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Tax-free shopping in Israel

In Israel, as in many countries around the world, tourists who are not Israeli citizens can receive a VAT refund on certain goods they purchase. Among these goods, the most popular with tourists are:

  • Dead Sea cosmetics, which can be purchased in shopping malls and specialized stores, such as the Ahava factory store at the Dead Sea;
  • high-quality cut diamonds (about 60% of the world’s rough diamonds are processed in Israel) and exquisite jewelry by world-renowned Israeli jewelers, which can be purchased directly at the Diamond Exchange in Ramat Gan, one of the largest in the world;
  • famous Israeli swimwear;
  • religious items and souvenirs;
  • high-quality Israeli children’s clothing and footwear made from natural materials.

Please note that most shops are generally open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, while large shopping malls operate until 9:00 PM. On Fridays and on the eve of Jewish holidays, opening hours are typically from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. On Saturdays, large stores reopen in the evening after the end of Shabbat.

To receive a VAT refund, the following conditions must be met:

  • If you are not an Israeli citizen or resident and are visiting Israel as a tourist, you are eligible for a VAT refund;
  • A VAT refund is granted only if the item was purchased in a store recognized by the Israel Tax Authority and the Ministry of Tourism as a commercial enterprise. Such stores usually display a TAX REFUND sign at the entrance, although this is not always the case. Therefore, when making a purchase, it is advisable to check with the store whether Tax Free is available and under what conditions;
  • To receive a VAT refund, tourists must present their passport at the time of purchase;
  • In addition to the payment receipt, you must obtain a special refund form in the store, which is required to process the VAT refund. This form is usually filled out by the salesperson, but sometimes (in practice) they may only stamp it, and you will need to fill in your personal details yourself later. If a salesperson claims that the receipt alone is sufficient for a refund, this is not correct—do not rely on such information;
  • A VAT refund is granted if the total purchase amount in a single store (one receipt) exceeds 400 shekels, including VAT;
  • A VAT refund applies only to goods purchased for personal use and in non-commercial quantities;
  • It is recommended not to use the purchased items before departure, so as not to damage the packaging, which may need to be presented when claiming the refund at the airport;
  • The goods must be exported from Israel by you personally;
  • Attention! This does not apply to purchases made in Eilat, as Eilat is a VAT-free zone;
  • VAT refunds are not granted for purchases of food, beverages, or tobacco products;
  • The goods must remain in their original, sealed packaging from the time of purchase, and the packaging must not be opened before the VAT refund is processed at the airport.

How to Get a VAT Refund at Ben Gurion Airport:

  • Upon arrival at the airport (Gate 32) or at a border terminal, find the VAT REFUND counter. At Ben Gurion Airport (Tel Aviv), this counter is located in the departure hall before the security check and check-in counters. Please note that depending on where you leave Israel (airport, seaport, or land border crossing), the refund procedure may vary slightly. Check the details upon arrival;
  • Present the purchased goods, receipts (invoices), the completed VAT refund forms obtained in the store, and your passport at the VAT refund counter for verification;
  • After the forms have been stamped, you may place the goods in your checked luggage or carry-on baggage. The actual VAT refund will be processed after you pass border control, check in for your flight, and drop off your luggage. You can then proceed with the usual security and check-in procedures;
  • The refund amount due to you is paid at the VAT REFUND counter in the Duty Free area;
  • The VAT refund is issued in the amount paid on the day of purchase, in one of the following currencies: shekels, US dollars, or euros, according to the official exchange rate on the day of the refund. Please note that the bank processing the refund may charge a commission for this service;
  • The refund can be made, upon your request, in cash, as a credit to your credit card, by bank transfer, or by cheque sent to your postal address;
  • VAT refunds are processed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For additional information and clarification, please contact (in English).

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