A Word of Caution: Money changers are subject to regulations set forth by the Israeli government for currency conversion and accepting money deposits. Please be sure to thoroughly check the credentials of any financial service provider before changing money or arranging bank transfers, and be aware of any risks involved. 

Transferring money to Israel and converting it to shekels can be a costly endeavor. The following tips can help you save money when conducting these important transactions.

Steps to Take Before Making Aliyah

Arranging for Future Wire Transfers

In many banks in the U.S., Canada and the U.K., you must physically appear at your bank’s local office in order to wire money overseas unless you make prior arrangements. Before making Aliyah, be sure to clarify what your bank’s policy is and make the necessary arrangements which will enable you to transfer money upon giving your approval via phone or fax.

It’s worth noting that, in the Pre-Aliyah stage, some of these fees are negotiable. For example, some banks offer discounts on international wires if initiating them from your online bank portal. Others offer discounts if you set up a recurring wire. In most cases, the most expensive option is to initiate a wire over the phone.

Note: You will often be required to demonstrate the origin of funds for your money to be released into your Israeli bank account. You may be required to produce tax returns, bank statements, your social security card, and/or a letter from an attorney or accountant indicating the origin of your funds.

Budgeting

When preparing for Aliyah and budgeting your expenses in shekels, keep in mind that unless your savings are in shekels, you will be exposed to fluctuations in the currency market.  This can mean that despite careful planning, your savings may not translate into the shekel equivalent sums that you anticipated.

Transferring Money to Israel

There are various methods used to transfer funds to Israel.

Foreign Currency Cash Transactions

Cash may be the easiest method of money transfer, but be aware of the restrictions or reporting requirements of both the financial institution from which the funds are withdrawn and the financial institution to which the funds are deposited. A deposit of more than 50,000 NIS (or the foreign currency equivalent) is reported to the tax authorities.  This is not in of itself a problem, but it is important to be aware this fact.

Foreign currency cash transactions are usually the most fee intensive transactions in the local Israeli banking system. There are fees for depositing foreign currency into your account as well as fees for withdrawing foreign currency.

Foreign Currency Check Deposits

Funds deposited to your account via a check deposit are not available to you immediately.  The collection time varies from 7 to 10 business days for US dollar collections and longer for other currencies.  The collection period is somewhat negotiable. A check deposit fee is charged at the time of transaction – approximately $5.00 per check. After the collection period, the funds become available for conversion.  At the time of conversion there is a transactional fee and a commission charged based on the “spread” between the conversion rate and the quoted exchange rate. In planning your cash flow, it is essential to take into account the collection period required before the funds become available.

Wire Transfers

Wire transfers are the safest and fastest method when transferring large sums of money.
Wire transfers can be done through an Israeli bank, an overseas bank, a private broker or a money changer. Upon receipt of the funds into your account, you will be charged a fee of approximately 0.33% of the transaction, depending on the bank or broker used.  Some banks will allow you to arrange a flat fee for f/x wire receipts.

While wire transfers are generally the most convenient method, it’s advised to take in to consideration the different fees involved. No matter if you’re using a bank or a private wire service, there are certain fees that are unavoidable. For example, banks in the U.S. charge an average of $46 to initiate an international wire transfer.

Additionally, there are intermediary fees to take in to consideration as well as a domestic receiving fee here in Israel. On average, net wire fees add up to approximately $70 between the U.S. and Israel.

In addition to the transfer fees, remember that banks and private brokers are legally allowed to set their own exchange rate, and are not bound by the Bank of Israel’s official rate. Always clarify the rate given by whoever you choose to process your wire transfer!

Banks, Brokers and Money Changers

If you need to transfer foreign currency to Israel, who should you turn to? There are advantages and disadvantages to each of the options.

Overseas Banks

Overseas banks tend to be the most expensive option of transferring shekels to Israel. They offer a lower exchange rate than do the Israeli banks. In addition, when you transfer shekels from overseas accounts, it takes several days for the money to appear in your account.

Israeli Banks

The cost of transferring money to an Israeli bank and subsequently converting the monies usually includes paying receiving charges, conversion charges, and currency exchange charges. While the fees may seem hefty, keep in mind the following:

1. Your bank manager has an interest in keeping you happy. This is a long term relationship, and the bank may be open to making certain accommodations to ensure that it can keep you as a long-term customer. From your perspective, don’t forget that the bank offers important services such as loans and developing the relationship may have its own advantages.
2. It is important to negotiate bank rates. While this may sound shocking to those of us coming from the U.S., Canada and the U.K., it is a part of the system here. Ask your manager for better rates, and see what happens.

Brokers

If you use a broker, the broker can generally eliminate many of the relevant fees and, in addition, may offer a more favorable exchange rate for the currency conversion. In addition, brokers generally offer a high level of service and are comfortable communicating in English. When you use a currency broker, check that the broker is licensed and regulated as a currency broker by the Israeli Capital Market Authority.

Brokers – as well as banks – offer additional services for individuals who need to make future shekel-based payments (for example, for a housing payment), and want to protect themselves against the volatility of the exchange rates and the currency risk. By buying an “insurance policy” you can guarantee future exchange rates.  Forward contracts, for example, may (or may not) be financially beneficial, and it is best to discuss the ramifications of this decision with a licensed financial advisor.

Money Changers

If you are transferring sums of less than $3,000, it may be easier to transfer the funds by writing a check rather than a wire transfer. You can write the check to your overseas (US/Canada/UK) bank account, and cash it either at your Israeli bank or using a money changer.

Note that for sums that are greater than $3,000, it is generally less expensive to use a wire transfer.

If you cash a check at a bank, keep in mind that the banks maintain a 7 – 10 day waiting period for US dollar checks before the check is cleared and the money becomes available.

Alternatively, if you cash your check using a private money changer, you probably won’t have any waiting period and you can generally receive a better rate.

Budgeting Post-Aliyah

If you expect to be earning a foreign income but have bills to pay in shekels, keep in mind that you have a foreign exchange exposure. While the amount of your foreign earned income may be constant, the fluctuations when converted to shekels can potentially be significant, depending on the amounts that are transferred and the current rate. It is important to keep informed regarding current exchange rates and to budget accordingly.

This guest post was written by Gabriel Duec of OlehPay, with assistance preparing the article from: Daniel Engelsman of Isratrasnfer and Hillel Suna of Mercantile Discount Bank. The content presented here represents information and opinions of the guest writer and not Nefesh B’Nefesh.