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Palestine Palestine Currency Guide

The currency of Palestine 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 Palestine 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.

Yesim Yesim Saily Saily Drimsim Drimsim

Check prices and availability on the booking sites.

City Guides in Palestine

Jerusalem

Jerusalem lies in Western Asia, between the Mediterranean coastal plain and the Jordan River valley. Revered as a holy city by Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, it is an excellent place to explore centuries-old religious sites.

Bethlehem

Bethlehem is a small city in the West Bank, about 10 km from Jerusalem, and the capital of its governorate. Its name means "house of bread," making it fun to learn about the story behind it.

Ramallah

Ramallah, seat of the Palestinian Authority headquarters, serves as the de facto administrative capital and lies about 15 km north of Jerusalem. Located on the route between Bethlehem and Nablus, it makes a good base for touring several West Bank cities together.

Gaza City

Gaza City is the main city of the Gaza Strip, located on the Mediterranean coast about 76 km southwest of Jerusalem. It was once home to the Palestinians' only port and, at one time, was the most populous city in Palestine.

Hebron

Hebron, not far south of Jerusalem, is the largest city in the West Bank and has been inhabited since before the Common Era. Here you can see both religious sites such as the Cave of the Patriarchs and views of fertile farmland.