israel vat refund tourist

Your Israeli VAT refund guide for tourists!

• January 8, 2024

Leaving Israel soon with a suitcase full of awesome memories and treasures? Did you know you can actually get some money back on that VAT you paid for your goodies? It’s like finding hidden shekels in your pockets! This friendly guide will show you how to score that sweet VAT refund, so you can fuel your next falafel binge or bring home extra goodies for your loved ones.

Who can play?

• You’ve got a B2, B3, or B4 visa stamped on your passport (aka, you’re here for the fun, not the work).
• Your purchases add up to at least 125 shekels each, including VAT (think: awesome souvenirs, not that extra toothbrush).
• You bought from a shop with the special “VAT refund for tourists” sticker

The rules of the game

• Hold onto those tax invoices and the special form you get at each shop (all details of the goods and your details have to be properly filled out in the designated document and on the tax invoice) – they’re your golden tickets to refund land. Remember you may need to ask for the special form during checkout.
• Many stores won’t give you a tax refund form unless you spend more than 400 NIS.
• Make sure your goodies stay safe and un-opened until you leave Israel (no pre-wearing that fancy evening gown or fancy sandals!).
• Jewelry worth over 20,000 shekels needs to stay in its original bag until you show it to the refund folks.
• Eilat shoppers? You only get back VAT on jewelry costing more than US$200 (because that city’s already tax-free heaven!).

Where to claim your prize at Ben Gurion airport

• Traveling with souvenirs in your checked baggage? Don’t forget to claim your VAT refund! Before checking in, visit the VAT counter on the 3rd floor near the information desk and present your documents and purchases. Get your form stamped there.
• After clearing security, head to the VAT Refund desk in the Duty Free Hall, near the playground, to claim your refund. Don’t forget your stamped form!

Claiming your prize

• Flash your passport, goods, and documents, and let the refund magic happen. Choose your reward: cash, check, or bank transfer (cash and transfers come with small service fees, FYI).
• A fee of 27 NIS is required for each designated document – this means that if you did not buy an expensive item don’t even bother.
• Additional fees: on a cash refund – 1% and for a bank transfer 40 NIS

Scenario: Remember that awesome pair of sandals you bought in Israel? Turns out, they weren’t just fabulous footwear, they were also carrying some extra weight… in the form of VAT.

Here’s the lowdown:

Imagine: You snag those killer sandals for 400 NIS. Turns out, 68 NIS is just VAT chilling there, like a hidden sock in your new shoes. Now you pay a fee of 27 NIS for requesting the VAT back leaving you with 41 NIS You’d like cash back (so you will have cash for your next trip or to get a one more falafel before you leave) you are charged another 1% – so you walk away with 40.59NIS that will probably be rounded up to 40.6NIS (what a winner 1 more agora – YES!)

We recommend getting a VAT refund only for items costing 450 NIS or more.

Bonus points

• Full list of refund spots at airports, ports, and border crossings: Ben-Gurion Airport – Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, Ramon Airport, Port of Ashdod, Port of Haifa, Port of Eilat, The Herzliya Marina Port, The Ashkelon Marina, Allenby Border Crossing, Jordan River Border Crossing, Taba Border Crossing, Arava Border Crossing, Ovda Border Crossing.
• Remember, you can only claim your refund before you jet off, so don’t delay!

Who sits this one out?

• B1 visa holders (you’re here to work, not shop!).
• Israeli citizens with dual citizenship (sorry, rules are rules!).
• Any goods you bought and left in Israel for friends or family.
• Commercial quantities – please leave something for the locals.

There you have it! Now go forth, shop smart, and claim your well-deserved VAT refund.

Remember, this is just a friendly summary of the official info. For the full rules and regulations, check out the Following website. Happy shopping (and refunding)!

VAT refund for tourists on Israel Tax Authority site Vat refund info on Ben Gurion Airport site

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Travel In Israel

What are the best places to visit in Israel?

How to get a (VAT) tax refund for tourists in Israel?

Get a tax refund for tourists on certain purchases made in Israel. To claim a VAT refund you need to meet certain conditions and complete the necessary procedure for a tourist VAT refund.

How to claim a tax refund for tourists in Israel?

• SHOP! Make a purchase of at least 125ILS at a store that displays the sign “VAT refund for tourists”. Make as many purchases as you like but each receipt must be 125 ILS or more in order to qualify. In other words, you can’t spend 100 ILS in one store, and 25 ILS in another and claim tax.
• When you come to pay for your items in the store tell them you want the tourist tax refund and present the store employee with your passport or passport data.
• At Ben Gurion (or any other exit point from Israel) look for the VAT REFUND counter. Present the refund form you received from the store, and your passport.
• You will also need to present your purchased goods. Yes, they may ask you to actually show them, that’s why the counter is BEFORE CHECK-IN . If your purchases are in your hand-luggage, and not going to be checked-in, you can complete the entire refund process in the duty free area after check-in, security, and passport control.
• Your form will be stamped and then you can check-in and go through to the airport duty free area.
• In the duty free area look for the VAT REFUND counter. Show them your stamped refund form and your request will be processed.
• Get your tourist VAT refund paid either in cash, as a bank transfer, or a check mailed to you.

