Money

1. Currency Exchange

Israel's national currency is the New Israel Shekel (NIS) or Shekel in short. There is no restriction on the amount of local and foreign money that may be brought into Israel in the form of cash, travelers' checks, credit cards or State of Israel bonds. Tourists carrying foreign currency may exchange them at the airport, banks, post offices, hotels or licensed exchange agencies present in large cities of Israel. While exchanging travelers' checks, tourists are required to present their passports. The currency exchange rates offered may vary from place to place. Generally, banks offer the best possible rates even though they may charge a small amount of commission.

Banks in Israel are usually open Sundays through Thursdays from 8:30am to 12:30pm and 4pm to 6pm. On Fridays and eves of major Jewish holidays they remain open from 8:30am to noon. In case you hold an international debit or credit card, you can also withdraw local or foreign currency at banks, which accept your card. Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are present outside most banks.

Before planning a visit to Israel, you are advised to check out with your travel planner or the Internet updates for the latest currency exchange rates.

2. What A Dollar Will Buy You

1 USD is approximately equal to 5 shekels

1litre milk = $2.03

Cucumbers/kilo = $0.67

Apples/kilo = $1.35

Loaf of bread = $1.80

Hot dogs = $3.16

Frozen food = $5.65

3. Telecommunications

Visitors to Israel can carry their cell phones along with them, as the country possesses a strong and advanced telecommunication network. Israel has an impressive communication technology infrastructure, and it is one of the world-leaders in developing new communications technology. Apart from international calling facilities, hotels in Israel also offer Internet access and satellite-broadcast systems for tele-conferencing. Local calls can also be made from a number of public phones present all over the place. These phones are usually operated using a plastic credit card size phone card available in the denominations of 20, 100 and 500 units. These cards can be purchased from local post offices or your hotel newsstands.

By dialing a 177 (toll-free) number, AT&T, MCI and Sprint networks can also be accessed for making overseas calls from local pay phones. Information relating to overseas operator and overseas directory information can be availed on dialing 188. Domestic directory information can be ascertained by dialing 144 (free from public phone).

4. Cab Fares

In Israel each municipality sets it own separate taxi fares and issues a chart quoting the current fares. However, as many cabbies ignore the meter it is always advisable to agree on a fixed amount before you get into the cab.

As per the latest list of cab fares issued in June 2006 there is a $0.79 fixed surcharge for flagging down a taxi. In case your carrying luggage you will be charged $0.65 for every piece of luggage. An average ride in the City will cost around $4.50. An additional charge of $0.80 is levied for telephone orders. The night rates prevalent are 25% more than the normal fare, and begin after 9:00pm and ends at 5:29am.

5. Currency Exchange Rates

Currency Exchange Rates

1 ILS USD = 0.226143 EUR = 0.176879 CAD = 0.251769 AUD = 0.304846 GBP = 0.122706 NZD = 0.372935

US Dollar Israel New Shekels (ILS)

$ 10 44.21

$ 50 221.09

$ 100 442.18

$ 200 884.37

$ 1000 4421.85

$ 2000 8843.71

6. Taxes

Airports in Israel do not charge departure tax. A value added tax of 17% is levied on all goods and services sold throughout the country. This is usually included in the selling price of the goods. Visitors paying in foreign currency are usually exempt from paying this tax. In case you have paid VAT on goods costing more that $50 you are entitled to a refund that can be claimed at the time of departure.

7. Tipping

While dining in Israel you are required to place a tip. If the bill provided does not include a service charge, you are expected to add a 12% tip to the payment. Bellhops or other service providers should be tipped keeping in mind the quality of service offered. Taxi drivers in Israel are generally not tipped.