Currency
The currency of Israel is the New Israeli Sheqel (NIS ₪) – (1 NIS = $0.35 Canadian.) The Shequel is also the currency used in Palestine. Each sheqel is divided into 100 agorot (singular agora). Bank notes circulate in denominations of NIS 200, 100, 50 and 20 sheqels and coins in denominations of 5 sheqels, 10 sheqels, 1 sheqel and 50 and 10 agorot. One may bring an unlimited amount of local and foreign currency into the country in cash and travellers checks.
In Israel and Palestine most places accept the US dollar, VISA and MasterCard. You will not need much cash -- as almost all your expenses are already included. Most days when you leave your room you should take your passport, a credit card, and about $50 in small bills. If you like to carry more cash, have it secured in an inside pocket.
I've gone for days with no Shequels in my pocket and been ok. Sometimes you really wish you had a hundred sequels (about $30) to pay for some street food or souvenirs For this reason, most pilgrims exchange some currency into New Israeli shekels – but don’t do that at a bank in Israel – the commission charged is often astronomical! The solution is to go to "Change" shops scattered around most city centers. They usually take no commission and match the bank rates. . To know the exchange rate of the New Israeli Shekel please click here.
In Israel and Palestine most places accept the US dollar, VISA and MasterCard. You will not need much cash -- as almost all your expenses are already included. Most days when you leave your room you should take your passport, a credit card, and about $50 in small bills. If you like to carry more cash, have it secured in an inside pocket.
I've gone for days with no Shequels in my pocket and been ok. Sometimes you really wish you had a hundred sequels (about $30) to pay for some street food or souvenirs For this reason, most pilgrims exchange some currency into New Israeli shekels – but don’t do that at a bank in Israel – the commission charged is often astronomical! The solution is to go to "Change" shops scattered around most city centers. They usually take no commission and match the bank rates. . To know the exchange rate of the New Israeli Shekel please click here.