Where is the best place to change money in Israel? What is the money in Israel - Israeli shekel - - exchange rates, interesting facts and tips for tourists. Current Israeli shekel exchange rate

The State of Israel is a unique and distinctive country in which Christianity, Islam and Judaism are practiced. The official currency of the country is the new shekel. The shekel includes 100 agorot. If the coin is named in the singular, it will be called agora. Money in Israel can be in the form of bills - shekels, in denominations of 20, 50, 100 and 200, there are coins in denominations of 1.5 and 10 shekels. Small coins - agorots can have denominations of 5, 10, 50.

Shekels, as a currency, can be considered both young and old. The fact is that the shekel as money was mentioned back in the second century BC. The word “shekel” comes from the Hebrew “saqal”, which means “to weigh.” This measure was used in calculations in gold or silver. The shekel was officially recognized as the currency of Israel only in the 20th century.

Before the State of Israel gained independence, the British colonial country's currency was the British pound. The new currency was not introduced in Israel immediately after the declaration of independence, but only in 1969. Since 1999, various historical figures, politicians and famous figures of national culture have been depicted on the country's currency. A special feature of Israeli banknotes is that they are designed vertically. Money is issued using advanced technologies, so they are reliably protected from counterfeiting.

You can import any currency into Israel in unlimited quantities. Currency exchange is carried out in banks, exchange offices, as well as in hotels and post offices. Exchange at the hotel is unprofitable, so it is better to change at the bank. Banks are open from 8.30 to 12.00, from Sunday to Friday. On Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday they are also open from 16.00 to 18.00. Before major holidays, their opening hours are from 8.30 to 12.00. It is possible to exchange currency at the airport, but not more than $500 or the same amount in terms of another currency. It is sometimes difficult to exchange 200 shekels when paying for goods, so it is better not to take such bills when exchanging. If after the trip there remains an amount in shekels exceeding $50, it can be freely exchanged at any exchange office.

Prices for goods throughout Israel are indicated only in shekels, and payments can only be made in national currency. Therefore, it is better to immediately exchange the brought currency for shekels in any bank, the rate is the same in them. True, unlike exchange offices, a bank charges a commission for exchange. If you change on the street, there will be no commission, but the exchange rate is much lower. On Sunday, foreign exchange transactions are not carried out in banks, or the commission fee is higher than on regular days.

In Israel, you can use all major types of international credit cards: Visa, Diner's Club, American Express. You can use a credit card to pay in restaurants or when purchasing goods in a store. You can withdraw money from a credit card through an ATM or at the appropriate bank branch.

Visa and American Express cards

If tourists purchased goods over $50 in stores recommended by the Ministry of Tourism, then they receive a discount of at least 5% of the sale price. In addition, tourists are refunded upon departure VAT, which is included in the price in the amount of 17 percent. Receipts for which returns will be processed are packaged in a transparent bag with the store's seal. These checks are presented at the airport bank. Often it is necessary to present not only receipts, but also goods. For a certain fee, the refunded amount can be sent to the tourist’s home address.

The official full name of the currency of the State of Israel is the New Israeli Shekel. However, such a long designation is practically not used in colloquial use - most Israelis and guests of the country simply call the currency shekel.

Freely convertible since 2003. The international designation (code) of the Israeli currency is ILS. The English abbreviation NIS is also used. Today, money circulates on the market in the form of banknotes in denominations of 20, 50, 100 and 200 shekels.

“The new 20 shekel note, issued since 2008, is printed on a special polymer material and is rightfully considered one of the world record holders in the field of wear resistance.”

Israeli currency: rate to dollar

At the beginning of autumn 2015 (September), 1 new Israeli shekel was equal to 0.26 US dollars. At the same time, 1 US dollar cost 3.88 shekels (data from the European Central Bank and the UN are provided). At the same time, the rate has remained fairly stable over the past few months. In the corresponding section of Sravni.ru you can always find out the current exchange rate of shekels for dollars and vice versa, as well as make a preliminary conversion of the exchange amount you need using a currency calculator.

