Currency: Sheqels, Dinars, and Dollars
The currency of Israel is the New Israeli Sheqel, usually written as NIS or ₪. At present, 1 NIS is approximately CAD $0.35 or US $0.26. The sheqel is also widely used in Palestine. Each sheqel is divided into 100 agorot. Banknotes are issued in denominations of 20, 50, 100, and 200 sheqels, with coins in common use for 10, 5, 2, and 1 sheqel, as well as 50 and 10 agorot.
The currency of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is the Jordanian Dinar, usually written as JOD. One dinar is worth approximately CAD $1.90 or US $1.42. The dinar is divided into 10 dirhams, 100 qirsh — also called piastres — or 1,000 fulus. In the West Bank, the Jordanian Dinar is also widely used, though for most visitors the US dollar remains the simplest and most convenient currency.
In Israel, Palestine, and Jordan, most stores and restaurants accept US dollars, Visa, and MasterCard. You do not need to convert a large amount of money into local currency before travelling. On pilgrimage, you will not need much cash, since almost all on-tour expenses are already included. Cash is mainly useful for souvenirs, gifts, personal items, toiletries, and beverages.
Most days, when you leave your room, you may wish to carry your passport, one credit card, and about US $50 to US $100 in cash, with roughly half of that in small bills. Keep a few small US bills easily accessible, and keep the rest of your money and your passport secure in a zippered inside pocket. Canadian currency is rarely accepted by merchants in Israel.
Some pilgrims like the idea of leaving Canada with a few sheqels already in their pocket. While this is understandable, it is usually not the best option. Exchange rates in Canada are generally not competitive for Israeli currency. Airport exchange counters and Israeli banks are usually not the best value either.
In practice, you probably do not need to buy sheqels in advance. I suggest bringing about US $300 to US $400 for souvenirs, beverages, and personal items. The first time you buy something in Israel with US dollars, you will likely receive your change in Israeli sheqels anyway.
If you do need additional sheqels, the best option is usually one of the “Change” shops found in most Israeli city centres. You will need to show your passport. These shops generally charge no commission and offer rates close to the bank rate. Many also allow you to use your debit card to obtain cash in local currency.
The currency of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is the Jordanian Dinar, usually written as JOD. One dinar is worth approximately CAD $1.90 or US $1.42. The dinar is divided into 10 dirhams, 100 qirsh — also called piastres — or 1,000 fulus. In the West Bank, the Jordanian Dinar is also widely used, though for most visitors the US dollar remains the simplest and most convenient currency.
In Israel, Palestine, and Jordan, most stores and restaurants accept US dollars, Visa, and MasterCard. You do not need to convert a large amount of money into local currency before travelling. On pilgrimage, you will not need much cash, since almost all on-tour expenses are already included. Cash is mainly useful for souvenirs, gifts, personal items, toiletries, and beverages.
Most days, when you leave your room, you may wish to carry your passport, one credit card, and about US $50 to US $100 in cash, with roughly half of that in small bills. Keep a few small US bills easily accessible, and keep the rest of your money and your passport secure in a zippered inside pocket. Canadian currency is rarely accepted by merchants in Israel.
Some pilgrims like the idea of leaving Canada with a few sheqels already in their pocket. While this is understandable, it is usually not the best option. Exchange rates in Canada are generally not competitive for Israeli currency. Airport exchange counters and Israeli banks are usually not the best value either.
In practice, you probably do not need to buy sheqels in advance. I suggest bringing about US $300 to US $400 for souvenirs, beverages, and personal items. The first time you buy something in Israel with US dollars, you will likely receive your change in Israeli sheqels anyway.
If you do need additional sheqels, the best option is usually one of the “Change” shops found in most Israeli city centres. You will need to show your passport. These shops generally charge no commission and offer rates close to the bank rate. Many also allow you to use your debit card to obtain cash in local currency.