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Bringing and Exchanging Money

Student Manuals » Short-Term Student Manual » Travel and Packing » What to Bring » Bringing and Exchanging Money

Money in Israel

Students often ask how much money they should bring with them to Israel. The answer to this question depends on how much you plan to spend (souvenirs, food, travel, etc). It is more important to have access to funds as needs arise, and there are plenty of accessible ATMs and money changers in Israel.

Therefore, you should bring a credit and/or debit card, preferably cards that do not take international fees. We recommend that you do not change money into New Israeli Shekels (NIS) before arriving in Israel because you will do so at a very poor exchange rate. Here are some money hints:

  • Banks and moneychangers in Israel, with very rare exception, will not accept personal checks drawn on U.S. accounts.
  • You may use debit cards from your bank in your home country to withdraw cash (in shekels) at ATMs in Jerusalem. Exchange rates will vary from bank to bank and even from branch to branch. There are usually options for you to display ATM screens in English.
  • Be sure to check with your bank for withdrawal limits and fees and to put a travel notification on all credit and debit cards to avoid your card being canceled.
  • Be cautious about where you use your debit or credit cards, and never let a store worker walk out of your sight with one of your cards. Some small shops in the Old City are sometimes clever about the way they ring up purchases. Ask for receipts and double check them after each purchase. We will help you better understand where you should and shouldn’t use cards during orientation. Please note: Discover cards do not work with most banks in Israel. Visa or MasterCard are recommended, when using a credit card.

Where to Exchange Money

It is not possible to exchange money on our campus, but you can use an authorized moneychanger in the Old City. If you have cash to exchange, we will suggest a moneychanger who has proven to be quite reliable for our students for decades.

If you bring a debit card, there are plenty of ATMs in Jerusalem where you can withdraw cash with only a 6 shekel fee (=$1.90). Cash will be disbursed in shekels.