Useful Information while in Israel

  
Useful Information while in Israel

Currency Exchange:

The Israeli currency is the New Israeli Sheckel (NIS)

Shekel Bill denominations: 200, 100 50, 20

Shekel Coin denominations:  10, 5, 2, 1, ½, 10 agorot, 5 agorot

There are 100 agorot in 1 shekel (similar to cents per dollar)

The Current exchange rate is about 3.5 shekels to one US dollar. One shekel is worth about is about 28 cents. Of course this rate is variable and will likely change.

Most restaurants, museums and stores accept major credit cards as well as dollars.

Money can be exchanged at the airport, post offices, banks and at licensed money changing shops found in most downtown areas and malls. Hotels will offer money exchange but at a less advantage rate. There are many ATM machines available throughout Israel. The networks (MAC, Cirrus, etc) vary with banks so your ATM or credit card may not work at every ATM.

Safety and Security:

Generally speaking Israel is as safe as or safer than most US cities. Nevertheless you should take the usual travel precautions, such as keeping a separate copy of your passport, not carrying open bags which are a temptation to pickpockets, not leaving your property lying around etc.

Do not leave parcels, knapsacks or other baggage unattended in public places.

Water:

The arid climate in most of Israel means that one can lose fluids without necessarily noticing.

In other words your body can require you to drink without making you thirsty. You should always have water available to drink. Tap water in Israel is generally as fit to drink as tap water elsewhere and bottled water is widely available.

Electrical Appliances:

The electrical current In Israel is the European standard 220 volts rather than the US standard 110 volts. Make sure that whatever electrical devices you plan to use in Israel (camera/video chargers, laptops etc) can accept 220 volts. You will also need a plug adaptor to match the Israeli electrical outlets.

Tipping:

It is customary to tip 12% to waiters in restaurants where “service” is not included in the bill. Tips often cannot be added to a credit card payment, so even when you use your credit card to pay for the meal, the tip should be in cash.

VAT (Value Added Tax) Refund at the airport.

Tourists who purchase $100 worth of goods or more at shops registered with the Ministry of to Tourism, are entitled a  discount and a VAT refund upon their departure from Israel. The refund may be obtained at Ben Gurion International Airport where you will be required to display the goods that you purchased and the invoices you received.