The Israeli new shekel (or sheqel) is the official currency of the State of Israel, but it’s also used in several Palestinian territories, including the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. The new shekel can be divided into 100 agora. On ILS coins and banknotes, the currency is spelled as “sheqel”, but “shekel” is commonly used (this currency is so nice they named it twice).
Decorated with images of mosques, local landmarks and famous political and religious leaders, Israeli banknotes are circulated in $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, $100 and $200 denominations. Israeli coins come in both agora and shekel values, including 1c, 5c, 10c, $½, $1, $2, $5 and $10 pieces. Have fun trying to fit all that pocket change in your wallet!