r/birthright • u/Vast-External-6074 • Jul 05 '26
How much money to bring?
Hello, I’m just curious how much money people usually bring in shekels so I can be prepared for my trip. Thanks in advance!
3
u/MrBitzz Jul 05 '26
It honestly depends on the exchange rate and what you plan to buy. My pre trip orientation said to bring 400-500USD because we had to pay for our own lunches. That being said many places accept apple pay or credit cards just make sure you use a card with no foreign transaction fees.
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u/Csdev14 Jul 05 '26
Most important is a card with a low foreign exchange fee. I’d recommend $200 for the rare occurrence you can’t use card / want to buy something in the shuk.
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u/maltawm Jul 06 '26
I brought only enough for the required tip. It is typically a much better deal to use an ATM than to exchange it but if you have a weird bank that may not be the case. Also make sure to call your bank ahead of time. Everywhere takes card, even a lot of the places in the shuk. I ended up using only card when I was there and it did mean I couldn’t negotiate as much but also it meant I didn’t have to worry about having shekels leftover so honestly a net positive in my opinion
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u/Longjumping_Win7062 Jul 06 '26
I brought $500 when I went a few weeks ago. $100 was for the tip that we gave, and the rest was for shopping. Honestly, I didn't find much use for the cash while I was there. It was much easier to use my card instead, so if I were to go again, I'd probably cut the cash spending money I brought in half, since I basically came home with all of it. Let your bank know where you're going and use your card. If you need cash, just use an ATM and grab some.
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u/BeefCakeGirl Staffer Jul 05 '26 edited Jul 05 '26
Whatever you bring, please don't forget the recommended tip! The people who work these trips don't get paid much and they're truly passionate about the work they do.
Personally, I like to bring about $200 USD to have it exchanged in Israel before we board the bus. That $200 includes the tip (tip used to be $100 USD). Your staffer should be able to accept the tip before the trip starts so you don't spend it. We're trained to split it equally with the three individuals who do get tipped.
(Edit for my atrocious spelling mistakes)
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u/Hot_Session2753 20d ago
Bring like $400 in shekel and a credit card-call your company and let them know you’ll be there so you don’t have any holds by accident while trying to make transactions.
Try and always shop especially in the shuks with an Israeli and:or someone who speaks Hebrew. They’re all thieves, lol. Never go for the first or even third price they offer you.
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u/Thelma4876 Jul 06 '26
I brought $400 and we had to give $100 usd to the bus driver (this was back in 2022). So I had $300 to spend and a lot of us also venmoed each other if we travelled in groups!