Israel is a small but powerful country. This is true economically and politically. Its geographical location in the Middle East results in a strong armed forces. Israel exports pharmaceuticals, fruit and vegetables. It is also strong in the tourism industry, particularly religious tourism. The currency consists of the new shekel. It trades under the initials ILS. One hundred agorots equal 1 New Israeli Shekel
History
The Israeli monetary system dates back to between 400 and 330 B.C. Under Persian rule, the country had small silver coins. With the arrival of Alexander the Great, there were many coins featuring Aramaic numerals. The Alexandrian coins found favor, lasting in the country to 304 B.C.
The first coins minted in Israel were at Jerusalem under the Hasmonaean rulers. These small bronze coins were taken over by the Herodians. After a spate of bronze coins, the Herods turned to the manufacture of silver coins. With the help of the Romans, they continued to mint them until around 66-70 A.D. A few bronze local coins circulated.
After 70, the new Emperors of Rome preferred Greek Imperial-style coinage in bornze. During the uprising by Bar Cochbar during 132-135, nationalist coins made an appearance. These Jewish-style coins vanished before the Byzantine period. Nomore Jewish coins made the rounds, only denarii, tetradrachms and antonians. The exception was a brief Islamic coinage issued by the Caliphate.
Of more enduring affects was the coinage produced by the period from the Abbasids to the Fatimids. The inscriptions became more elaborate. This period ended in Jerusalem when the Crusaders took over the capital. Gold bezants acted as currency, but the main coinage was base-silver deniers. Local coinage emerged once again in the early 13th century.
Israeli currency continued to evolve under the different leaders, including the British. With independence in 1948, the State of Israel began to mint its own coinage. These consisted of Hebrew designs including grapes, anchors, lyres, ewers and fig trees. The money began at 1,000 pruta to the lira, altering to 1 lira equals 100 agora in 1960.
Israel went through several systems from the 1960s to the 1980s. By 1980, 100 agora equaled 1 shekel. One agora also equaled 10-old agora. After 1989, the mint stopped producing agora. It was removed completely from circulation by 1991. The 1980s also saw the introduction of a new shekel. In this system, 1 new shekel equals 1,000 old shekels.
In the 21st century, the coinage has began to change, again. The agorot became the basis for comparison with 1oo agorot equaling 1 New Israeli Shekel. There is further talk of changes to the currency in 2010. Today, however, coins appear as 10 agorot and ½, 1, 2, 5, 10 new shekels. Banknotes come in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200 new shekels.
Obtaining Israeli New Shekels
You can exchange your own currency for New Israeli Shekels in the usual places. Check out the rates of the various banks. Many charge high commission. Moneychangers, on the other hand, may not charge a cent. See if you are dealing with an independent exchange office. They exist in very town and city in Israel. This makes it easy for you to change your money. There are also ATMs. Some currency exchange ATMs operate 24-hours a day. This is convenient, but they tend to charge a large fee. Always check, first.
Protecting Your Currency
Crime is not excessive in Israel. There is a moderate crime rate in many urban areas. Unfortunately, some forms of terrorism may make it hard for you to retain your money. Car theft is more prominent. Solo travelers are also more apt to run into trouble. Lock your care and your valuables up. Play it safe and do not leave money or anything valuable on the beach unattended.
Using Your Israeli New Shekels
You can use Israeli new shekels for all the usual purchases. Religious items are popular for those on pilgrimage. Among the Bedouins, cash may be more apt at some bazaars, fairs or souqs. You can find anything at these outdoor markets.
Travel Tips and Warnings
- Israel does have issues of security. Be careful where you go. Under some instances, it may be best to avoid the country all together.
- You have to declare any video camera laptop, and other related item when you arrive. Check the list.
- There are restrictions regarding border crossings.
- Kidnapping of foreigners is not unknown in such places as the Gaza strip.
- Be respectful of the cultural beliefs of others.
- Ask permission to take photos of certain people. Do not automatically assume you can do so.
- Visit the Old Wall at Jerusalem as well as the Old City, Carmel Market, Church of the Holy Sepulcher and the Garden Tomb.
- Go to the Dead Sea.
- Make your way to the wilder city of Tel Aviv with its beaches, cafés and nightclubs.
- Go to the Sea of Galilee and Kursi National Park.
- There is Masada.
- At least take a meander through the Bedouin Market of Belersheva.
- There is also the Underwater Observatory Marine Park.
Overview
Israel is a country once only a dream. It has a strong economic base, a powerful and determined army and a durable past.
For factual information and data, go to www.factsofisrael.com. For travel information, www.goisrael.com.
Currency Summary
Current currency: New Shekels
100 agorot equal 1 New Israeli Shekel
Coins: 10 agorot; ½, 1, 2, 5, 10 new shekels
Banknotes: 20, 50, 100, 200 new shekels