Is USD widely accepted in Israel?

Yes — USD is accepted at most hotels, tour operators, and larger businesses. For daily spending (food, transport, local shops), ILS is more practical. USD is best used for accommodation and larger tourist expenditures or for exchanging into ILS.

Can I use Apple Pay or Google Pay in Israel?

Yes — Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted in modern establishments in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa. Most restaurants, cafés, supermarkets, and mall stores accept contactless payment. Small shuk vendors, some religious neighbourhood businesses, and the Arab markets in the Old City may prefer cash.

What are the best places to exchange currency in Israel?

Private licensed exchange offices (not banks) offer the best rates. Look for them in Tel Aviv's city centre, near Carmel Market, on Dizengoff Street, and in Jerusalem on Ben Yehuda Street. Ben Gurion Airport has reasonable exchange offices in the arrivals hall. Banks and hotel desks typically charge higher fees.

Do I need cash for the Old City of Jerusalem?

A mix is helpful. The Christian and Jewish quarters have many card-accepting shops, but the Arab souk (market) and small vendors in the Muslim Quarter heavily favour cash in ILS. Some shop owners in the Old City also accept USD. Carry 100–200 ILS for market shopping and entrance fees.

Are there ATMs in Eilat and the Dead Sea?

Yes, in both areas — at hotels, shopping centres, and some street locations. ATMs can be limited outside the main resort areas, so withdraw sufficient ILS before arriving in more remote stretches. Eilat is a duty-free zone with no VAT on purchases.

Can I use my UK or EU card in Israel?

Yes — Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards work reliably throughout Israel. Foreign transaction fees of 1–3% typically apply. If offered dynamic currency conversion (DCC), choose to pay in ILS for better rates. Notify your bank before travel.

Is tipping obligatory in Israel?

Not legally, but 10–15% is strongly customary in sit-down restaurants when service charge is not included. For taxis, rounding up is common. Hotel porters: 5–10 ILS per bag. Tour guides: 20–50 ILS per person per day.

Is the Israeli Shekel accepted in Palestinian Authority areas like Ramallah or Bethlehem?

Yes — the Israeli Shekel is the de facto currency throughout the Palestinian Authority (West Bank). JD (Jordanian Dinar) is also used near Jordan border areas. USD is widely accepted. Most tourism in Bethlehem and Ramallah is cash-based; card acceptance exists but is inconsistent.

Israel

🇮🇱

Phone Code

+972

Capital

Jerusalem

Population

9.7 Million

Native Name

יִשְׂרָאֵל

Region

Asia

Western Asia

Timezone

Israel Standard Time

UTC+02:00

Israel is a Middle Eastern country with profound religious significance for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, offering ancient historical sites, Mediterranean beaches, desert landscapes, and modern cities. Jerusalem, a city holy to three religions, features the Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and Dome of the Rock. Tel Aviv offers vibrant nightlife, beaches, and Bauhaus architecture. Visitors are drawn to Jerusalem's Old City and religious sites, Tel Aviv's beaches and culture, Dead Sea (lowest point on Earth), Masada fortress, Sea of Galilee, Negev Desert, Haifa's Bahá'í Gardens, Eilat's Red Sea diving, and diverse cuisine. Israel combines ancient heritage with modern innovation, offering unique experiences despite complex geopolitical situation.

Visa Requirements for Israel

Israel allows visa-free entry for citizens of many countries including the United States, Canada, all EU countries, United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand for tourism stays up to 90 days. Upon arrival, visitors receive an entry stamp on a separate paper slip (not in passport) to avoid complications when traveling to countries that don't recognize Israel. Border security is thorough with detailed questioning common. Citizens of most Arab and Muslim-majority countries face restrictions or outright bans. Israeli passport stamps (even on separate slip) can prevent entry to many Middle Eastern countries. Extensions beyond 90 days require application to Israeli Population and Immigration Authority. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months.

Common Visa Types

Visa-Free Entry (B/2 Visitor)

Up to 90 days; entry stamp given on separate paper slip (not in passport); must have return ticket and proof of sufficient funds; thorough security screening.

For tourism, business, visiting friends/family for US, EU, UK, Canada, Australia, and many other nationalities.

Student Visa (A/2)

Duration of studies; requires acceptance letter from Israeli institution; apply through Israeli embassy/consulate; processing times vary; work restrictions apply.

For studies at Israeli educational institutions, including language schools and universities.

Work Visa (B/1)

Tied to employment contract; employer must obtain work permit; apply through embassy; complex process; limited to specific sectors.

For employment in Israel, requires work permit arranged by Israeli employer.

Volunteer Visa (A/3)

Up to 1 year typically; requires sponsorship from recognized Israeli organization; apply through embassy; popular for kibbutz volunteering and NGO work.

For volunteer work with approved organizations in Israel.

Important Travel Information

Paper slip entry stamp: Israel stamps separate paper slip, not passport, to avoid issues entering Arab countries. Keep slip safe - needed for exit. Lost slip causes complications.

Security screening: Expect thorough questioning at entry. Common questions: travel plans, contacts in Israel, previous Middle East travel. Answer honestly and patiently.

Arab country restrictions: Israeli stamps (even on paper) prevent entry to Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Libya, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait. Plan accordingly if visiting region.

