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Israel Israel Currency Guide

The currency of Israel and how to prepare for payments — all on one page.

Currency

Israeli New Shekel

ILS · ₪

Checking rates

Check with your bank app or card issuer before you go

The rate and fees you actually pay differ by bank and card issuer.

Payment Tips to Remember

Always pay in the local currency

If a terminal asks whether to charge in your home currency, always choose the local currency. Choosing your home currency triggers DCC (dynamic currency conversion), which adds a hidden markup.

Set up a travel card before you fly

Prepaid multi-currency travel cards let you convert money in the app beforehand and pay like a debit card locally. Fees are usually lower than cash exchange counters, and you can freeze the card instantly from the app if lost.

Airport exchange counters: last resort

Airport counters are convenient but tend to offer some of the worst rates. If you need cash, exchange via your bank's app before departure or consider withdrawing from a local ATM.

Check ATM fees on screen

Local ATMs may add their own operator fee. Check the fee shown on the confirmation screen before proceeding. If the ATM offers conversion to your home currency (DCC), choosing the local currency is usually better.

Keep some small cash

Every country has places that don't take cards — markets, tips, small transport. Carrying a small amount of cash in separate places keeps you covered.

Cards for Abroad

Explore the Wise multi-currency card

One account holding 40+ currencies, converting and paying at mid-market based rates. Handy for multi-country trips — no need to exchange for each currency separately.

Learn more

Local data

Get an eSIM for Israel before you go

Activate mobile data with a QR code instead of swapping SIM cards. Buy it before departure and switch it on the moment you land.

Airalo Airalo Yesim Yesim Saily Saily Drimsim Drimsim

Check prices and availability on the booking sites.

City Guides in Israel

Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv sits on Israel's Mediterranean coast and serves as the country's de facto capital, a hub of economy and culture. Its White City, lined with white buildings, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that's ideal for a leisurely stroll.

Haifa

Haifa is northern Israel's largest city, a port town on the Mediterranean coast at the foot of Mount Carmel. It's a great place to take in scenery where mountains and sea meet.

Nazareth

Nazareth sits on a hill in northern Israel overlooking the Jezreel Valley. According to the New Testament, it's where Jesus spent his childhood, and it draws many pilgrims today.

Acre

Acre is a port city in Israel's northwestern Galilee District, at the northern end of Haifa Bay. It's a pleasant place for a walk along the Mediterranean-facing coastline.