Israel Tipping & Currency
Convert shekels in real time and work out a fair tip — restaurants, cafés, taxis, hotels and tour guides.
Money, sorted
Currency converter
Type any amount and it converts both ways instantly. Rates are approximate 2026 values for orientation only — check a live rate before you exchange money. See the full cost & budget guide for what things actually cost.
Tipping calculator
Work out a fair tip
Tipping in Israel is customary but never compulsory — check whether a service charge is already on the bill.
Tipping at a glance
| Where | Typical tip | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants (sit-down) | 10–12% | Check if service is already added |
| Cafés | ~5–10% | Or round up / a few shekels |
| Bars | ₪5–10 / round | Or round the tab up |
| Taxis | Round up | Not expected, but appreciated |
| Hotel porters | ₪10–20 / bag | Housekeeping ₪10–20 / day |
| Tour guides | ₪40–60 pp / day | Drivers about half that |
Frequently asked questions
How much should you tip in Israel?
In sit-down restaurants the norm is about 10–12%, and many places now add a service line you can decline. Tip café and bar staff a few shekels or round up, give tour guides roughly ₪40–60 per person per day, hotel porters ₪10–20 per bag, and round up taxi fares. Tipping is customary in Israel but never compulsory.
What currency is used in Israel?
The Israeli new shekel (₪, ILS). Cards are accepted almost everywhere, including for small purchases, but keep some cash for markets, small vendors and tips. The converter above uses approximate 2026 rates — check your bank or a live rate before exchanging money.
Do you tip taxi drivers in Israel?
Tipping taxi drivers is not expected, but rounding the fare up to the nearest few shekels is common and appreciated. Always ask the driver to run the meter (moneh) rather than agreeing a flat price, except for fixed airport runs.
Ready to plan the trip?
Now you know the money side, map out where to go and for how long.