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Common in Israel

Scam in IsraelChanging money

Poor exchange rates for foreign-currency payments in Israel

Payments across Israel when using foreign currency instead of shekels.

How it works

A seller accepts foreign cash but uses a poor exchange rate. You pay more than you would in shekels.

Warning signs

  • You are offered a price in foreign currency.
  • The exchange rate or final shekel price is unclear.

How to avoid it

  1. Pay in shekels when using cash.
  2. Ask for the full price in shekels before paying.
  3. Use a card or mobile payment where accepted.

If it happens to you

Keep the receipt and ask the seller to explain the conversion. Request a correction if the amount differs from what you agreed.

  1. Get to a safe place. Do not chase a thief or continue an argument with an aggressive driver.
  2. Record what happened. Save receipts, booking records, screenshots, the time, location and any taxi number.
  3. Freeze stolen cards and contact the card issuer. If your phone is missing, secure the accounts linked to it.
  4. Report theft or threats to police. Call 100 if you need urgent police help. Ask how to obtain a report for insurance.
  5. For a taxi dispute, contact the local taxi authority or the booking service. Give the taxi number and payment details.
  6. Contact your insurer about a claim. If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate.
Where it happensPayments across Israel when using foreign currency instead of shekels.

What travellers report

Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.

More scams in IsraelTaxi driver claims to have no change: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the poor exchange rates for foreign-currency payments scam in Israel?

A seller accepts foreign cash but uses a poor exchange rate. You pay more than you would in shekels.

How can I spot it early?

You are offered a price in foreign currency. The exchange rate or final shekel price is unclear.

How do I avoid poor exchange rates for foreign-currency payments in Israel?

Pay in shekels when using cash. Ask for the full price in shekels before paying. Use a card or mobile payment where accepted.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Keep the receipt and ask the seller to explain the conversion. Request a correction if the amount differs from what you agreed.

Where in Israel does this happen?

Payments across Israel when using foreign currency instead of shekels.

How common is this scam in Israel?

Common. Taxi overcharging is a known risk in Israel, especially when drivers refuse to use the meter or take a longer route. Other risks include poor exchange rates when paying in foreign currency, change disputes in taxis, and theft of unattended belongings on Tel Aviv beaches.

Who can I report it to?

Police: report theft, threats or other suspected crime. Call 100 for urgent police help. Emergency services have English-speaking operators. Local taxi authority: report taxi overcharging using the number displayed on the outside of the taxi. Include the receipt, route and time if available. Taxi booking service: use the service's support channel to report a fare or route dispute. Keep the trip and payment records. Card issuer: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact details to freeze a missing card and report payments you did not authorize. Travel insurer: contact the claims service and keep receipts, evidence of ownership and any police report. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate through its official channels if your passport is stolen.

What number do I call in an emergency in Israel?

Police: 100, Ambulance — Magen David Adom: 101, Fire department: 102, Home Front Command — civil defense: 104.

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