Israeli New Shekel · ₪ · Official currency of Israel
The Israeli new shekel (₪) revives the name of an ancient Hebrew currency unit. It was introduced in 1985 through a currency reform that exchanged 1,000 old shekels for 1 new shekel, addressing severe inflation.
Four denominations circulate: ₪20, ₪50, ₪100, and ₪200, featuring prominent Israeli poets, writers, and other cultural figures.
Israel has strong card and mobile payment adoption, but many shops and money changers close from Friday afternoon through Saturday evening for Shabbat, so it's worth planning your currency exchange around that. Cash is still useful at stalls in tourist spots like Jerusalem's Old City. Licensed currency exchange points (change points) often charge lower fees than banks.
You can view the real banknote designs on the Bank of Israel's official page.
See Israeli New Shekel banknotes at today's exchange rate →