Israel: Payment methods & tips

All continents Asia Israel

Travel money:

Prepaid Travel credit card

in Swiss francs (CHF)

For ATM cash withdrawals
For cashless payments in shops, restaurants, hotels, and online

ATM Search

Banknotes

in local currency

For minor expenses on arrival in country of destination

Local currency / ISO Code

Shekel ILS

Further Information

Import local currency
unlimited; ILS 80'000.00(including foreign currency) or more must be declared

Import foreign currency
unlimited; the equivalent of ILS 80'000.00 (including local currency) or more must be declared

Export local currency
unlimited; the equivalent of ILS 80'000.00 (including foreign currency) or more must be declared

Export foreign currency
unlimited; the equivalent of ILS 80'000.00 (including local currency) or more must be declared

Credit cards

Customary credit cards are accepted in most places. For more detailed information, please contact the credit card issuer.

ATM Search

Find out more about Travel

Useful tips from our experts:

An additional charge per withdrawal may apply in Israel.
Credit cards are recommended for car rentals. Prepaid cards are generally accepted for payment but not for reservations. Please check the possible payment methods with the car rental company in advance.
Keep exchange and transaction receipts for reconversion.
As a rule, goods and services may be paid for in freely convertible currencies.
Prior to leaving the country, it is advisable to spend local banknotes or to exchange them back into hard currency.
Exchanging ILS in Switzerland may cause problems and result in considerable exchange loss.

Practical Information:

Travel documents for Swiss citizens

Passport still valid 6 months or more after end of stay, return or onward travel ticket and proof of sufficient funds for stays up to 3 months.
For travelers travelling to Arab countries (except Egypt and Jordan) it is recommended to let stamp only the entry permit and not the passport.

Swiss Embassy / Consulate

Tel Aviv, 228 Rue Hayarkon
Tel. +972 3 546 44 55

Opening hours

Banks

8.30 - 12.00 h and 16.00 - 17.30 h (Sun, Tue, Thu)
8.30 - 12.00 h (Mon, Wed)

Stores

9.00 - 13.00 h and 16.00 - 19.00 h (Sun - Thu)
8.00 - 13.00 h (Fri)

Driving

Swiss driver's license accepted for car rentals if obtained at least 1 year previously, varies by rental company.
International driver's licence recommended.
Minimum age for car rentals: 21 (varies by rental company).
Blood alcohol limit: 0.5 ‰.

National language

Official language

Hebrew and Arabic

Language capabilities

English, German and French

Capital

Jerusalem (Yerushalayim)

Country code for calling Switzerland

00 41 (disregard '0' preceding Swiss area codes)

Voltage

220 volt / 3-pronged plug

Health situation

Vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus, polio and measles recommended.

Cultural characteristics

Please observe local customs for dress code and conduct.

Time difference with Switzerland

+ 1h

Other information

Security

Travelers who wish to travel to this country are advised to inquire about current traveler safety prior to departure.
Across the country, there is a risk of violence.
Travel to the West Bank and Gaza Strip (including Israeli settlements) strongly not advised. Travel to the border area with Libanon is not advised. Travel to the border area with Egypt along highway 10 is not advised due to unrest. Mine fields dot the border areas and the Golan Heights occupied by Israel.
Avoid demonstrations and large crowds.

Special legal regulations

Very strict laws to fight illegal drugs.

Travel advice for Israel.