What are the conditions for claiming a tourist VAT refund in Israel?

• You can’t hold an Israeli passport, and your foreign passport must show a valid tourist visa stamp.
• Kept your gate pass (boarding pass) from your arrival flight.
• When making your purchase you must present your foreign passport and boarding/gate pass.
• The total amount of your purchase, must exceed 125 ILS including VAT, and must be documented in one designated original document and an original tax invoice that includes your full name, and the business stamp of the store where you made your purchase.
• Goods must have been bought for personal use and not in commercial quantities (up to 10 items, not including shoes and clothing).
• There are no tourist tax refunds on services paid for, such as massages, car rental, hotels , tour guide, etc.
• The goods must travel with you when you leave the country (and not be shipped seperately) because you might need to show them at the airport when you claim the VAT refund.
• Once you have left Israel you cannot claim the tourist VAT refund. The claim must be made in Israel, before you depart.

What do I need to show to get a tourist tax refund?

• Refund form you received from the store when you made your purchase.
• Purchased items.

Where do I get my tourist tax refund in Israel?

There are VAT refund counters at the various points of exit from Israel:

• Ben Gurion Airport
• Ovda Airport
• Ramon Airport Eilat
• Ashdod Sea Port
• Haifa Sea Port
• Taba Border Crossing
• Rabin (Arava) Boarder Crossing
• Jordan River Boarder Crossing

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Tax Refund in Israel

The VAT tax in Israel is 17% , as a tourist, you do get a tax refund from VAT tax at the airport or border. The rule has changed since early 2019! The expense minimum has lowered!

You get roughly 14.5% back! Not too bad! But not all stores participate in giving tax refund, especially small souvenir shops… so make sure you ask the shopkeepers first!

Tax Refund Conditions

There are 4 requirements

• Not food, alcohol and cigarets
• From stores that participate with tax refund (there’s a special form/receipt) Your single bill exceeds  ₪400 ($roughly $120)   only ₪120 now
• You intend to use the product abroad

The souvenir shops in Jerusalem claim the prices they offer are already “tax-free”, in that scenario I would say… BARGAIN HARDER!

VAT Refund Method

There’s a VAT Refund counter before check-in. You are supposed to show your purchase and present the VAT tax return form.

But in Terminal 1, I saw VAT refund counter after check-in…

Tax Refund Service Charges

Updated in 2019.Feb

There’s a fixed 17.66NIS service fee per bill. You can get 17% back when you purchase for more than 125NIS. So here’s the calculation:

You get 17% from 125NIS, which is 21.5NIS.

And you must pay 17.66NIS service fee. And you’ll be left with 3.84NIS (around $1) after the hard work…. haha!

Service Charges

• Over 400NIS (roughly $120), you receive 14.5% VAT tax refund.
• From the amount you receive, for example, 58 shekels from your 400 shekels purchase, you have to pay a service fee. It ranges from 15% being the highest rate, and 4.8% being the lowest. *see the picture below
• If you want cash on the spot, there’s a 2% extra service charge. If you want bank transfer, then there’s an additional 30.9NIS charge… so receiving return through credit card is the cheapest option.

That’s it!

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TravelAsker

How to get VAT refunded in Israel?

Travel Destinations

April 13, 2023

By Kristy Tolley

What is VAT refund?

Value-Added Tax (VAT) is a tax applied to the sale of goods and services in Israel. As a tourist, you may be eligible for a VAT refund on purchases made during your visit to Israel. VAT refund is a mechanism by which tourists can claim a refund of the VAT paid on their purchases. This can result in significant savings for tourists, especially those who make large purchases.

Who can get VAT refunded in Israel?

Tourists who are not residents of Israel can get VAT refunded on their purchases. To be eligible for a VAT refund, you must have a tourist visa or a valid entry permit, and you must leave Israel within 90 days of the date of purchase.

What is the minimum purchase amount for VAT refund?

The minimum purchase amount for VAT refund is 400 shekels (approximately $120). This means that you must spend at least 400 shekels on a single purchase to be eligible for a VAT refund.

Which goods are eligible for VAT refund?

Most goods purchased in Israel are eligible for VAT refund, including clothing, electronics, jewelry, and souvenirs. However, some goods, such as food, drinks, and tobacco products, are not eligible for VAT refund.

How to get the VAT refund form in Israel?

To get the VAT refund form, you must ask the salesperson for it at the time of purchase. The salesperson will provide you with a form that you will need to fill out to claim your refund.

What is the process for filling out the VAT refund form?

The VAT refund form requires you to provide your personal information, including your name, passport number, and address. You will also need to provide information about the purchases you made, including the date of purchase, the name and address of the store, and the amount of VAT paid.

What documents do you need to submit for VAT refund?

To claim your VAT refund, you will need to submit the following documents:

• The VAT refund form
• The original receipt for the purchase
• Your passport or entry permit
• Your boarding pass or other proof of departure from Israel

Where can you get the VAT refund at the airport?

You can get your VAT refund at the airport before you leave Israel. There are designated VAT refund stations at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv and at Eilat Airport.