What currency to take to Israel

We can say that you can go on a trip to Israel with any of the main currencies - both bank offices and exchange offices willingly exchange dollars, euros, Russian rubles and other main currencies of different countries.

“In many retail outlets, hotels and restaurants in Israel, not only shekels are accepted for payment, but also other freely convertible currencies. In this case, preference is naturally given to American dollars. Payments in freely convertible currencies of other countries are not subject to VAT in Israel.”

In addition, Israel is famous for one of the most extensive ATM networks in the world, and payments with credit cards through payment terminals are carried out almost everywhere (at least in large populated areas of the country).

Israeli currency to ruble

According to the exchange rate of the Central Bank of Russia, 1 new Israeli shekel in September 2015 was quoted at the rate of 14.96 Russian rubles (1,496.47 rubles per 100 shekels). The reverse rate for the same period was almost 0.07 new Israeli shekels per 1 Russian ruble (100 rubles = 6.68 shekels). By the way, the exchange of domestic rubles and other currencies for shekels can be made not only in Israel, but also in most large cities of Russia. You can get acquainted with the current ratio of the shekel and the Russian ruble in the “Currencies” section on the Sravni.ru portal.

Exchange rates in Israel

Many travelers visiting the country for the first time are wondering whether it is worth changing money directly at the airport? As a rule, exchange offices located at airports offer frankly unfavorable rates, so we recommend stocking up on the necessary “reserve” of shekels in advance or changing the minimum amount necessary to get to the nearest exchange office with a favorable rate or bank branch. When preparing for your trip to Israel, take the time to study the current shekel exchange rates against major foreign currencies.

Currency of Israel

The monetary unit of the State of Israel has undergone many transformations. The first national currency of the newly proclaimed state in 1948 was the Israeli lira (another name is the Palestinian pound, i.e., in fact, we are talking about the same monetary unit). The transition to the shekel, which historically was the main coin in Israel since ancient times, was carried out only in 1980. Between 1980 and 1985 There was a currency in circulation called the Israeli shekel. In 1985, it was replaced by the new Israeli shekel, which is used as the state currency to this day.

Shekel and bank exchange rate

At the moment, the Israeli shekel can be exchanged for the Russian ruble at a rate of approximately 1 to 8 (for 1 shekel - 8 rubles). The shekel to dollar exchange rate is 1 to 3.49. Israeli banks operate at this rate - it can vary depending on economic indicators in the country and in the world, and the political situation in Israel itself.

If we talk about exchange offices, there are no problems with them in the country - money is exchanged not only in local banks and specialized exchange offices, but also at airports, hotels, near markets, and in large shopping centers. Travelers are often advised to look for better exchange rates and avoid using ATMs at the country's airports.

VAT and tax-free

If you are not a resident of Israel, you can always return VAT if you purchase goods or pay for services in an amount that is more than 400 shekels. VAT refund and tax-free can be used by tourists paying for accommodation in Israel, meals in a hotel, various excursions, rental vehicles, etc.

At the same time, it is necessary to remember that it will not be possible to return VAT if you independently purchase food products, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks in stores, tobacco products, photographic film, cameras, as well as equipment intended for filming, and various types of electrical equipment.

Credit cards and ATMs

Purchases and services in Israel can be paid in any currency that is freely convertible in the country. It must be remembered that neither shops nor companies providing various services are required by law to accept foreign currency. Those. You can pay for your purchase in dollars, and change will be given to you in shekels. and any tourist can use ATMs in the country. All major types of credit cards are in use in Israel - VISA, MasterCard, AmericanExpress, etc. You can withdraw money from your card at ATMs or in banks that have special foreign currency departments.

