Israel — Currency & Money

Currency is the Israeli New Shekel (ILS/NIS, ₪). Cards are accepted almost universally — contactless, Apple Pay and Google Pay work in most venues, and cash is a distant second. ATMs (bankomat) are ubiquitous; Bank Leumi, Hapoalim and Discount machines carry the lowest surcharges, while independent tourist-strip ATMs can add 20–30 ILS plus a poor rate. Notify your bank before arrival — Israeli card networks flag foreign cards aggressively.

Tipping is 10–12% in restaurants and cafes, usually cash and often not shared with the kitchen. Taxis are not tipped. Currency exchange counters on Allenby Street (Tel Aviv) and Ben Yehuda (Jerusalem) beat airport rates significantly and charge no commission.