How to get VAT refund if you leave Israel by land?

If you leave Israel by land, you can still claim your VAT refund. You will need to present your VAT refund form and original receipts at the VAT refund office at the border crossing.

How long does it take to get the VAT refund?

The VAT refund process can take up to three months. Once your refund is approved, you will receive a credit to your credit card or a check in the mail.

What are the fees for VAT refund?

There is a processing fee for VAT refund, which is deducted from the refund amount. The processing fee is currently 5% of the VAT refund amount.

Tips for maximizing your VAT refund in Israel.

To maximize your VAT refund in Israel, make sure to:

• Ask for a VAT refund form at the time of purchase
• Keep all receipts and documentation
• Make sure you meet the minimum purchase amount
• Claim your refund at the airport or border crossing before leaving Israel.

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Kristy Tolley

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What's the VAT refund process for tourists?

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The information you quote above is distorted at best.

To set it all straight - first of all VAT is now 18%

Everyone pays VAT on just about everything - only fruits and vegetables in markets are exempt.

If you purchase over 400 NIS of items at an approved shop - shops that have been registered with the tax authorities to participate in the VAT refund program - usually jewelry, religious items and high end souvenirs - you can get a form that you then take to a desk at the airport when you leave and will get most of your VAT refunded.

Anything else that does not fit into one of these neat little boxes has no exemption and you will pay VAT just like everyone else, regardless of what currency you use to pay.

To add to the above information--while Jewelry, religious items and high end souvenir stores are the types of stores that DO participate, ( so does Naot shoes) not every store selling these items takes part in the VAT refund program. AND sometimes you will pay less at these stores---and sometimes more--so the whole process could be a wash.

It is also irrelevant whether you pay in dollars or shekels. The store, if you are paying in dollars will convert to shekels anyway. (btw it is usually NOT a good idea to attempt to pay with cash dollars. The stores usually give a poor exchange rate.

The VAT refund for items purchased is a separate issue. You will pay it unless the store participates in the VAT refund program (when buying more expensive items). In which case they will give you the form you need to receive you refund. You get the refund at the airport after going through passport control. There is a VAT refund desk at the airport. Keep your VAT refund form with your passport so you don't forget to go get your money after going through passport control.

If you put your purchases in your suitcase, I recommend going to a special VAT desk BEFORE security check. There you show your items and they stamp the form. After check-in, passport control and second security check you can go to another the VAT desk to get your money. Without stamp or without showing your items at the second desk you will have to discuss and it's not sure that you receive your money.

The VAT refund at the airport is a two step process - you MUST go to the desk before security and check in - there forms will be filled out - they will look at your passport, check the form you got from the store and will make sure that you have with you whatever you are asking for the refund for. You must take these purchases out of the country with you. After this has been verified you can pack the items in your suitcase and continue the check in process.

Step two is in the duty free area - after check in and after passport control you need to find the second VAT desk - brink all the papers you have and complete the process.

Note: if the item you purchased is going in your carry on luggage it is not necessary to do Step one. ( post # 7) You can go directly to Step two and show your purchases there. If you are checking the item you will NOT get your money back UNLESS you do step one!

Thank you all for your input. But what do I do about VAT if I have the items shipped to the US by the store?

If the store is shipping the items directly they will not charge you VAT.

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World Tax Rates 2024

2019-2020 state income tax rates, sales tax rates, and tax laws.

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VAT and Sales Tax Rates in Israel for 2024

Israel vat rate.

The current Israel VAT (Value Added Tax) is 16.00%.

The VAT is a sales tax that applies to the purchase of most goods and services, and must be collected and submitted by the merchant to the Israel governmental revenue department.

Israel has one of the lowest VAT tax rates in the world , charging a maximum VAT rate of 16%.Countries with similar VAT rates include United Kingdom with a VAT of 18% , Turkey with a VAT of 18% and Greece with a VAT of 19% .

Israel VAT Refund For Visitors

Visitors to Israel may be able to get a refund of the Israel VAT tax paid on any goods bought for deportation. To get a VAT refund, you must present receipts for the goods purchased (and possibly proof of your deportation of the goods) to a Israel VAT refund station (which are often found in airports, tourist offices, or international travel hubs).

Some localities have a minimum purchase price for which a VAT refund can be claimed, or certain purchase types which cannot be made tax-free. A VAT refund of up to 16.00% of your total expenditures may be refunded for qualifying purchases. Regulations on VAT and sales tax refunds vary across countries and by region, so be sure to check ahead before expecting a Israel VAT refund.

Israel VAT Law For Businesses and Merchants

Businesses in Israel are required to collect a sales tax of 16.00% on behalf of the government, which they must submit to the applicable Israel revenue department in a periodical VAT tax return. Unlike the United States' sales tax , which is only charged on sales to end consumers, the VAT is collected on all sales - even of raw materials.

Businesses may be required to register for a Israel VAT number or other identifier to enable the government to track and verify VAT tax returns. VAT collection is a responsibility of the merchant, and failure to collect and submit the appropriate tax amounts may result in severe penalties.

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