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The Euro is currently trading between 3.90 and 4.10 Israeli New Shekels (ILS), giving European visitors reasonable purchasing power. While card payments are nearly universal in Tel Aviv, having 200-300 NIS in cash is smart for small purchases in markets like Carmel or Mahane Yehuda. Avoid exchanging money at Ben Gurion Airport arrivals where rates are poor; instead, withdraw from a bank ATM in the city or use a fee-free travel card like Revolut or Wise which work seamlessly across Israel.

Departure protocols remain extremely strict, and officials recommend arriving a full three hours before your flight—even for short hops to Europe. The airport has expanded its biometric “fast lane” options for exit control, but the initial security interview before check-in is still manual and rigorous. Be prepared for detailed questions about your stay, especially if you visited the West Bank or have stamps from other Middle Eastern countries. Pack your patience; the process is thorough but designed for safety.

Generally yes, Israel uses Type H outlets which are designed to accept the standard European Type C (two-pin) plugs found in most of the EU. If your device has the thinner two pins (like phone chargers), it will fit directly into the wall without an adapter. However, grounded “Schuko” plugs (Type F, common in Germany/Spain) or thick three-pin plugs (UK/Ireland) will need a specific adapter. Voltage is 230V, same as Europe, so your electronics are safe from surges.

Generally no, most Israeli rental car insurance policies explicitly void coverage if you cross checkpoints into Palestinian Authority-controlled areas (Area A), including cities like Bethlehem, Ramallah, and Jericho. If you plan to visit these historic sites, it is safer and easier to take a guided tour or park your rental in Jerusalem and take a taxi or bus across the checkpoint. Driving on main highways (Route 1, Route 90) that pass through the West Bank to reach the Dead Sea is permitted and fully insured.

Tipping is mandatory in practice, not optional, with 10-15% being the standard for table service. Leaving 10% is considered the absolute minimum, while 12-15% rewards good service. Waiters rely on tips for their salary. Unlike in some European countries, service is rarely included in the bill total. You can usually add the tip to your credit card payment—tell the server the total amount you want to charge including tip before they process the card, or leave cash on the table.

Jerusalem is far more conservative than Tel Aviv, especially near holy sites like the Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and Temple Mount. Both men and women should cover their shoulders and knees; shorts and sleeveless tops will get you denied entry or scolded by locals. It’s smart to carry a lightweight scarf in your bag to drape over yourself when needed. In ultra-orthodox neighborhoods like Mea Shearim, extremely modest dress (long skirts/sleeves for women) is expected to avoid hostility.

Yes, tourists can claim a refund of the 17% VAT on goods purchased at participating stores (look for the “Tax Refund” sticker) if the purchase exceeds 400 NIS (approx €100). You must present your passport and the blue entry slip at the store to get the special invoice. At the airport, BEFORE you check your bags, take the goods and invoice to the VAT refund counter in the departure hall. They must see the items, so don’t pack them deep in your luggage until after the stamp.

Most hotels in Israel follow Kosher dietary laws, which forbid mixing meat and dairy and prohibit pork entirely. Since Israeli breakfasts are famous for their dairy spread—cheeses, yogurts, labneh—meat is excluded from the morning meal. Instead, you’ll find an incredible buffet of fish (herring, lox), eggs (shakshuka), fresh salads, breads, and cheeses. It’s a fresh, healthy Mediterranean start to the day. If you crave meat, you’ll have to wait for lunch or dinner at non-kosher restaurants in Tel Aviv.