ATMs in Israel: Credit cards and fees
In Israel, you’ll be able to use a credit or debit card at most restaurants and other well-established businesses. However, no trip to Israel is complete...
Taking cash in or out of Israel? Read this.
The history alone is reason enough to visit Israel. Some of the world’s oldest cities are there, waiting to be explored, making Israel a top choice for travelers. But before you go, you should know the reality is still that there are restrictions on how much cash you can take in or out of Israel. Read on to learn about the customs rules that could affect your trip.
How much cash can you bring into Israel? What are the limits?
There are no limits to how much cash you can bring into Israel, but if it’s 80,000 New Israeli Shekels (ILS) or more, or the equivalent in a foreign currency, it must be reported whether you are entering or leaving. If you are immigrating to Israel, you’re allowed to bring up to 1,000,000 ILS without declaring it upon entering the country for the first time, but the combined value of your possessions counts toward this total.
What are the penalties if you bring in too much cash to Israel?
As stated above, there’s not really such thing as too much cash. But if you bring in large amounts of cash and you get caught not declaring it to customs, you can have your cash confiscated or be subject to large fines.
What qualifies as cash anyway?
Israeli customs defines cash as banknotes and coins, bank cheques and traveller’s cheques.
Countries/Regions from which a declaration isn't needed if you’re travelling to Israel
Travellers from all countries are required to declare cash when entering Israel, if the amount is 80,000 ILS or more.
Countries from where declaration is needed if you’re travelling to Israel
Travellers from all countries are required to declare cash when entering Israel, if the amount is 80,000 ILS or more.
Declaring cash at your arrival
Declaring cash is done with Customs Form 84. Forms are available from customs officers at international airports. They may be handed out on planes before you land in Israel, but if not, they can be picked up at the airport as you make your way through customs. You can also download the form here and fill it out ahead of time.
How much cash can you take out of Israel?
Israel doesn’t have any rules about how much cash you can take out of the country, though you’ll still have to make a customs declaration if you’re carrying more than 80,000 ILS (or the foreign currency equivalent) in cash. However, the country you’re going to may have its own rules about how much cash you can bring in. Make sure to do your research depending on the country you’re headed to.
Exchanging currency in cash is very costly
Exchanging currency in cash is generally not the cheapest way to obtain local currency when you travel. If you exchange cash at an exchange service, even if it advertises no fees, it’s probably still exchanging your money at an unfavorable exchange rate so it can make a profit. It’s generally cheaper to use your debit card to withdraw cash as you need it at a local ATM, where you may be charged an ATM fee, but will typically get a better exchange rate.
It’s also important to remember that it’s never a good idea to carry large amounts of cash while you travel. This is another reason it may be preferable to use an ATM instead of exchanging cash; an ATM will allow you to take out smaller amounts of cash as you need it.
Travelling frequently? Want to save money? Give Wise a try
Wise allows you to send money internationally at the actual exchange rate, or the rate you see when you Google it. It’s easy, fast and secure!
Wise also offers borderless multi currency accounts, which allow users to send, receive and manage money in multiple global currencies all at once. Beginning in 2018, borderless account holders will have access to consumer debit cards, making accessing your money in foreign countries even easier.
With these tips in hand, you’re ready to cross the border into Israel without any trouble at customs. Safe travels!
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