• Purchases can be made in Israeli Shekels or U.S. dollars. Tourists who have purchased items with a value exceeding 400 Shekel (including VAT) on one purchase in stores that are registered with the Ministry of Tourism or in stores participating in the VAT-refund plan are entitled to a refund of VAT when they leave the country.
• Stores that offer VAT refund service have a special sign.
• To receive VAT refund, ensure that you get a receipt with a list of all the items you have purchased and details of the purchase. The receipt and purchases must be put into a sealed bag.
• Tourists must then go to the “Change Place” at Ben Gurion airport or other exit port. If you wish to send the items that you purchased with your luggage, you must declare the purchase at the security check, and present your passport, flight ticket, purchases and receipts at the counter. The attendant will open the bag, examine the contents, sign the receipt, and refund the VAT in any currency minus a commission. The VAT refund can also be sent to your address abroad for an additional charge.
• There is no VAT refund for the following items: food, drinks, tobacco products.

CHAI TIP – Before you buy expensive items ask the store attendant if you will be able to claim vat. Sometimes it is possible to buy an extra small item to get above the threshold.

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