Modern money of Israel

At the moment, there are four types of banknotes in constant circulation in the country. Their denominations are 20, 50, 100, 200 shekels. Modern Israeli money differs significantly from those that were in circulation 30 years ago, when banknotes with a face value of 10 thousand shekels were in circulation. Inflation was very high. New money has since been reissued three times.

Currently, banknotes of the third and second issues are in circulation. On modern banknotes, political figures of the country who played a large role in its development are used as images. For example, the 100 shekel banknote depicts the second president of Israel, Yitzhak Ben-Zvi, and the 20 shekel bill depicts the country's second prime minister, Moshe Sharett.

Coins of Israel

The first Israeli coins appeared in circulation in 1948. However, gold coins began to be issued here only in 1960. In the period from 1980 to 1985, the country underwent a rather complex monetary reform, during which agorates were changed about 10 times. Simultaneously with the introduction of new agorates, the shekels also changed. The minting of small change coins was carried out during the same period. One of the last coins depicts the moment of a handshake between the heads of three states - Begin, Sadat, Jimmy Carter. It was on this coin that the image of the US President first appeared. In 2010, a commemorative coin of the country was issued, which was dedicated to the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Menachem Begin.

Advice from Sravni.ru: One of the most profitable places for exchanging currencies in Israel is post offices. You can exchange currency for shekels at the post office without commission and at a very favorable rate.

CURRENCY OF ISRAEL

The currency of Israel is the new Israeli shekel (ILS, code 376).

The exchange rate of the shekel to the ruble and to other currencies can be viewed on the currency converter on the right.

1 shekel is equal to 100 agorot.

In circulation there are banknotes in denominations of 20, 50, 100 and 200 shekels, as well as coins in denominations of 10 agorot, ½, 1, 2, 5 and 10 shekels.

New Israeli shekel banknotes look like this:








In addition to the national currency, some large stores and hotels in Israel can accept US dollars and euros as payment. True, the change will most likely be given in shekels, and the rate at which payment was made will be determined at their discretion. In most places you can only pay in shekels.

Currency exchange in Israel

You can exchange currency in Israel at banks and exchange offices. The most profitable option is exchangers (unlike banks, they do not charge a commission). Bank commissions can reach up to 4%; and at Ben Gurion Airport - up to 10% of the exchanged amount. Exchange offices are located everywhere, especially on the central streets of big cities. In addition, they are located in all major shopping centers.

Banks in Israel are open from Sunday to Thursday from 8.30 to 12.00 and on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 16.00 to 18.00; on pre-holiday days, banks are open from 8.30 to 12.00.

We share our advice on what currency is best to take to Israel. Do you need to carry rubles, euros and dollars with you? Let’s tell you a couple of useful life hacks.

What is the currency in Israel: Shekel (ILS);
What money to take on a trip: Dollars (details below).

Important nuances

Most retail outlets and hotels accept cash payments not only in shekels, but also in any other freely convertible currency, but preference is given to American dollars, and no VAT is charged. At the same time, you will be given change exclusively in national banknotes, which is sometimes very convenient: this money can be used as a tip or to pay for a taxi ride.

You can find out the shekel to ruble exchange rate today using this calculator.

In souvenir shops, small cafes, and public transport, payment is accepted in shekels. Based on this, you can take any foreign currency with you to Israel, and changing it to state currency will not be difficult. This can be done at a bank or airport, hotel or gas station, exchange office in a shopping center or post office, but it is worth remembering the restrictions: Israeli shekels can be exchanged for the currency of another state in the amount of no more than $500.

Remember that the work week in Israel starts on Sunday and ends on Thursday. Bank branches where you can exchange currency are open from 08:00 to 18:30, the lunch break lasts from 13:00 to 16:00, and the most favorable rate is offered by private currency exchange offices.

We withdraw money from an ATM

In addition to cash, you can present a bank card from the world's leading payment systems for payment. To withdraw real money, use an ATM (in Israel they are called kaspomat). Master Card and Visa ATMs are installed almost everywhere. You can pay with a card almost everywhere, with the exception of small retail outlets.

