Official “white” salaries in Israel are often paid by check - personal paper that needs to be cashed. For a beginner, the procedure is unusual, but simple, if you know the procedure.

Method 1: bank indicated on the check - no commission

You can cash a check without commission at the branch of the bank whose name is printed on the check itself. Most often this is Bank Leumi, but there are others.

  • Find your nearest branch on the map (Google Maps: “Leumi”, etc.).
  • Check opening hours—Israeli banks are open only briefly and not every day.
  • Take your passport and check, go to the cashier.

If the bank refuses

Sometimes the department requires a “blue paper” (temporary document of legal status), which you may not have. This is a requirement of a specific department or employee, not a general rule. Options:

  • contact another branch of the same bank - often no questions arise there;
  • or use the changer (see below).

Method 2: change (exchange office) - commission 1–4%

Change are exchangers and money transfer offices that cash checks for commission 1–4%. Finding them is easy: in the maps look for “Change”, “Exchange”, “Exchanger” - plus many points that are not on the maps, especially in areas with Russian speaking population.

  • Everyone’s commission is different - compare 2-3 points side by side before giving the check.
  • In large cities there are change shops with Russian-speaking cashiers and a commission of 1.5–2%.

Important rules

  • A check can be cashed only by its recipient in person, with a passport.
  • Do not give the check to outside “helpers” - this is a sure way to end up without money.
  • If it doesn’t work out either in the bank or in the change, contact your supervisor or manager.

Frequently asked questions

Can I receive my salary in cash instead of a check?

For a specific vacancy, as a rule, no: the form of payment is fixed by the employer. But you can initially select a vacancy with cash payments (this is rare).

I am leaving Israel before payment. How to get money?

Usually the salary is transferred in cash to your trusted person (friend, neighbor) or transferred to the card - agree on this with the agency in advance.