Currency
The currency of Israel is the New Israeli Sheqel (NIS ₪) – (1 NIS = CAD$0.35 US$0.26.) The Shequel is also the currency used in Palestine. Each sheqel is divided into 100 Agorot (singular agora). Bank notes circulate in denominations of NIS 200, 100, 50 and 20 sheqels and coins in denominations of 5 sheqels, 10 sheqels, 1 sheqel and 50 and 10 agorot. One may bring an unlimited amount of local and foreign currency into the country in cash and travellers checks.
The currency of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is the Dinar (JOD). The Dinar is worth about CAD$1.90 US$1.42. The dinar is divided into 10 dirhams, 100 qirsh (also called piastres) or 1000 fulus. Throughout the West Bank (Palestine) the Jordanian Dinar is widely used for commerce (though US$ is the easiest currency to use.)
In Israel, Palestine, and Jordan almost all stores and restaurants accept the US dollar, VISA and MasterCard. You do not need to convert to local currencies. On pilgrimage you will not need much cash -- as almost all your expenses are already included. The only things you need cash for are souvenirs and beverages. Most days when you leave your room you might want to take your passport, a credit card, and about US$50 to US$100 -- about half of that in small bills. Keep some small US bills easily accessible with the rest and your passport in a zippered inside pocket. (Few merchants will accept Canadian currency in Israel.)
Some pilgrims want to leave home with some Shequels in their pocket and get them at a Canadian Bank. The exchange rates are not competitive in Canada and I really don's suggest this. Exchanging money at airports or Israeli banks is usually a bad idea as well. To know the exchange rate of the New Israeli Shekel please click here.
Exchanging Money: Note: You really don't need Shequels. I suggest you bring about US$300 or $400 for souvenirs and beverages and personal items. The first time you buy something in Israel with your US$ you are going to get change in NIS anyway.
If you have a need for Shequels the solution is to go to "Change" shops scattered around most city centers in Israel. (You will need to show your passport.) They usually take no commission and match the bank rates. They also let you use your debit card to get cash (in local currency).
The currency of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is the Dinar (JOD). The Dinar is worth about CAD$1.90 US$1.42. The dinar is divided into 10 dirhams, 100 qirsh (also called piastres) or 1000 fulus. Throughout the West Bank (Palestine) the Jordanian Dinar is widely used for commerce (though US$ is the easiest currency to use.)
In Israel, Palestine, and Jordan almost all stores and restaurants accept the US dollar, VISA and MasterCard. You do not need to convert to local currencies. On pilgrimage you will not need much cash -- as almost all your expenses are already included. The only things you need cash for are souvenirs and beverages. Most days when you leave your room you might want to take your passport, a credit card, and about US$50 to US$100 -- about half of that in small bills. Keep some small US bills easily accessible with the rest and your passport in a zippered inside pocket. (Few merchants will accept Canadian currency in Israel.)
Some pilgrims want to leave home with some Shequels in their pocket and get them at a Canadian Bank. The exchange rates are not competitive in Canada and I really don's suggest this. Exchanging money at airports or Israeli banks is usually a bad idea as well. To know the exchange rate of the New Israeli Shekel please click here.
Exchanging Money: Note: You really don't need Shequels. I suggest you bring about US$300 or $400 for souvenirs and beverages and personal items. The first time you buy something in Israel with your US$ you are going to get change in NIS anyway.
If you have a need for Shequels the solution is to go to "Change" shops scattered around most city centers in Israel. (You will need to show your passport.) They usually take no commission and match the bank rates. They also let you use your debit card to get cash (in local currency).