Medical insurance for a trip to Israel: Convenient and cheap you can get it through.

We refund VAT after purchases

When making purchases in Israeli stores marked “Change Place – Tax Refund” for an amount of more than $100, each tourist has the right to return VAT, which is 17% of the cost of a product or service, for example, an excursion, cruise, car rental or accommodation in hotel. To receive a refund, you must present at the Change Place office, which is located at the airport, a receipt certified by the seller, as well as a passport. At the cash desk you will be given a refund in cash or the amount will be transferred to a bank card. Read more in the article about VAT refund.

This article presents prices in Israel in 2019 for food, housing, attractions, beaches, public transport, car rental and souvenirs. I will also tell you how much we spent for 10 nights of independent travel in this country. At the end of the article, we will summarize and find out how much a trip to Israel costs. We will also calculate how much money to take to Israel for a week, two and 10 days.

I convert the prices in the article into dollars so that they do not lose their relevance, and also to make it easier to estimate the cost of a trip to Israel for both Russians, Belarusians and Ukrainians.

Prices in Israel for food, drinks and alcohol

Food is cheaper in the Arab quarters (alcohol is not sold there). In Eilat, prices for food and alcoholic beverages are much lower due to the absence of taxes, since this resort is located in a free economic zone.

Cafes, restaurants

  • Falafel – 10-20 shekels. ($2.6-5.2).
  • Shawarma – 20-40 shekels. ($5.2-10.4).
  • Appetizers and salads – 20-60 shekels. ($5.2-15.6).
  • Hot dish – 35-120 shekels. ($9-31).
  • Beer 0.5 l – 20-25 shekels. ($5.2-6.5).
  • Strong alcoholic drinks, serving – 30-50 shekels. ($7.8-13).

Prices in one of the cafes in old Acre

Shops and grocery stores

  • Water 1.5 l – 4-8 shekels. ($1-2).
  • Bread – 15 shekels. ($3.9).
  • Pita – 5-10 shekels. ($1.3-2.6).
  • Milk 1 liter – 5-6 shekels. ($1.3-1.6).
  • Yoghurts are small. ban. – 4-5 shekels. ($1-1.3).
  • Drinking yoghurt 0.75 l – 15-18 shekels. ($3.9-4.7).
  • Hummus, ban. – 8-15 shekels. ($2-3.9).
  • Apples 1 kg – 7-10 shekels. ($1.8-2.6).
  • Beef 1 kg – 70 shekels. ($18.2).
  • Fresh frozen herring 1 kg – 20 shekels. ($5.2).
  • Fresh frozen mackerel 1 kg – 24 shekels. ($6.2).
  • Fresh frozen perch 1 kg – 37 shekels. ($9.6).
  • Fresh frozen halibut 1 kg – 50 shekels. ($12.3).
  • Local beer 0.5 l – 6-15 shekels. ($1.6-3.9).
  • Strong drinks 0.5 l – from 80 shekels. ($21).

Our food expenses. During this time we did not eat in restaurants. We had breakfast and tea in the hotels. When we rented an apartment, we cooked it ourselves. We mostly ate local fast food (shawarma, falafel), grilled chicken, smoked mackerel, fruits, hummus, flatbreads, sausages, pastries, yoghurts, oriental sweets, once we even cooked dumplings, drank water and beer. Our food and alcohol costs were 380$ .


Breakfast in the hotel

Housing prices (hotels, apartments, apartments)

Starting housing prices in Israel in 2019 for one night:

  • Bed in a shared room or tent – ​​from $12.
  • Hotels – from $50.
  • Apartments – from $50.
  • Apartments – from $40.
  • Rooms – from $30.

I look at the prices on the sites:

  • booking.com – hotels and apartments.
  • hotellook.ru – comparison of hotel prices among many systems.
  • airbnb.com – rooms, apartments, houses for private individuals (follow the link for a discount on the first booking).

