Paying in Israel without the hidden markup

ILS · Hebrew DCC exposure: Medium

DCC offers appear at tourist retail, hotels and some ATMs in Jerusalem’s Old City and central Tel Aviv.

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Say this at the counter

בשקלים, בבקשה

Say it: Be-shkalim, bevakasha

It means: “charge me in ILS, please, without conversion.”

More languages on the refusal card.

ATMs & cash machines

Bank Hapoalim/Leumi/Discount branch ATMs are the clean option; standalone machines in tourist areas add fees.

Cash vs card culture

Cards accepted nearly everywhere; shuks and small falafel stands prefer cash.

Local edge

Old City souvenir shops often quote and charge in USD by default. Paying in shekels on a no-FX-fee card is nearly always cheaper.

What would a DCC “yes” cost you here?

Open the calculator preset to ILS and see the overcharge on your exact amount, at today’s ECB reference rate.

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Reviewed 7 August 2026 · Neighbours in the guide: India · Australia · all 30 destinations