Shopping in Israel

There is a wide choice for shoppers in Israel; and in certain shops, especially in Arab markets, visitors can - and should - bargain. Tourists who buy leather goods at shops listed by the Ministry of Tourism and pay for them in foreign currency are exempt from VAT and receive a 25 per cent discount on leather goods if these are delivered to them at the port of departure. Special purchases include jewelry, diamonds and other precious stones, ceramics, embroidery, glassware, wines, religious articles and holy books. ‘Cashback’ on purchased items can be claimed from the Customs Office at the airport.

Shopping hours
Sun-Fri 0800-1900; some shops close 1300-1600 and some early on Friday. Remember that the shopping facilities are both Israeli and Arabic, and are therefore governed by two different sets of opening hours and methods of business. Jewish stores observe closing time near sunset Friday evenings before Shabbat (Saturday) and Arabic stores close Friday. It takes a while to realise that Sunday is a normal working day unlike in Western countries. For shoppers, the Jewish stores are therefore open Friday, Arab markets Saturday and both are open Sunday when Christian stores close. Shops in the hotels are often open until midnight.

Currency Information:

Currency
New Shekel (IS) = 100 agorot (singular, agora). Notes are in denominations of IS200, 100, 50, and 20. Coins are in denominations of IS10, 5 and 1, and 50 and 10 agorot.

Currency exchange
Foreign currency can only be exchanged at authorized banks, hotels and bureaux de change. It is advisable to leave Israel with the minimum of Israeli currency. Payment in foreign currency exempts tourists from VAT on certain purchases and services. A maximum of USUSD 500 worth of new shekels can be reconverted to foreign currency by travelers leaving Israel.

Credit and debit cards
All major credit cards are accepted.

Travelers cheques
These are widely accepted. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take travelers cheques in US Dollars.

Currency restrictions
There are no restrictions on the import of local or foreign currency. Travelers planning to export local currency should apply to a local bank before departure from Israel. The export of foreign currency is limited to the amount imported.

Exchange rate indicators
The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the New Israel Shekel against Sterling and the US Dollar

Banking hours
Sun-Fri 0830-1200 and Sun, Tues, Thurs 1600-1800.