The New Shekel
is the official currency in Israel.
1 New Shekel (IS) = 100 agorot (singular is agora).
Notes
are in denominations of IS 20, 50, 100 and 200.
Coins
are in denominations of IS 10, 5 and 1. Also 10 and 50 agorot.
Credit & debit cards
All main credit cards are accepted.
Travellers
cheques
Travellers cheques are widelyaccepted.
To avoid additional exchange rate charges, is is advised to take
travellers cheques in US Dollars.
Currency
Exchange
Foreign currency can only
be exchanged at authorised banks, bureaux de change and hotels.
It is advisable to leave Israel with minimal amount of Israeli currency.
Payment in foreign currency excuses tourists from
VAT on certain purchases and services. A maximum of US $500 worth
of new shekels can be exchanged to foreign currency by travellers
leaving Israel.
Exchange rate
indicators
The following figures should be perceived as a guide to the movements
of the New Israel Shekel against the US Dollar
and UK Pounds Sterling:
Date
Nov’07
UK
£1.00=
8.23
US
$1.00=
3.94
Currency restrictions
There are not any restrictions
on the import of local or foreign currency. Travellers planning
to export local currency should request at a local bank before departure
from Israel. The export of foreign currency is restricted to the
amount imported.
Banking hours
Banks are open Sunday to Friday from 8.30 am to
12.00 pm, also Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays 4.00 pm to 6.00 pm.
