Money and duty free for Palestinian National Authority
Currency and Money
Currency information
There is no national currency. The most commonly used is the New Israeli shekel but Jordanian Dinars and US Dollars are also accepted.
New Shekel (ILS) = 100 agorot (singular, agora). Notes are in denominations of ILS200, 100, 50, and 20. Coins are in denominations of ILS100, 50, 10, 5 and 1, and 50 and 10 agorot.
Dinar (JOD; symbol JD) = 100 piastres or 1,000 fils. Notes are in denominations of JD50, 20, 10, 5 and 1, and 500 fils. Coins are in denominations of JD1, 1/2 and 1/4; 10, 5, 2 and 1/2 piastres; and 1 and 1/2 qirsh.
US Dollar (US$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of US$100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of US$1, and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents.
Credit cards
Major credit cards are accepted by most hotels, restaurants and large companies in the main cities. Beyond Jerusalem and Bethlehem, it is advisable to carry sufficient cash. Personal cheques are generally not accepted.
Travellers cheques
These are widely accepted. The easiest, most economical currency to exchange is the US Dollar.
Banking hours
Sat-Thurs 0800-1230; Sat-Wed 1500-1700.
Currency restrictions
There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency.
Currency exchange
Foreign currency is easily exchanged at any bank or money exchange shops. The exchange shops are located throughout Palestine and generally have more convenient opening hours and better exchange rates than banks.
Palestinian National Authority duty free
Overview
The following goods may be imported into Israel and the Palestinian National Authority without incurring customs duty (alcohol and tobacco can only be imported by persons aged 17 years and over):
• 250g of tobacco products.
• 1L of spirits and 2L of wine.
• 3kg of food (each item may not weigh more than 1kg).
• Gifts and other goods to the value of US$200.
Banned Imports
Prohibited and restricted items include firearms, plants, raw meat, raw material, counterfeit currency or documents, and knives not intended for professional use.
