New Shekel (ILS) = 100 agorot (singular, agora). Notes are in denominations of ILS200, 100, 50, and 20. Coins are in denominations of ILS100, 50, 10, 5 and 1, and 50 and 10 agorot.

Foreign currency can only be exchanged at authorised banks, hotels and change shops. Change shops found in most cities charge no commission and equal the bank exchange rates. It is advisable to leave Israel with the minimum of Israeli currency. Payment in foreign currency exempts tourists from VAT on certain purchases and services, and is sometimes preferred by shop keepers.

All major credit cards are accepted. ATMs are widely available.

These are widely accepted. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take the traveller’s cheques in US Dollars.

Sun-Fri 0830-1200 and Sun, Tues, Thurs 1600-1800.

Date	Apr 07
£1.00=	ILS8.17
$1.00=	ILS4.13
Eur;1.00=	ILS5.53

The following goods may be imported into Israel without incurring customs duty (alcohol and tobacco can only be imported by persons aged 17 years and over):

• 250 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco products.
• 1l of spirits and 2l of wine.
• 250ml of eau de cologne or perfume.
• Personal belongings and gifts up to the value of US$200.

Note: There are a number of exceptions to the value limit on personal belongings, so that provided they are for personal use and re-exported, personal computers, musical instruments, cameras (including video), binoculars, person stereos etc may be brought undeclared through the ‘Green Channel’. However, if any of these items are new, they must be declared and a refundable deposit paid (credit card guarantee may be used).

Requires approval: Approval by customs is required to take the following items into Israel: flowers, plants and seeds, prescription drugs, all animals, mobile phones including built-in computer modem.

All games of chance, cordless telephones with a range of 900 Mhz or more, fresh meat, most kinds of fruit, and dogs and cats aged under three months.