Our housing expenses. In Jerusalem and the Dead Sea we lived in inexpensive hotels, rented apartments in Haifa and Eilat, and an apartment in Tel Aviv. Our costs for hotels and apartments in Israel in the low season for 10 nights amounted to 592$ .


In the kitchen of an apartment rented through airbnb

Cost of attractions in Israel

There are no comprehensive tourist maps, for example, like those in Israel. Examples of prices for attractions in Israel and Palestine.

Israel

  • Grottoes of Rosh HaNikra – 45 shekels. ($12).
  • Bahai Gardens in Haifa – free.
  • Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes in Tabgha is free, and parking nearby is 5 shekels. for the car.
  • Caesarea – 40 shekels. ($10).
  • Old Jerusalem + Western Wall + Church of the Holy Sepulcher + Way of the Cross – free.
  • Tower of David + Jerusalem fortress wall – 40 shekels. + 1 shek. ($10).
  • The place where Jesus was baptized is free.
  • Belvoir Fortress – 22 shekels. ($5.7).
  • Yardenit (pseudo-place of Jesus' baptism) – free.
  • Mount Gerizim – 22 shekels. ($5.7).
  • Qumran scrolls – 29 shekels. ($7.6).
  • Ein Gedi Nature Reserve – 29 shekels. ($7.6).
  • Masada Fortress – from 29 shekels. ($7.6).
  • Timna Valley – 49 shekels. ($12.8).
  • Coral reef – 35 shekels. ($9).

Palestine

  • Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem - free.
  • Milk Cave in Bethlehem - free.
  • Ruins of the ancient city of Jericho – 10 shekels. ($2.6).
  • Monastery of Temptation – free + cable car 60 NIS. ($15.6), you can walk for free.
  • Ruins of Hisham's Palace – 10 shekels. ($2.6).
  • The Zacchaeus Tree is free.
  • Ruins of Herod's winter palace - free.
  • Ruins of Herod's Hippodrome - free.

Our expenses for attractions. We visited, at the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the Tower of David, walked along the fortress walls in Jerusalem, walked through old Acre, went down to the Rosh Hanikra grottoes, visited Mount Girizim in Samaria, the Bahai Gardens in Haifa, the Roman the aqueduct in Caesarea, the embankment in old Jaffa, the site of the Baptism of Jesus, Yardenit and other shrines. In Bethlehem we saw the Church of the Nativity, the Milk Cave and other temples, and the ruins of the oldest city on earth, the palace of Hisham, the ruins of Herod's winter palace and his hippodrome, the tree of Zacchaeus. We spent between two of us visiting attractions in Israel and Palestine 354 shekels ($92).


Prices for excursions in Israel

Excursions in Israel can be group (by bus) or individual (by car with a personal guide).

Examples of prices for excursions in Israel in 2019:

I look for offers and prices on Russian-language sites:

  • sputnik8.com – many group excursions.
  • tripster.ru – excursions from local residents (individual).

Our expenses for excursion support. We took one tour of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. A guide was hired on the spot, although this was not initially intended. Total excursion expenses amounted to 20$ .


Public transport prices

Public transport in Israel comes in different price categories: buses, minibuses, trains, taxis, individual transfers and planes. I will dwell on each type in more detail.

Buses

The bus network is well developed throughout the country. Price examples:

  • Bus Tel Aviv – Jerusalem – 16 shekels. ($4.2).
  • Bus Jerusalem – Bethlehem – 8 shekels. ($2).
  • Bus Jerusalem – Ramallah – 8 shekels. ($2).
  • Bus Jerusalem – Eilat – 70 shekels. ($18).
  • Bus Jerusalem – Ein Bokek (Dead Sea) – 37.5 shekels. ($10).

I look at the schedule and prices for bus tickets in Israel on the website:

  • egged.co.il – Egged, all over the country.

