Don't forget to buy your Israeli Shekels (ILS) before you leave for Israel..
Planning a trip to Israel, a country awash with culture and history? Get ready to be amazed and have an extraordinary time. To travel safely, we advise travellers to find out the most information about the country they are traveling to before they leave. Especially about the use of the local currency, which is the Israeli shekel (ILS). In many cases you will be able to use your bank cards without any problems, while in others you will absolutely need to have cash. So, to be well prepared, we suggest that you exchange israeli shekels before your departure in order to find the best rate.
Practical tips for planning your budget
362 ILS! That's how much you'll need per day per person to stay in a mid-range hotel, to enjoy two meals and for your public transport ticket.
If you plan to try out the culinary specialities at a restaurant during your stay, the average cost is 60 ILS for one meal.
140 ILS
Average cost of a one night stay
40 ILS
Average food budget per person per day
Good to know
Some price indications in Israel
6.70 ILS
Public transport ticket
8.90 ILS
The price of a cup of coffee
31 ILS/Adult
Entrance fee to the Masada complex
20 ILS
A Falafel pita
100-150 ILS
A taxi ride from the airport to Tel Aviv
33 ILS
A visit to the Yad Vashem Museum
Some suggestions
- Jerusalem, a city that promises stunning architecture, cultural sites that are also of historical value.
- Bethlehem, an important pilgrimage site and a symbolic place.
- Haifa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and well worth a visit.
- A stop in Tel Aviv is a must! You will find typical neighbourhoods but also trendy places and beaches.
- A visit to the site of Massada and the Dead Sea!
- Diving is also a must in Israel. For this, head to the Red Sea. It has one of the most beautiful and colourful coral reefs in the world.
- For those who like to get out into nature to revitalise themselves, Gaillée is just waiting for you.
When do you need cash in Israel?
Although card payments are generally quite well accepted in Israel, it is still useful to carry some ILS in cash when travelling there.
Markets and souks are an integral part of Israeli culture, and some stalls still prefer cash. While most of them do accept card payments, it is often more convenient to trade in cash, as it gives you greater flexibility when negotiating your purchases.
Certain religious sites also accept donations, and in most cases these can be made in cash.
Overall, opting for cash during your trip to Israel is a very good way to avoid additional fees that are sometimes applied to card payments. It also helps you keep better control of your travel budget and avoid unnecessary spending. In any case, consider exchanging your euros for ILS before your departure to benefit from the best exchange rates!
Some facts about the Israeli Shekels
Denominations of the Israeli Shekels
Notes: 20 ILS, 50 ILS, 100 ILS, 200 ILS
Coins: ½ ILS, 1 ILS, 5 ILS and 10 ILS, and 1, 10 and 50 agorot.
The shekel was introduced in 1985, replacing the old shekel.
The obverse of the banknotes features an important figure from Israeli history and a representation of an event with which the person is associated.
Why buy Israeli Shekels (ILS) with Change Group?
ChangeGroup has been a leader in the currency market and monetary services since 1992. To facilitate the purchase of your currencies, the company has set up several exchange bureaus across the UK which are very well located, for instance in main airports like Gatwick and Luton. During your visit you will discover a wide range of 60 currencies among which you can pick the Israeli shekel (ILS). For your israeli shekels exchange, you just have to go to one of our exchange offices or order your currencies on our website at a better rate and no commission fee. Opt for our home delivery service for only £ 11.95 to save time before you leave for planning your trip and receive your order the next day! If you're not sure as to the amount you want to exchange, get the buyback guarantee for £ 5.99 allowing you to bring back your remaining currencies and exchagne them for pounds.
Traveling soon?
Here's how to easily exchange your money:
1. Choose your currency
Determine the amount you need & enjoy our best price deals online
2. Select branch pick-up
Choose branch pick-up & create an account and finalise your order.
3. Receive travel money
Pick-up your currency from one of our branches the next day & enjoy your trip!
FAQ about exchanging GBP to ILS
It is almost impossible to predict fluctuations in the GBP/ILS exchange rate. At ChangeGroup, we update our rates daily to best reflect market conditions and offer you the most competitive prices. By planning your GBP-to-ILS exchange in advance, you can compare market trends, choose the most favourable moment and obtain your ILS at the best rate.
We offer free collection of your ILS from the exchange bureau of your choice. For added convenience, we can also deliver your order directly to your home within 24 hours for just £6.95.
By choosing to reserve your ILS online, you benefit from our best exchange rates. We also remove all fees or commissions on your transaction! You therefore know exactly how many ILS you will receive after the exchange.
Thanks to our home delivery currency service, we can exchange your GBP to ILS wherever you are in the United Kingdom.
Do you have a question about our services?
Find the answers to your questions in our FAQs


