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.