Hi,
Eilat tax-free shopping experience is something new to me. I have been several times to Eilat (in the end of Israel national trail, partying with friends as a student, visiting with Atzva her sister…).but it is the first time I had Eilat Tax-Free Shopping Experience.
Eilat is a VAT-free (Value Added Tax) zone, meaning we can enjoy 18% off on purchases compared to other cities in Israel.
I Think you, as tourist in Israel, can get a refund (with forms shen leaving Israel). But here it is not only for tourists, but also for Israeli citizens. And there are no forms, no refunds — just lower prices right at the register.
It all started when we realized we wish to buy a new robotic vacuum cleaner for our house (the last one get broken, after two years, just as it finished spreading Xuxa poop all over the living room 🤢).
We figured buying it in Eilat be the cheapest option (it isn’t always like that, and we check and compare prices before). For small items, it ain’t meaningful, but for getgdes such as this that cost several thousands shekels it worth the ride (especially if your work place pays for gas, that can adds up to 350 shekels). We ended up 3.8k instead of 5k.
When our brothers and sisters heard about it, they asked for another item worth buying here – cellphones (as well a other electronics). You better order them in advance of getting here because they are easily out of stock. One big retail chain has 6 branches here (about 10% of her branches in Israel only here, while Eilat population is only 0.56% of Israel).
Perfumes, footwear and clothing are also worth buying here most times (Atzva spent a full morning shopping those…)
We were jumping between Eilat 3 major shopping centers.
Ice Mall– A massive shopping center with a skating rink inside and a beautiful structural dome.
Mall Hayam (in Hebrew it also infront of the sea. It is built on the water front and just close the view to the sea, that is why I don’t like it) – with dozens of stores.
Big Eilat – Large outlets outside of the city, but you’ll need a car to get there. It really reminded me the shopping parts of my visits to USA.
Take Care
Gad
P.S.
Bring your passport if you’re a tourist — some stores offer extra tourist discounts or promotions.
Waiting in line to pickup the cellphone we ordered in advance
Ice mall beautiful doom
Tax free clothing shopping