Getting Israeli Shekels for Your Trip

Israel is a modern, developed country with excellent payment infrastructure. Card acceptance is widespread, especially in Tel Aviv, and many visitors find they use surprisingly little cash. That said, having some Shekels on hand is useful for markets, smaller establishments, and tipping.

The Israeli New Shekel (ILS or NIS, symbol ₪) comes in banknotes of ₪20, ₪50, ₪100, and ₪200. The ₪200 note features the poet Nathan Alterman. Coins include 10 agorot, 50 agorot (half-Shekel), ₪1, ₪2, ₪5, and ₪10.

Key insight for 2026: Israel's tech-forward culture means contactless payments, Apple Pay, and Google Pay are common. Tel Aviv especially runs on cards. If you have a fee-free travel card, you might barely need ATMs at all.

Best Ways to Get ILS Before You Travel

Israel makes accessing money easy. The best approach depends on your payment preferences:

1. Multi-currency travel card (Wise, Revolut) — Best overall option. Excellent exchange rates for both card payments and ATM withdrawals. Essential for Israel's card-friendly economy.
2. Withdraw from ATMs on arrival — Ben Gurion Airport has multiple ATMs. Israeli banks typically don't charge foreign card fees. Just pay attention to your card's foreign ATM policy.
3. Exchange at Israeli bureaux — "Change" shops in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem offer competitive rates. Avoid airport exchange counters which have poor rates.
4. Order Shekels from UK bureaux — Available but rates are typically poor for ILS. Only useful if you specifically want cash before arrival.

Using Cards in Israel

Israel has excellent card acceptance. You can live almost cashless in Tel Aviv, though other areas may require more flexibility.

Where cards work well:

• All hotels, hostels, and vacation rentals
• Restaurants, cafes, and bars throughout Tel Aviv and Jerusalem
• Supermarkets (Shufersal, Rami Levy, AM:PM)
• Shopping malls and most retail stores
• Buses and light rail (Rav-Kav card or contactless payment)
• Gett taxi app (Israel's Uber equivalent)
• Museums, attractions, and tour companies

Where you'll need cash:

• Mahane Yehuda Market (Jerusalem) — many vendors cash only
• Carmel Market (Tel Aviv) — smaller vendors prefer cash
• Old City Jerusalem — many shops and street vendors
• Tipping (cash tips are preferred)
• Street sherut (shared taxis)
• Some smaller restaurants in traditional areas

Pro tip: Contactless payments (tap to pay) work nearly everywhere cards are accepted. Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely supported.

Withdrawing Cash from ATMs in Israel

ATMs are readily available throughout Israel. The banking system is modern and international card-friendly.

Best ATMs to use:

• Bank Leumi — Israel's oldest bank, ATMs everywhere. Good English interface.
• Bank Hapoalim — Major bank with widespread ATMs. Reliable for foreign cards.
• Israel Discount Bank — Common in cities, works well with international cards.
• Ben Gurion Airport ATMs — Multiple options in arrivals hall, convenient for initial cash.

ATM tips:

• Most Israeli bank ATMs do not charge fees for foreign cards
• Always choose to be charged in Shekels (ILS), not your home currency
• Withdrawal limits typically ₪2,000-5,000 per transaction
• 24-hour ATMs are common, including at gas stations
• Notify your bank before travel to avoid blocked transactions

Shabbat note: From Friday sunset to Saturday sunset, many Israeli businesses close. ATMs remain operational, but some services may be limited.

Exchanging Money in Israel

If you prefer exchanging cash rather than using ATMs, Israel has options:

At Ben Gurion Airport:

Exchange counters at the airport have notably poor rates — often 5-10% worse than in the city. Only exchange a small amount here if necessary, or simply use the ATM.

In Tel Aviv and Jerusalem:

• "Change" bureaux — Found on main streets, these offer competitive rates. Compare a few before exchanging.
• Post offices (Doar Israel) — Exchange services at reasonable rates
• Banks — Can exchange but require passport and may charge commissions
• Hotel desks — Convenient but typically poor rates

Best currencies to bring:

USD typically gets the best rates for cash exchange. EUR is also widely accepted. GBP is accepted but rates may be slightly worse. Shekels are always the best value for transactions.

Money Safety Tips for Israel

Israel is generally very safe for tourists, with low crime rates in tourist areas. Standard precautions apply:

• Pickpocketing is rare but exists — Take normal care in crowded markets and transit
• Use hotel safes — Store excess cash and documents securely
• ATM safety — Use ATMs in well-lit, busy areas or inside banks
• Keep copies of documents — Passport copy stored separately from original
• Card security — Monitor statements for unauthorized transactions
• Be aware of scams — Overcharging in tourist areas happens; agree prices upfront for services

Israel's strong security presence means personal safety is excellent. Financial crimes against tourists are uncommon.