Using an ATM card or a credit card will often get you the best possible rates. If you use traveler's checks or bills, carry some in small denominations , especially for times when you are forced to exchange money at disadvan- tageous rates. However, it is good to carry a range of denominations since charges may be levied per check cashed. Many services and shops accept Australian, Canadian, and US dollars and Brit- ish pounds in addition to shekels. If you purchase more than $50 of goods at a shop approved by the Ministry of Tourism, you are entitled to a discount of at least 5% of the purchase price. For the most part, the prices are inflated far above what's necessary to compensate, so you should still bargain . If you pay in foreign currency, you will receive change in shekels, and you will be exempt from the domestic Value Added Tax on goods and ser- vices . TRAVELER'S CHECKS Traveler's checks are one of the safest and least troublesome means of carrying funds. American Express and Visa are the most widely recognized brands. Many banks and agencies sell them for a small commission. Check issuers provide refunds if the checks are lost or stolen, and many provide additional services, such as toll-free refund hotlines abroad, emergency message services, and stolen credit card assistance. While traveling, keep check receipts and a record of which checks you've cashed separate from the checks themselves. Also leave a list of check numbers with someone at home. Never countersign checks until you're ready to cash them, and always bring your passport with you to cash them. If your checks are lost or stolen, immediately contact a refund center to be reimbursed; they may require a police report verifying the loss or theft. Less- touristed countries may not have refund centers at all, in which case you might have to wait to be reimbursed. Ask about toll-free refund hotlines and the location of refund centers when purchasing checks, and always carry emergency cash. American Express: Checks available with commission at select banks and all AmEx offices. US residents can also purchase checks by phone or online . Checks available in US, Australian, British, Canadian, Japanese, and Euro currencies. Cheques for Two can be signed by either of 2 people traveling together. For purchase locations or more informa- tion contact AmEx's service centers: In the US and Canada 800-221-7282; in the UK 0800 521 313; in Australia 800 25 19 02; in New Zealand 0800 441 068; elsewhere US collect +1 801-964-6665. Visa: Checks available at banks worldwide. To find the nearest issuing location call Visa's service centers: In the US 800-227-6811; in the UK 0800 89 50 78; elsewhere UK collect +44 020 7937 8091. Checks avail- able in US, British, Canadian, Japanese, and Euro currencies. Travelex/Thomas Cook: In the US and Canada call 800-287-7362; in the UK call 0800 62 21 01; elsewhere call UK collect +44 1733 31 89 50.