Jewelry, Judaica, and local Israeli crafts and art objects are the most interesting items for shoppers. Many shops in the Ben-Yehuda area, as well as in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City, sell reproductions of cast-bronze antique wall menorahs from North Africa, medieval Italy, and Eastern Europe. The designs are authentic and decorative. There is no lack of modern menorahs, mezuzahs, dreidels, candleholders, and embroidered yarmulkes, as well as objects for Passover, Succot, Shabbat, and synagogue services. Tip: It is possible to bargain a bit at most tourist shops in West Jerusalem. In times when tourism is down, you can ask if it's possible to do a bit better on the price; unfortunately, while the U.S. dollar is at record lows, offering to pay in dollars will get you nowhere. Very few of the stores on Ben-Yehuda Street or King David Street will allow you to return an item if you see something nicer or at a better price elsewhere, so shop carefully. Shops in Mea Shearim often have a better selection and better prices.
There are also many outstanding individual shops that sell original art, jewelry, glass, and ceramics. Most of our listings are for places where you can find handmade items and purchase them directly from the artisans who make them.
Hours, Sales Tax & Shipping -- Tourist shops are generally open Sunday to Thursday from 9am to 7pm, although some shops close from 1 to 4pm for siesta. On Friday, shops are open from 9am to 2pm.
There is no sales tax; however, unless otherwise stated, the value-added tax (VAT) of 15.5% is included in the price. Always ask about VAT exemptions when paying in foreign currency. Some expensive tourist shops will give you voucher forms, good for VAT refunds on items costing more than $50 when presented at Ben-Gurion Airport just before you leave the country.
Merchants are generally cooperative about packing your purchases securely for shipping or for the plane ride home. If you decide to mail purchases home, remember to bring strong tape with you to the post office, as all packages must be inspected for security and Customs before they can be sealed. You must also bring your passport to the post office for identification when you mail packages.
