The Israeli currency is the New Israeli Shekel (ILS) that is divided into 100 Agorot. The approximate rate is 3.5 ILS to $1 or 2.5 ILS to 1 Canadian Dollar. Visit www.oanda.com for daily rates.
Most banks are open from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays; also from 4 to 6 p.m. Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays; and from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Fridays and the eves of major Jewish holidays. Bank branches in major hotels usually offer convenient additional banking hours.
There are no restrictions on the amount of local and foreign currency visitors may bring into Israel. Foreign currency may be exchanged at the airport or at any bank and in many hotels throughout Israel. Payment in foreign currency exempts tourists from paying Value Added Tax (VAT) on certain purchases.
ATMs: Linked with major American systems, ATMs are prevalent throughout Israel. Major credit cards - American Express, Diners' Club, Visa and MasterCard/Access/Eurocard - are widely accepted throughout Israel. Holders of Visa or MasterCard/Access/Eurocard credit cards may withdraw funds at the foreign currency counters of affiliated banks or at certain ATMs.
Most banks are open from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays; also from 4 to 6 p.m. Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays; and from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Fridays and the eves of major Jewish holidays. Bank branches in major hotels usually offer convenient additional banking hours.
There are no restrictions on the amount of local and foreign currency visitors may bring into Israel. Foreign currency may be exchanged at the airport or at any bank and in many hotels throughout Israel. Payment in foreign currency exempts tourists from paying Value Added Tax (VAT) on certain purchases.
ATMs: Linked with major American systems, ATMs are prevalent throughout Israel. Major credit cards - American Express, Diners' Club, Visa and MasterCard/Access/Eurocard - are widely accepted throughout Israel. Holders of Visa or MasterCard/Access/Eurocard credit cards may withdraw funds at the foreign currency counters of affiliated banks or at certain ATMs.