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Money & duty free for Israel

Currency information: 

New Shekel (ILS; symbol ₪) = 100 agorot (singular, agora). Notes are in denominations of ₪200, 100, 50, and 20. Coins are in denominations of ₪10, 5, 2 and 1, and 50 and 10 agorot.

Note: Prices for tourist services are sometimes quoted in US Dollars. This is usually where the expectation is that a credit card will be used, for example when hiring a car. In these instances, the amount paid would be written in US Dollars.

Credit cards: 

All major credit cards are accepted. ATMs are widely available.

ATM: 

ATMs are widely available.

Travellers cheques: 

These are widely accepted. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars.

Banking hours: 

Sun-Fri 0830-1200 and Sun, Tues, Thurs 1600-1800.

Currency restriction: 

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. However, amounts exceeding ILS90,000 or equivalent must be declared.

Currency exchange: 

Foreign currency can only be exchanged at authorised banks, hotels and change shops. Change shops found in most cities charge no commission and equal the bank exchange rates. It is advisable to leave Israel with the minimum of Israeli currency. Payment in foreign currency exempts tourists from VAT on certain purchases and services, and is sometimes preferred by shop keepers.

Israel duty free

The following goods may be imported into Israel without incurring customs duty (alcohol and tobacco can only be imported by persons aged 17 years and over):

• 250 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco products.
• 1L of spirits and 2L of wine.
• 250mL of eau de cologne or perfume.
• Personal belongings and gifts up to the value of US$200.

Note: There are a number of exceptions to the value limit on personal belongings, so that provided they are for personal use and re-exported, personal computers, musical instruments, cameras (including video), binoculars, person stereos etc may be brought undeclared through the 'Green Channel'. However, if any of these items are new, they must be declared and a refundable deposit paid (credit card guarantee may be used).

Requires approval: Approval by customs is required to take the following items into Israel: flowers, plants and seeds, prescription drugs, all animals, mobile phones including built-in computer modem.

Banned imports: 

All games of chance, cordless telephones with a range of 900 Mhz or more, fresh meat, most kinds of fruit, and dogs and cats aged under three months.

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