Using Money and Credit Cards in Israel

As you prepare for your Christian tour with Inspiration, managing finances and avoiding fees is crucial for a smooth travel experience. Here are some updated guidelines:

Leave unnecessary debit and credit cards at home to reduce risk and clutter. Notify your bank about your travel plans for the cards you do bring to prevent fraud alerts and transaction blocks. Keep a separate record of your bank's contact information in case you lose your wallet or purse.

Almost all businesses in Israel accept U.S. credit or debit cards (debit cards will only work with ATMs, however, as most foreign businesses don’t have PIN machines). In most locations, the availability of ATMs makes withdrawing local currency an easy option for everyday purchases like meals, beverages and small souvenirs. Remember that ATM exchange rates vary daily.

If you plan to use your credit cards, check with each credit card company to determine the international exchange fee for each card. Because the difference of a few percentage points could cost you hundreds of dollars (depending on your purchases), we recommend using cards with lower international exchange fees. Using your credit card for large purchases gives you more protection for the items you buy on your trip (you can look at your credit card statement to verify all of your purchases).

Israel’s official currency is the Israeli New Shekel (ILS), although most stores and businesses will accept U.S. Dollars. We visit very few places with ATMs on tour, so we strongly recommend you arrive with U.S. Dollars in small denominations or shekels. Hotels will exchange small amounts of currency as well.

More country-specific details, especially for tour extensions, are in the list below:

Egypt

The Egyptian Pound (EGP) has been greatly devalued over the last several years. Most larger hotels, restaurants and businesses will accept U.S. currency and major credit cards. Hotels will exchange small amounts of currency as well.

Italy

In Italy, the official currency is the Euro (€). Most larger hotels, restaurants and businesses will accept major credit cards. Hotels will exchange small amounts of currency as well. Jordan The Jordanian Dinar (JOD) is the official currency in

Jordan

Most larger restaurants, shopping malls and hotels accept U.S. currency and major credit cards. You may want to carry dinar notes or coins to spend in smaller shops and restaurants. Hotels will exchange small amounts of currency as well.

Turkey

The official currency of Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY or YTL). The country’s tourism-oriented places and larger businesses typically accept U.S. currency. Visa and MasterCard are also widely accepted. Hotels will exchange small amounts of currency as well.

For more information, please call one of our Reservation Coordinators at 800 247 1899, Monday through Friday between 8:30am – 5:00pm, Pacific Time.