Palestine, State of Currency & Money Guide: Exchange, Cards, and Tips

Palestine primarily uses the Israeli New Shekel (ILS) for daily transactions, though Jordanian Dinars (JOD) and US Dollars (USD) are common for large purchases. While cards are accepted in major cities like Ramallah and Bethlehem, cash remains essential for markets, taxis, and smaller vendors throughout the region.

The official currency used for daily life in Palestine is the Israeli New Shekel (ILS), often referred to simply as the 'shekel.' While the Palestinian Authority does not issue its own banknotes, you will find that the Jordanian Dinar (JOD) and US Dollar (USD) are frequently used for significant transactions like rent or vehicle purchases. As of early 2026, the exchange rate sits at approximately 1 SGD to 2.75 ILS, making it relatively easy for Singaporean travelers to calculate costs on the fly.

When exchanging money, you will find the best rates at local exchange shops in city centers rather than at banks or border crossings. In cities like Ramallah or Nablus, these 'change' offices are plentiful and often do not charge a commission. If you are using the Hello app, you can utilize the multi-currency tracking feature to automatically convert your ILS spending back into SGD using real-time rates, ensuring you stay within your travel budget. For those arriving from Jordan via the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge, it is wise to carry some ILS immediately for the shared taxi (service) to your destination.

Cash is king in the Palestine, State of, especially when navigating traditional souqs or catching a 'service' (shared taxi). While high-end hotels, upscale restaurants, and modern supermarkets in major hubs like Ramallah accept major credit cards like Visa and Mastercard, smaller establishments almost exclusively prefer cash. Contactless payments are slowly gaining traction in urban centers, but they are far from a universal standard.

ATMs are widely available in cities and are generally reliable. Look for banks such as Bank of Palestine or Arab Bank, which typically accept international cards. Be aware that many ATMs dispense both ILS and USD, so pay close attention to the screen prompts to avoid withdrawing the wrong currency. Most local banks charge a flat fee of around 15-25 ILS per transaction for international cards, in addition to whatever your home bank charges. To avoid these mounting costs, try to withdraw larger sums at once.

To keep your finances organized, the Hello app allows you to import bank statements or use AI receipt scanning to categorize your cash spending. This is particularly helpful in Palestine where you'll be handling many small cash transactions for souvenirs or snacks. Before you head out, ensure you have a Hello eSIM for Palestine so you can access your banking apps and the Hello expense tracker securely on the go without relying on spotty public Wi-Fi.

Tipping in Palestine is appreciated but not strictly mandatory in the way it is in North America; it is generally seen as a gesture of satisfaction for good service. In standard sit-down restaurants, a tip of 10% is customary, though some modern establishments may include a service charge on the bill. For smaller cafes or street food stalls, rounding up to the nearest 5 or 10 ILS is a common and kind practice.

When it comes to other services, tipping customs vary. For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare is standard (e.g., paying 15 ILS for a 13 ILS fare). If you hire a private guide for a day trip to the Dead Sea or the hills of Nablus, a tip of 50-100 ILS is appropriate depending on the length and quality of the tour. In hotels, a small tip of 5-10 ILS for porters or housekeeping is a nice touch.

If you are traveling with a group of friends, managing these small tips and shared meals can get complicated. The Hello app simplifies this by offering an expense splitting feature that supports multiple currencies. You can log a group dinner in ILS, and the app will calculate everyone's share in their preferred home currency using automatic exchange rates, making the 'who owes what' conversation much smoother at the end of the day.

Traveling through Palestine can be very affordable if you embrace local habits, such as eating at street-side stalls and using public transportation. According to data from the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS), local food prices have remained relatively stable for tourists in 2026, with a hearty falafel wrap costing around 12 ILS. To save money, prioritize 'service' taxis over private ones; these shared vans follow set routes and cost a fraction of a private ride.

Another great way to save is to shop at local markets (souqs) for fresh produce, bread, and olives rather than international-style supermarkets. When shopping for handicrafts like Hebron glass or olive wood carvings, polite bargaining is expected and can often lead to a 10-20% discount. However, avoid bargaining in pharmacies or modern clothing stores where prices are fixed.

Staying connected doesn't have to be expensive either. Instead of paying for an expensive international roaming plan, you can activate a Hello eSIM for Palestine before you arrive. This ensures you have immediate data for navigation and price-checking without the shock of roaming fees. By combining a Hello eSIM with the app's budget tracking features, you can set daily limits and receive alerts if your spending in ILS exceeds your SGD budget, helping you stretch your travel funds further.

Palestine is generally very safe for travelers, and Palestinians are known for their exceptional hospitality, but it is always wise to stay vigilant against common travel nuisances. One of the most frequent issues involves taxi drivers not using the meter or overcharging for 'private' tours. Always agree on a price before getting into a vehicle if a meter isn't present, or ask your hotel for the standard rate to your destination.

In high-traffic tourist areas like Manger Square in Bethlehem, you may encounter 'unauthorized guides' who offer their services for free but later demand a high payment or lead you to specific shops where they earn a commission. It is better to hire licensed guides through official tourism offices or your accommodation. Additionally, always check your change carefully; while rare, some travelers have reported receiving older, out-of-circulation coins or being confused by the similarities between certain ILS and JOD denominations.

Using the Hello app's voice expense entry can help you quickly log transactions as they happen, ensuring you have a record of what you paid in case of a dispute. The app’s AI categorization also helps you see if you're overspending in specific areas like 'transportation,' which might indicate you're being overcharged by local taxis.

Can I use US Dollars in Palestine? While many hotels and large souvenir shops in Bethlehem accept USD, you will likely receive a poor exchange rate. It is always better to pay in Israeli New Shekels (ILS) for daily expenses.

Are ATMs safe to use? Yes, ATMs at major banks like Bank of Palestine are secure. Avoid using standalone ATMs in isolated areas and always shield your PIN.

Is Palestine expensive? Compared to Western Europe, Palestine is quite affordable. A budget traveler can manage on $50-70 SGD per day, while a mid-range traveler might spend $120-150 SGD including private tours and nice dinners.

Do I need to carry a lot of cash? Yes, cash is essential for small purchases, public transport, and markets. It is recommended to carry at least 200-300 ILS in small denominations at all times.

How do I track my spending across different currencies? The Hello app is perfect for this; it allows you to enter expenses in ILS, JOD, or USD and automatically converts them to SGD so you can see your total trip cost in one place.