Railway transport

In Israel, the railway track runs north-south along the Mediterranean Sea from Nahariya to Tel Aviv, where it connects with other lines. One of the parts goes towards the airport, the other - to Jerusalem, the third - to Beersheba, the fourth - to Ashkelon. Construction of a railway to the Red Sea to the southern resort of Eilat is currently underway. Price examples:

  • Train Ben Gurion Airport – Tel Aviv – 13.5 shekels. ($3.5).
  • Train Tel Aviv – Haifa – 27.5 shekels. ($7).

I can see the schedule and prices on the website:

  • rail.co.il

Minibuses

Minibuses in Israel are also well developed. This transport is used to move around Palestine and the West Bank. There is also a shuttle service to other destinations. Price examples:

  • Shuttle Ben Gurion Airport – Jerusalem – 64 NIS. ($17).
  • Shuttle Ovda Airport – Eilat – $8.
  • Minibus Ramallah – Jericho – 12 shekels. ($3.1).
  • Minibus Jericho – Abu Dis – 12 shekels. ($3.1).
  • Minibus checkpoint “Allenby Bridge” – Jericho – 13 shekels. ($3.4) + luggage 5 shekels. ($1.3).
  • Minibus checkpoint "Allenby Bridge" - Jerusalem - 42 shekels. ($11) + luggage 5 shekels. ($1.3).

Shuttle from the airport to Jerusalem

Taxi

When traveling by taxi in Israel, it is better to pay using the meter.

  • Short distances around the city - 30-50 shekels. ($8-13).
  • Taxi Eilat – Yitzhak Rabin checkpoint – 30 shekels. ($7.8).
  • Taxi in Jericho – 10 shekels. ($2.6).

Transfer

According to this scheme, they meet you, help you with your luggage, and take you in a personal car to the place of your request according to a pre-approved route and cost. Convenient if your command of English or Hebrew is poor, as well as when used on Saturdays, since public transport does not operate at this time. Examples of prices for an individual transfer (beneficial for a family or group of 3-4 people):

  • Ben Gurion Airport – Tel Aviv – from $60.
  • Ben Gurion Airport – Jerusalem – from $100.
  • Ben Gurion Airport – Netanya – from $100.

I look at the prices on the website:

  • kiwitaxi.ru

Airplane

Domestic flights are operated between Tel Aviv, Haifa and Eilat by two Israeli airlines, Arkia and Israir. Price examples:

  • Tel Aviv – Eilat – $35-100.
  • Haifa – Eilat – $50-100.

I look at the schedule and prices for domestic flights in Israel on the website:

  • skyscanner.ru.

Local airlines

Our expenses in Israel and Palestine for public transport. We traveled from Ben Gurion Airport to Jerusalem by shuttle, visited the Palestinian cities of Bethlehem and Jericho by bus and minibus, traveled 2 times by taxi in Jericho, got from the Allenby Bridge checkpoint with Jordan by minibus and took a taxi from Eilat to the border with Jordan. All moves cost 384 shekels ($100).

Costs for car rental, insurance and gasoline

A rented car is a rather pleasant and convenient means of moving around Israel. The roads in the country are of excellent quality. This expense item is quite significant and will significantly affect how much money to take with you to Israel.

  • Rental prices start from $35-40 per day. If desired, maximum insurance is paid - from $12 per day.
  • Airport tax (when picking up or dropping off a car at the airport) – $29.

I compare car rental prices from different companies on the website:

  • rentalcars.com

Fuel (per liter):

  • Gasoline 95 – 5-6.2 shekels. ($1.3-1.6).
  • Diesel fuel – 5-5.3 shekels. ($1.3-1.4).

Our car rental costs. We rented a car in Israel 2 times (for 2 and 3 days), drove about 1200 km, spent 65.6 liters of fuel. Paid $226.36 for rental with maximum insurance and airport tax, $93 for fuel. Funds of $700 and $500 were blocked on the bank card. One time we paid 6 shekels for parking. ($1.6) and travel through the tunnel – 8.62 shekels ($2.2). In total, including all costs, it cost us 323$ .


