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, 1 and half and 50 and 10, 5 and 1 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. A maximum of US$500 worth of new shekels can be reconverted to foreign currency by travellers leaving Israel.

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 traveller's cheques in US Dollars.

There are no restrictions on the import of local or foreign currency. Travellers planning to export local currency should apply to a local bank before departure from Israel. The export of foreign currency is limited to the amount imported.

Date	Jul 06
£1.00=	ILS8.19
$1.00=	ILS4.50

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

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; gifts up to the value of US$150.

Provided for personal use and re-exported, one video camera, one photographic camera, one movie camera, one tape recorder and up to a value of US$250 in film and video cassettes may be imported; subject to high deposits paid in cash or VISA credit card only. For flowers, plants and seeds, a health certificate is required.

Fresh meat, bananas and pineapples; fruit and vegetables from the African continent, especially South Africa; and dogs and cats aged under three months.