Israeli New Shekel (ILS) — Currency Basics
Understanding Israel's currency for Indian travelers: denominations, symbols & quick conversion
Israel's official currency is the Israeli New Shekel (ILS), symbol ₪. For Indian travelers, understanding basic denominations and approximate INR conversion helps with daily budgeting and spending decisions.
- Coins: ₪0.10, ₪0.50, ₪1, ₪2, ₪5, ₪10 (~₹2.5–₹250)
- Banknotes: ₪20 (~₹500), ₪50 (~₹1,250), ₪100 (~₹2,500), ₪200 (~₹5,000)
- Quick conversion: 1 ILS ≈ ₹25 (verify current rate before travel)
- Carry small notes: ₪20 and ₪50 notes are most useful for markets, taxis, tips
- Round up mentally: Multiply shekel price by 25 for quick INR estimate
- Do NOT carry INR: Indian Rupee is not accepted anywhere in Israel
- Exchange INR to USD/EUR in India: Get better rates before departure
- Convert to ILS in Israel: Use authorized exchange offices for best shekel rates
- Keep receipts: Required for VAT refund claims on eligible purchases
- Notify your bank: Inform your Indian bank of Israel travel dates to avoid card blocks
Related: For complete Israel planning, see our Israel Travel Guide and Israel Trip Cost Guide.
Card Acceptance in Israel for Indian Travelers
Which Indian-issued cards work where — and where to carry backup cash
Tip: Israel is highly card-friendly — 90%+ of transactions accept Visa/Mastercard. Carry a backup card and small shekel notes for markets.
- Visa/Mastercard: Accepted almost everywhere — hotels, restaurants, malls, supermarkets, taxis
- American Express: Accepted at major hotels and upscale restaurants; less common in small shops
- RuPay: Limited acceptance; do not rely as primary payment method
- Contactless payments: Widely available — tap-to-pay works on most terminals
- Chip & PIN: Standard; carry your 4-digit PIN for ATM withdrawals and some terminals
- Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC): Always choose to pay in ILS, not INR, to avoid poor exchange rates
- Notify your bank: Inform your Indian bank of Israel travel dates to prevent fraud blocks
- Enable international transactions: Ensure your card is enabled for overseas use
- Carry 2 cards: Primary Visa/Mastercard + backup card from different bank
- Check forex markup: Indian banks typically charge 2–3.5% forex markup on international transactions
- Consider forex cards: Pre-loaded multi-currency forex cards can offer better rates than credit cards
ATMs & Cash Withdrawal Tips for Indians
How to withdraw shekels safely and cost-effectively using Indian bank cards
- Widespread ATMs: Available at airports, train stations, malls, city centers, and tourist areas
- Bank ATMs preferred: Use Bank Leumi, Hapoalim, or Discount Bank ATMs for reliability
- Withdrawal fees: Israeli ATMs may charge ₪10–₪20 (~₹250–₹500) + your Indian bank's forex markup
- Daily limits: Check your Indian bank's international withdrawal limit before travel
- Safety tip: Use ATMs inside banks or well-lit areas; avoid isolated machines at night
- Carry small notes: ₪20 and ₪50 notes for markets, taxis, tips, and small vendors
- Emergency backup: Keep ₹5,000–₹10,000 equivalent in USD/EUR cash for emergencies
- Market shopping: Some Old City souks and flea markets prefer cash; cards increasingly accepted
- Tipping: 10–15% in restaurants; small shekel notes make tipping easier
- Don't over-withdraw: Withdraw only what you need for 2–3 days to minimize fees and risk
Currency Exchange Tips for Indian Travelers
Where and how to exchange currency for the best shekel rates in Israel
- Avoid airport counters for large amounts: TLV Airport exchange offices have higher margins; use for small initial cash only
- Use authorized exchange offices: Change Point, Igud, and other licensed bureaus in city centers offer competitive rates
- Compare rates: Check rates at 2–3 offices before exchanging; look for "No Commission" signs
- Bring USD/EUR: Exchange USD or EUR to ILS for better rates than exchanging INR directly
- Keep receipts: Required for VAT refund claims on purchases over ₪150
- Verify notes: Check shekel notes for authenticity before leaving the counter
- Check live rates: Use XE.com or your bank's app to verify current ILS/INR rates before exchanging
- Avoid dynamic currency conversion: When paying by card, always choose to be charged in ILS, not INR
- Understand forex markup: Indian banks typically add 2–3.5% markup on international card transactions
- Track spending: Use banking apps to monitor shekel spending converted to INR in real-time
- Plan buffer: Budget 5–10% extra for currency fluctuation during your trip
UPI & Digital Payments — What Works in Israel
Understanding digital payment limitations and alternatives for Indian travelers
Important: Indian digital payment apps (UPI, PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm) are NOT accepted in Israel. Rely on cards or cash.
- UPI apps: PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm, BHIM — NOT accepted anywhere in Israel
- INR QR codes: Indian-style QR payment systems are not compatible with Israeli terminals
- Indian wallet apps: MobiKwik, FreeCharge, etc. — not usable for Israel transactions
- Direct INR payments: No merchant in Israel accepts Indian Rupee directly
- International cards: Visa/Mastercard with contactless tap-to-pay work almost everywhere
- Mobile wallets: Apple Pay and Google Pay (linked to international cards) accepted at many terminals
- Banking apps: Use your Indian bank's app to track international transactions in real-time
- Currency converter apps: XE Currency, Wise, or your bank's app for quick ILS→INR conversion
- Travel expense trackers: Apps like Splitwise or Trail Wallet help manage group trip expenses
Frequently Asked Questions — Israel Currency & Payment
Quick answers to payment and currency questions from Indian travelers
1What currency is used in Israel and can Indians use INR?
Israel uses the Israeli New Shekel (ILS). Indian Rupee (INR) is NOT accepted anywhere in Israel. Exchange INR to USD/EUR before travel, then convert to ILS at authorized exchange offices in Israel for best rates.
2Do Israeli shops accept Indian credit/debit cards?
Yes, Visa and Mastercard debit/credit cards issued by Indian banks work almost everywhere in Israel — hotels, restaurants, malls, and most shops. Notify your bank of travel dates to avoid transaction blocks. Carry a backup card.
3Can I use UPI or PhonePe in Israel?
No. UPI, PhonePe, Google Pay, and other Indian digital payment apps are NOT accepted in Israel. Rely on international Visa/Mastercard cards or carry USD/EUR cash for exchange to shekels.
4Where is the best place to exchange currency in Israel?
Avoid airport exchange counters for large amounts (higher margins). Use authorized exchange offices (Change Point, Igud) in city centers for better rates. ATMs dispense shekels directly using international cards.
5Are ATMs widely available in Israel for Indian cardholders?
Yes, ATMs are widespread in cities, airports, and tourist areas. Most accept Visa/Mastercard. Withdrawal fees apply (₹150–₹300 per transaction + bank forex markup). Use bank ATMs (Bank Leumi, Hapoalim) for reliability.
6Should I carry cash or rely on cards in Israel?
Israel is highly card-friendly — 90%+ of transactions accept cards. Carry small shekel notes (₪20, ₪50) for markets, taxis, and tips. Keep ₹5,000–₹10,000 equivalent in USD/EUR as emergency backup.
Disclaimer: Exchange rates, card acceptance policies, and ATM fees are subject to change. Verify current rates and bank policies before travel. Destination To Plan provides guidance only and does not guarantee exchange rates or card acceptance at specific merchants.
