Leaving tomorrow for Israel. Very excited.
What is the best way to get local money? Exchange cash (where?), use debit card at atm, use credit card to pay for most purchases,....?
Also how bad/good are the rates for exchanging cash at Ben Gurion Airport?
We'd exchange euro if that makes a difference.
Hi,
In Israel you can use cash, credit cards to buy goods. In fact, using credit card is very common, and they are being received in many places. The question is wether your brand is accepted. They are a lot of ATM machines almost anywhere, so that would not be a problem too. As for change point, it depends. In a bank you should expect to have around 4.68 IL's for a euro plus some surcharge (bankhapoalim.co.il). However, in post offices (postil.com) you will receive a better rate without surcharge. There are a lot of private change points either, but you have to check their rates. If you use an ATM machine, than maybe the surcharge will be less than changing in a bank branch. I would recommend that you change some of your money in the airport by the facilities there (I know there is some BANK HAPOALIM point, and some private change points, or other banks points as well), check the rates. If you are going to central cities maybe you will find better rates there, but you should be aware for the rates. I think that for a start a sum of 1000 IL will be enough for traveling from the airport to your hotel, plus some extras, without paying your hotel bills (where you can use a credit card).
Regards.
Most places take credit cards. Those that don't are stalls in open street markets (they do not have credit card facilities), buses (cash only on the bus), and most taxis.
Don't worry about getting the absolutely best rate. Unless you are planning on buying a car or a house (!!), the difference in rates will amount to a total of perhaps the cost of a cup of coffee. Your time in Israel is too valuable to waste running around, lining up for ages in the post office - where the queues can be immensely long and very slow moving - to get a slightly better rate.
Have a wonderful trip.
In summary :
- do NOT use the commercial banks : they charge commission.
- change cash without commission at the "Change" stores (lots of them in the tourist and hotel areas) or the Post Offices. The Change stores have shorter lines and longer hours. All offer nearly identical rates.
- withdraw cash from an ATM. Many claim this is the cheapest way but it depends on the fees charged by your bank or credit card company per withdrawal.