Travel Overview

Israel is a small country — the size of New Jersey or Wales — that contains an extraordinary concentration of history, landscape, and culture. Jerusalem is holy to three of the world's major religions simultaneously: the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Dome of the Rock sit within minutes of each other in the Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where four distinct quarters (Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Armenian) have coexisted for centuries. Tel Aviv is the direct opposite: a modern, secular, beach-fronted Mediterranean city with world-class restaurants, a UNESCO-listed Bauhaus district (the White City), and one of the most vibrant nightlife scenes in the Middle East. Between these two poles: the Dead Sea (the lowest point on Earth, 430m below sea level), the fortress of Masada perched on a desert mesa above it, the Sea of Galilee and the Galilee region significant for early Christianity, the Bahá'í World Centre in Haifa (UNESCO), the desert landscape of the Negev with its ancient Nabataean spice-trade cities, and Eilat's Red Sea coral reefs. Israel requires honest preparation: entry security is thorough, arrival involves detailed questioning, and entry marks on the paper slip (Israel does not stamp passports) can complicate onward travel to some other Middle Eastern countries. The security situation in the region warrants checking current advisories before departure. For travellers who prepare properly, Israel is one of the most genuinely intense and memorable destinations anywhere.

Discover Israel

The Old City of Jerusalem — just one square kilometre — holds the Western Wall (the holiest accessible site in Judaism), the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (built over the site of Jesus's crucifixion and burial), and the Dome of the Rock (built over the rock from which Islamic tradition holds Muhammad ascended to heaven). All three within ten minutes' walk of each other. The four quarters — Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Armenian — have their own markets, architecture, and rhythm. The Via Dolorosa, the Jewish Quarter's archaeological layers, the Muslim Quarter's bazaars: Jerusalem rewards multiple days of careful walking rather than a single rushed visit.

Ways to Experience This Destination

Religious & Historical Pilgrimage

Jerusalem's Old City, the Sea of Galilee, Nazareth, Bethlehem (in the Palestinian Authority), Masada, and the ancient cities of Acre and Caesarea make Israel one of the world's most important destinations for religious and historical travel across Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Tel Aviv City & Beach

Mediterranean beaches, the UNESCO Bauhaus White City, one of the world's top restaurant scenes, a vibrant arts district in Florentin, and nightlife that runs until dawn. Tel Aviv is a destination in its own right, distinct from Jerusalem.

Desert & Nature

Dead Sea floating, Masada at sunrise, the Negev desert's crater at Makhtesh Ramon, Ein Gedi nature reserve, and Red Sea diving at Eilat. Israel's natural landscapes are as varied as its cultural ones.

Archaeology & Ancient History

Israel has one of the world's densest concentrations of archaeological sites: Megiddo (Armageddon), Caesarea Maritima, Beit She'an, the City of David excavations under Jerusalem, Masada, Acre. Essential for travellers with a serious interest in the ancient world.

Money & Currency

₪

Israeli New Shekel (ILS)

Currency code: ILS

Practical Money Tips

New Israeli Shekel (ILS/₪) — exchange USD or EUR on arrival; cards widely accepted

Israel uses the New Israeli Shekel (NIS, symbol ₪, currency code ILS). USD is the most practical foreign currency to carry alongside your card — it is widely accepted at hotels and tour operators and exchangeable anywhere. EUR is also easily exchangeable. Check current rates before travel. The most competitive exchange rates are found at private licensed exchange offices (not banks) in Tel Aviv (Dizengoff, Carmel Market area), Jerusalem (Ben Yehuda St), and at Ben Gurion Airport arrivals hall. Banks charge higher fees and commissions. Avoid exchanging at hotel desks. Notify your bank before travel to Israel.

ATMs widely available in cities — Visa and Mastercard accepted reliably

ATMs are readily available in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, and all major tourist destinations. Bank Hapoalim, Bank Leumi, and Discount Bank ATMs accept international Visa and Mastercard cards. Withdrawal limits are typically 1,500–2,000 ILS per transaction. Foreign transaction fees of 1–3% are common. ATMs in the Old City of Jerusalem and popular tourist areas are accessible but may have queues. In the Dead Sea resort area (Ein Bokek) and Eilat, ATMs are available but can be limited outside hotels. Contactless ATM withdrawals are available at many machines.

Very cashless in cities — Apple Pay and Google Pay widely accepted in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem

Israel is a highly developed, cashless-friendly country. Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted in Tel Aviv, Haifa, and modern Jerusalem — in restaurants, supermarkets (Shufersal, Rami Levy), cafés, malls, and transport. Contactless Visa and Mastercard also work everywhere. Some smaller vendors, shuk (market) stalls, and ultra-orthodox neighbourhood shops may prefer cash. The Tel Aviv Light Rail and buses accept contactless payment. In more conservative areas (Mea Shearim, smaller West Bank entry-point areas) and in Arab market sections of the Old City, cash in ILS is more practical for small purchases.

Budget guide: falafel ~15–20 ILS; restaurant meal 60–150 ILS; Tel Aviv is relatively expensive

Israel is a relatively expensive Middle Eastern destination by regional standards. A street falafel pita: 15–20 ILS. A hummus plate at a traditional hummusiyya: 35–55 ILS. Restaurant meal at a mid-range Tel Aviv or Jerusalem restaurant: 70–150 ILS main course. A coffee: 16–22 ILS. Budget accommodation in Tel Aviv: 100–200 ILS in a hostel dorm; 400–900 ILS for a hotel double room. Eilat and the Dead Sea hotels are priced in USD. The shuk (Mahane Yehuda in Jerusalem, Carmel Market in Tel Aviv) offers excellent value for food and fresh produce. Tipping: 10–15% is customary in Israeli restaurants when service is not included.

Note: Always check current exchange rates before traveling. Currency exchange is available at airports, banks, and authorized money changers.

Common Money Questions