Paid beaches and spas

Israel has two seas (Red and Mediterranean) and two resort lakes (Dead and Sea of ​​Galilee). Beaches can be either paid or free. Spa salons are mainly located on. Price examples:

  • Coral beach on the Red Sea – 35 shekels. ($9).
  • Kalia Beach on the Dead Sea – 55 shekels. ($15).
  • Neve Midbar Beach on the Dead Sea – 85 NIS. ($23).
  • SPA Ein Gedi + beach on the Dead Sea – 95 shekels. ($26).

Equipment rental:

  • Sunbed – 12 shekels. ($3.1).
  • Chair – 6 shekels. ($1.6).

Our expenses for beaches and spas. We visited only free beaches and the spa complex at. Expenses amounted to 0$ .


Souvenirs

As a rule, souvenirs in Israel are represented by magnets, plates, figurines, scarves and, of course, religious paraphernalia.

  • Magnets – from 10 shekels. ($2.6).
  • Other small souvenirs – 10-50 shekels. ($2.6-13).

Our expenses in Israel are for souvenirs. We bought 2 magnets (Palestine and Israel), two arafatkas and other small souvenirs 100 shekels ($26).

Israeli cosmetics

Dead Sea cosmetics are popular in Israel. In tourist places, prices can rise several times. It is most profitable to purchase cosmetics in official stores (outlets in shopping centers) or in pharmacies.

Our expenses for cosmetics made up 0$ .

other expenses

  • The commission at the airport for currency exchange is about $6 for an exchange from $100 to $500. This is a fixed value. Over $500 - 1.8% of the amount. The rate is usually the same as in most exchange offices in the city. Upon arrival, we exchanged $100 for shekels and paid about $6 for the exchange process. This was only seen at Ben Gurion Airport.
  • Exit fee (although this expense item is more suitable for estimates for Jordan) – 101 shekels. ($26.6) per person + 5 shekels. ($1.3) per group. That is, for two – 101*2+5 = 207 shekels. ($54.5).
  • Battery – 2 shekels. ($0.5).

Our other expenses in Israel amounted to 60$ .

Cost of health insurance in Israel

Prices in Israel in 2019 for insurance:

  • For coverage of 30,000 € – from 58 rubles/day ($0.9).
  • For coverage of 50,000 € – from 73 rubles/day ($1.1).


I choose a policy on the sites:

  • sravni.ru – comparison of prices and conditions from different companies. Only for citizens of the Russian Federation.
  • cherehapa.ru - works similarly to the previous one, only it is also suitable for Belarusians and Ukrainians.
  • tripinsurance.ru - reliable insurance, a little more expensive than usual. By promo code frogtravelers They give a 5% discount.

Our insurance costs. The insurance policy is relatively inexpensive and does not particularly affect the overall cost of the trip to Israel. We bought health insurance online for two for 11 days with coverage of 50,000 € with the option of emergency dental care. Of the 10 companies on the list proposed by Cherekhapa, we chose Liberty, since this insurance company has many positive reviews and is not as expensive as Tripinshurance. I have already written a detailed article on how to select (there are nuances). The total cost of the policies at that time was RUB 2,292 ($30).

Prices of flights to Tel Aviv and Eilat

Round-trip flight prices to Israel from Moscow in 2019:

departure date Return date Transplants Airline Find a ticket

1 transfer

2 transfers

Prices for flights to Israel from St. Petersburg in both directions in 2019:

departure date Return date Transplants Airline Find a ticket

1 transfer

How much does our trip to Israel cost?

Total our expenses, which in many respects were quite restrained:

  • Flight – $360.
  • Insurance – $30.
  • Housing – $592.
  • Food and alcohol – $380.
  • Public transport – $100.
  • Car rental – $323.
  • Attractions – $92.
  • Excursions – $20.
  • Souvenirs – $26.
  • Other – 60$.

