Currency & Exchange

The economy of the West Bank, much to the displeasure of the native Palestinian population, has been dependent on the economy of Israel since the 1967 occupation. The new Israeli shekel (NIS) is the most prevalent and practical currency, although Jordanian dinars (JD) and U.S. dollars (US$) are also in use. Expect to be automatically labeled a tourist, however, and for prices to increase by a significant margin if you offer to pay for your purchase in anything other than shekels. Money changers, whose only wish is to cater to your needs, are scattered everywhere from street comers to jewelry shops.