Nefesh BNefesh

Refrigerators and Air Conditioning Units

The Israeli Government is currently running a campaign, offering a subsidy for the purchase of new refrigerators. To learn more, see: http://energy.gov.il/ReplaceRefrigerators/Pages/default.html

As an alternative to shipping electrical appliances from outside of Israel, you have the option of purchasing Israeli manufactured items tax free, within Israel.  This currently applies to Israeli manufactured refrigerators and air conditioning systems only.

The Oleh discount on these items applies within the first three years (for air conditioners) or the first four years (for refrigerators) after Aliyah.

If you are buying a refrigerator or air conditioning unit tax free, place an order and ask for a receipt or an order form. Do not pay for the appliance at this stage as you will not receive the benefit retroactively if you do. Take the receipt/order form to the local branch of Meches (מכס- Customs Authority) where you will bring the following paperwork: 

• Teudat Oleh
• Teudat Zehut
• Receipt or order form
• Foreign passports for both spouses
• Rental contract for your home

You should then receive a document from Meches authorizing you to buy the appliance without paying VAT. Return to the store and present the document from Meches. You may now pay for the appliance without the VAT and complete your order.

In Jerusalem, Meches is located at the following address: Kanfei Nesharim 66, Givat Shaul, Jerusalem. Phone: (02) 654-5607. Office hours: 9:00-13:30 Sunday-Thursday.

For more information, please see the Israel Tax Authority's Guide to Income Tax, VAT, and Customs: http://ozar.mof.gov.il/customs/eng/mainpage.htm

Purchasing Other Electrical Appliances

For other types of electrical appliances, it can be worthwhile to purchase European appliances in Israel at list price rather than shipping them from your country of origin.

Please note that there are no Oleh benefits for buying furniture in Israel.