So, how much does our independent trip to Israel cost? Expenses in Israel itself (i.e. without air tickets and insurance) – 1593$ . It turns out that on average we spent per day 160$ for two with accommodation (not booked in advance, only during the trip one day in advance or on the day of arrival). As a result, the entire budget for our trip to Israel for 10 nights was 1983$ . I did not take into account the cost of fuel from Vitebsk to Kyiv, a green card to Ukraine and the cost of parking a car at Boryspil airport. We also went to Jordan for 6 days, there too, but that’s a completely different story...

How much money to take to Israel

How much money to take to Israel will depend on how the vacation takes place (on your own or on a package tour). Also, the amount of expenses is influenced by the personal preferences of the tourist and his minimum level of comfort. The cost of a trip to Israel also directly depends on the duration of the trip.

For a completed tour without meals

The cost of a trip to Israel on a ready-made tour includes flights, accommodation, insurance, transfer from/to the airport. All that remains is to estimate the costs of food, sightseeing and souvenirs.

How much money to take to Israel for two (on average) on a ticket without meals:

  • For a week– $1020 (meals $420 + excursions $400 + souvenirs $100 + other expenses $100).
  • For 10 days– $1450 (meals $600 + excursions $600 + souvenirs $100 + other expenses $150).
  • For two weeks– $1740 (meals $840 + excursions $600 + souvenirs $100 + other expenses $200).

When traveling on your own

An independent trip implies that air tickets and insurance have already been purchased, and expenses for hotels, transfers, meals, etc. will occur during the journey.

How much money to take to Israel for two (on average) on an independent trip:

  • For a week– $1780 (accommodation $560 + meals $420 + excursions $400 + transfer costs $200 + souvenirs $100 + other expenses $100).
  • For 10 days– $2450 (accommodation $800 + meals $600 + excursions $600 + transfer costs $200 + souvenirs $100 + other expenses $150).
  • For two weeks– $3060 (accommodation $1120 + meals $840 + excursions $600 + transfer costs $200 + souvenirs $100 + other expenses $200).

Factors influencing the cost of travel to Israel

Very often, when staying in hotels, breakfast is included in the room price. We had a hearty breakfast at the hotel, then spent the whole day actively moving around the country, and the next meal was only fast food dinner. That is, we didn’t eat in restaurants and, in a constant rush, we practically didn’t have lunch. This contributed to significant savings on food. True, after a few days he begins to turn away from shawarma and falafel, no matter how tasty they are.

Alcohol significantly increases the amount of expenses. So, a couple of bottles of beer drunk in an establishment will add $15-30 to your daily expenses.

During the low season (winter), hotel prices can drop by up to 40%. It can also be advantageous to book a hotel a day before check-in. However, during high season it can be risky.

If you rent a car and visit the sights on your own, the cost will be the same as for 2-3 excursions for two, but you will see in total the same as on 10 excursions, for the same money. If you don’t travel anywhere at all, your costs for food, alcohol and local entertainment will most likely increase, since you will need to keep yourself occupied with something.

If you get to the hotel by public transport or a rented car for travel, then transfer costs can be reduced several times.

Be sure to take a cash reserve for your trip. Unexpected expenses. It is best to focus on an amount greater than the cost of a return ticket at emergency flight prices, even if you are flying on a package deal. There have been situations with our friends and acquaintances who were late for their flight. We usually take an additional minimum of $500-$1000 for two people, just in case, depending on the country, and we store the money on several cards.


Blog authors Konstantin and Marina Samorosenko

Here we told you how much a trip to Israel costs for two for 10 nights. We actively moved around the country in a rented car and rented inexpensive housing. I hope the information gives an understanding of prices in Israel in 2019, and the tips given in the article will help you decide how much money to take with you.

Keep track of the cost of your trip to Israel

Marina and Konstantin Samorosenko

Israel