Before leaving for Israel, it's a good idea to understand the new shekel (ILS), the real role of cash versus card, and to prepare a little cash before departure. Between the rhythm of Shabbat and markets where you pay in cash, a few simple habits will save you plenty of hassle once you're there.
The new Israeli shekel (ILS) in brief
Israel's official currency is the new Israeli shekel, abbreviated ILS and represented by the symbol ₪. One shekel is divided into 100 agorot. Common banknotes range from 20 to 200 shekels, and coins from a few agorot to 10 shekels. Currency is exchanged at a counter rate (buy/sell) that varies each day according to the markets: it is therefore normal for the exact amount to change from one week to the next. To get an up-to-date idea before booking, check our currency buy and sell tables, updated daily.
Cash or card: what to expect on the ground
Israel is a country very much geared towards electronic payment. In major cities such as Tel Aviv, Jerusalem or Haifa, bank cards are accepted almost everywhere, including contactless in restaurants, supermarkets, taxis and shops. Automated teller machines (ATMs) are plentiful in urban areas and make it easy to withdraw shekels.
That said, a little cash remains essential. Cash is useful for:
- small shops, street stalls and street food;
- markets (shuk) such as Mahane Yehuda in Jerusalem or the Carmel Market in Tel Aviv, where people often haggle in cash;
- tips and fares in certain taxis;
- trips to more rural areas (the Negev desert, Galilee, the Dead Sea) where card terminals may be lacking.
Shabbat: why to plan for cash
An essential feature of Israel: Shabbat, from late Friday afternoon to nightfall on Saturday. During this period, a large part of businesses close, and public transport (buses, trains) stops in many cities, particularly in Jerusalem. Tel Aviv remains livelier, but options are reduced. Since withdrawals or purchases can become complicated, it is wise to have shekels on hand before Friday evening, especially for the shared taxis (sherut) that keep running and often operate in cash.
Tips, taxes and good habits
At restaurants, tipping is a well-established custom and is generally around 10 to 12% of the bill. It is common to leave it in cash, even when the meal is paid by card, as it is not always possible to add it on the terminal. For taxis, people are happy to round up the fare.
Good to know for travellers: tourists can benefit from VAT advantages. Some tourist services (hotels, car rental) are exempt when paid in foreign currency, and a tax refund is possible on certain purchases above a minimum amount, via the dedicated counters at the airport. Keep your receipts and ask the merchant at the time of purchase.
Changing your euros before you go: the stress-free option
Arriving with shekels already in hand avoids the stress of queues at Ben Gurion airport and the sometimes less favourable rates of bureaus located in tourist areas. Paris Change, a bureau de change approved by the ACPR (Banque de France), lets you prepare your trip with complete confidence:
- commission-free, with a counter rate displayed clearly;
- more than 53 currencies available, including the Israeli shekel;
- the option to book online then collect your currency in store;
- a single shop at 4 Boulevard Saint-Michel, 75005 Paris, in the heart of the Latin Quarter;
- open 7 days a week: Monday to Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Access is direct via the Saint-Michel metro (line 4) as well as the RER B and C (Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame station), ideal for stopping by just before departure.
How much cash to carry?
Plan for enough to cover your first few days, your tips and a Shabbat weekend, then top up on the spot with withdrawals or card payments. Keep in mind the customs rule: when entering or leaving the European Union, any transport of cash equal to or above €10,000 (or equivalent) must be declared to customs. Below that, no particular formality is required.
Frequently asked questions
Is it better to pay in euros or in shekels in Israel?
Pay in shekels for your everyday spending: it's the local currency and you avoid unfavourable conversions. Some tourist services do, however, accept foreign currency, sometimes with a VAT exemption.
Is a bank card enough on the ground?
A card covers the majority of situations in the cities, contactless included. Still, keep some cash for the markets, tips, sherut taxis and the Shabbat period, when payments may be limited.
Can I book my shekels in advance?
Yes. You can book your amount online and come to collect it at 4 Boulevard Saint-Michel, which guarantees the availability of the currency and a rate confirmed in store.
Prepare for your trip to Israel with peace of mind: book your shekels online and collect them at Paris Change, in the heart of Saint-Michel, 7 days a week and commission-free.
