Electricity

Electrical voltage in Israel is 220 volts at 50 Hertz. Tourists coming to Israel with devices which do not support 220 voltage should use a converter or transformator.

Embassy

Embassy of the United States (US embassy)
Address:
71 Hayarkon St.
Tel-Aviv
63903
Tel: 972-3-5197575, Fax: 972-3-5102444
website: http://www.buyusa.gov/israel/en

Currency

The New Israeli Shekel / Sheqel – abbreviated as NIS, is Israel’s currency. There are coins of 5, 10, 50 agorot (like cents), and 1, 5, 10 shekels, as well as 20, 50, 100 & 200 shekels notes. Note that 200 Shekels notes are not easily traded, and one should try to avoid receiving them when exchanging money. Money can be exchanged at any of the street exchange bureaux, ATMs or any of Israel’s major banks (i.e.- Hapoalim, Leumi, Discount bank, FIBI and Hamizrahi).

Banks

When exchanging money at a bank, you will be charged a fixed exchange fee, and if you choose to use an exchange place on the street, you will not be charged for the transaction, but will receive a lower rate than the banks supply.

If you do choose to use the bank, try not to exchange money on Sundays. The reason is that while the Israeli banks are open on Sundays, there is no world currency trade on Sunday, and the banks charge a commission that is 10 times higher than on any other day of the week.

ATMs

There are many ATMs around Israel that are all connected to European and American banking systems. When using an ATM, you will be charged by your credit card provider, as well as an ATM fee (usually 3.5$ plus 4% of the total amount). Your credit card provider (i.e. VISA, Mastercard, Diners club, American express etc.) will also determine what the exchange rate is, and it will usually be the highest rate possible for that date.

Exchange Bureaux

Generally speaking, exchange places are always cheaper than the banks and ATMs, but if you choose to exchange money at a change spot, make sure to look at the rates of a few places before making your choice.

Travelers’ Cheques

some Israeli businesses will accept Travelers’ cheques, although most of them won’t. If you insist on using travelers’ cheques, This leaves you with the alternative of caching them at any of the Israeli post offices, which are the only commission – free way to chache travelers cheques in Israel. Cash can also be sent to post office branches using Western Union services.

Visa Requirements

Israel requires no visa for Americans.