless bank cards do not work on the transit system. Buy a Rav-Kav at central bus stations or AM:PM convenience stores. Ben Gurion Airport has Bank Hapoalim and Bank Leumi ATMs in arrivals. Use these instead of exchange counters.
Money Safety in Israel
Staying Safe
Use ATMs inside Bank Hapoalim or Bank Leumi branches rather than standalone machines near the Old City or Ben Yehuda Street. Keep your wallet secure in crowded shuks like Mahane Yehuda and Carmel Market. Front pockets or money belts are recommended.
Israel can trigger fraud alerts on some card issuers due to the geopolitical situation. Mention "Israel" specifically when notifying your bank before travel. Store extra cash in your hotel safe when heading out for the day.
Spend Israeli Shekels Like a Local
The Wise card converts your money at the real mid-market exchange rate. No markups, no surprises. Pay in shekels without hidden fees.
Get the Wise Card →Frequently Asked Questions
Is Israel card-friendly?
Very. Contactless works at most businesses in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa. Cash is mainly needed for shuks, sheruts, and tips. Keep ₪200–500 as backup.
What happens during Shabbat?
From Friday sunset to Saturday sunset, most businesses close. ATMs work but bank branches close. Plan cash before Friday afternoon. Tel Aviv has more open on Shabbat than Jerusalem.
Do I need a Rav-Kav card?
Yes. Buses and light rail require it. Foreign contactless bank cards do not work on transit. Buy at central bus stations or AM:PM stores.
Is tipping expected in Israel?
10–15% at restaurants. Tour guides: ₪50–100 per day for private guides. Rounding up for taxis.
Can I use USD in Israel?
Some businesses near the Old City accept dollars at poor rates. Always pay in shekels via bank ATMs for the best rate.
Is Israel expensive?
Yes. Meal ₪50–120 ($14–33), beer ₪25–40 ($7–11), hotel ₪400–1,000 ($110–275). Falafel and hummus are more affordable.
Quick Comparison
| Method | Cost | Convenience | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| No-FX-fee card (contactless) | Best (no fees, mid-market rate) | ★★★★★ | Daily spending (primary method) |
| Bank ATMs (Hapoalim, Leumi, etc.) | Low (no operator fee, fair rate) | ★★★★★ | Getting shekels for markets and sheruts |
| Regular card with FX fees | Medium (1–3% foreign transaction fee) | ★★★★☆ | If no fee-free card available |
| Standalone tourist ATMs | High (fees + poor rates + DCC) | ★★☆☆☆ | Avoid |
| Airport exchange counters | Highest (5–12% markup) | ★☆☆☆☆ | Emergency only |
Israel Quick Facts
| Currency | Israeli New Shekel (ILS / ₪). Divide by 3.7 for rough USD estimate |
| Cash vs. Card | Very card-friendly. ₪200–500 cash backup for markets and sheruts |
| Best ATMs | Bank Hapoalim, Bank Leumi, Discount Bank, Mizrahi Tefahot |
| Contactless | Growing fast. Widely accepted in cities and tourist areas |
| Tipping | 10–15% at sit-down restaurants. Round up for taxis and cafés |
| DCC Risk | Moderate. Always choose ILS at ATMs and card terminals |
| Best Strategy | No-FX-fee card for most spending, plus cash for shuks and sheruts |
Israel City Guides
Neighborhood-level money guides for Israel's biggest cities. Where to find ATMs, which areas need cash, how to pay for transport, and more.