CREDIT CARDS Credit cards are generally accepted in Israel, but only in relatively upscale places. Major credit cards-MasterCard and Visa are welcomed most often-can be used to extract cash advances in NIS from associated banks and ATMs throughout Israel. Credit card companies get the wholesale exchange rate, which is generally 5% better than the retail rate used by banks and other currency exchange estab- lishments. All ATMs require a four digit Personal Identification Number . You must ask your credit card company for a PIN before you leave; without it, you can- not withdraw cash with your credit card outside your home country. If you already have a PIN, check with the company to make sure it will work in Israel. CREDIT CARD COMPANIES. Visa and MasterCard are issued in cooperation with banks and other organizations. American MONEY «41 Express cardholders may cash personal checks at AmEx offices abroad, access an emergency medical and legal assistance hotline , and enjoy American Express Travel Service benefits rental reservation changes; baggage loss and flight insurance; mailgram and inter- . CASH CARDS Popularly called ATM cards, cash cards are wide- spread in Israel. However, you'll probably get a blank stare if you ask for an ATM machine: call it a kaspomat. You should have no problem finding machines in the cities, though in rural areas and small towns they are far less available. Depending on the system that your home bank uses, you can probably access your own per- sonal bank account whenever you need money. ATMs get the same wholesale exchange rate as credit cards, but there is often a limit on the amount of money you can withdraw per day , and your bank might charge a hefty service fee per withdrawal. Memorize your PIN code in numeric form since machines elsewhere often don't have letters on their keys. Also, if your PIN is longer than four digits, ask your bank whether the first four digits will work, or whether you need a new number. The two major international networks are Cirrus and Visa/PLUS . Most ATMs charge a transaction fee that is paid to the bank that owns the ATM. Bank Ha-Poalim ATMs take bank cards affiliated with Cirrus and Plus networks for free, but your home bank may charge you. GETTING MONEY FROM HOME If you run out of money while traveling, the easiest and cheapest solution is to have someone back home make a deposit to your credit card or cash card. Failing that, consider one of the following options. WIRING M0NEY. It is possible to arrange a bank money transfer, which means ask- ing a bank back home to wire money to a bank in Israel. This is the cheapest way to transfer cash, but it's also the slowest, usually taking several days or more. Note that some banks may only release your funds in local currency, potentially stick- ing you with a poor exchange rate; inquire about this in advance. Money transfer services Uke Western Union are faster and more convenient than bank transfers- but also much pricier.