Change

Getting your hands on local currency in Israel is easy, and there are several ways of doing it:

1) Change places are located all over the place, especially on the main streets of Ben Yehuda, Allenby and probably Dizengoff.

2) Withdraw cash directly from an ATM. Most ATMs accepts foreign cards and automatically switches to English on the instructions screen. At some ATMs (called "caspomats" in Israel), you can even withdraw dollars and other foreign currencies. ATMs will always ask you if you agree with the approx. 5 shekel charge for the privilege of withdrawing cash (no matter how much you take out, it's a flat rate).

3) You can always go to any high street bank and ask for their change or foreign currency desk.

 

Banks have varied but limited hours and charge a higher commision than money changers. Best is to use ATMs. DO NOT BRING TRAVELERS CHECKS. Next to impossible to use and banks charge the highest transaction fee on these.