Thursday, April 4, 2024
Free Gift Cards and more - one way to get them
Thursday, March 14, 2024
Import taxes for online purchases: Everything you need to know
package from purchase abroad - tax free! |
Note: the same regulations apply to other packages sent from abroad, even if they are gifts!
Here's the rundown (full regulations can be found on the Israel tax authority's site)
When you get a package for PERSONAL use (NOT BUSINESS USE), the value of your purchase or package will be converted into US Dollars by the tax authority (using the exchange rate of the day they process it) to determine if it's subject to tax (no matter what currency was used when it was purchased).
Purchases up to $75/Packages with a declared value up to $75 - no taxes
Purchases or packages with a declared value of $75 and up to $500 - VAT will apply in most cases (17% currently), and Purchase Tax (variable rates) may apply, but no customs taxes
Purchases or packages with a declared value over $500 - subject to all taxes (VAT of 17%, Purchase Tax (if applicable), and Customs Tax which varies by category)
Please take note that purchases and packages (even gifts) of up to $75 in value will automatically be subject to customs clearance fees if they arrive using an EMS service*, and some other types of deliveries may also be charged this fee (it's about 40 shekels right now). If the value of the purchase is higher than $75, the customs clearance fee can be higher as well.
Please be aware that the purchase price only (not purchase + shipping) will determine whether an item will be taxed. If it is deemed taxable, all applicable taxes will be calculated on the purchase price + the shipping price. This means that if you order something for $75.01 plus $15 shipping, you will be taxed on the total value of $90.01!
One more important point: If you order multiple orders addressed to the same person, with the same address & phone number listed, from the same seller and they arrive within 72 hours of each other, customs may combine the orders and treat them as one purchase for tax purposes, or they may not. But it is a possibility you should be aware of before you place multiple orders.
If your order is stuck in customs, or if you feel like you were charged tax by mistake, you will need to contact the customs office, you can do this via email: for packages arriving via Israel Post, contact dhe@taxes.gov.il, and for packages arriving via courier services or other delivery services, contact tpntbg@taxes.gov.il.
Did you find this helpful? Please share this post far and wide, and join my WhatsApp group and my Facebook Group where I'll be posting my favorite deals!
*Examples of EMS services - Express Mail, Fedex, UPS and other express delivery services. Sometimes DHL is EMS and sometimes it is not.
Tuesday, January 30, 2024
Retail therapy? Don't go broke, though!
This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you! Thanks for your support!
Do you need a diversion from everything? Sometimes the best thing to do is to give something to someone. I know many people are volunteering in countless ways, but maybe you know someone who will be comforted by a more physical gesture or gift? If so, shopping is your answer!
And here I am, with a number of cute and inexpensive gift ideas! These are from Amazon, with free shipping options to Israel (and they ship to other places too):
The best gift I found this winter, and gave to my whole family are cozy blanket hoodies! They are awesome and (I've been told that some people have even been spotted wearing them to class at college.) Right now there's a coupon you can activate to get it for even less - so hurry and take advantage of that!
These options are all $6 (about 21 NIS) or less:
"Hug this till you can hug me" pillow cover (I can think of a number of scenarios for which this pillow cover is PERFECT)
Stainless steel large Coffee thermos (I love getting people to switch over to reusable cups!)
Fancy Vanilla Coffee Turmeric Soap (washing your face with coffee? I'm intrigued!)
Paint by number kits (I couldn't believe how much more these cost locally, this is a huge savings for those who like these)
Jewelry making/Beading kit (great for fun with the kids - note: these are plastic beads)
Wooden Fruit toys (these are great for toddlers)
If you're looking for something else, let me know, maybe I've already stumbled across a deal!
Get all the deals in my groups: Israel Deals Made Easy and Live in Israel. Shop Online, and Kosher Frugal)!
Things to know about ordering from Israel: Shipping takes time, and lately they seem to be building in a lot of extra delivery time to cover worst-case scenarios, but most packages arrive earlier than the "deliver by" date.
Amazon's prices change frequently but they're really great about letting you know if an item in your cart has changed price - so if you found one and deliberated about it, you'll know if something changed when you decide to complete your purchase. Of course, if you want to lock in the sale price (all the items listed above are DISCOUNTED right now), you should click, add to cart, and buy without waiting!
Sometimes free shipping offers disappear, so please check carefully before you order. Most free shipping offers require a minimum purchase of $49. Just remember - you can avoid VAT and other import fees by staying below the $75 tax threshold for any single order! If you do go over, you will see exactly what you'll pay in taxes at checkout. I only do this if I'm actually buying a product that costs more than $75. And I don't add any other small things to these orders, because once you're over, you're over and you'll pay fees on the entire order.
For smaller purchases, I place separate orders that each total under $75.
If you're in the USA and buying a gift for someone in Israel, please follow those guidelines, too - or be prepared to prepay all taxes and fees. You'll see them before you checkout, so don't worry about surprises. You will need to enter the recipient's ID number at checkout too, so the package can clear customs.
Hope you found this helpful!
Sunday, January 15, 2023
Spa Days and Other Deals
This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission, but never at any additional cost to you! Thanks for your support!
Sometimes it's just the right day for a treat, for yourself or for someone else, you know?
Give yourself or someone else a pampering break with one of these spa deals (these are day packages that do not include a hotel stay unless stated explicitly in the deal)!
Dan Panorama Tel Aviv - Massage + Spa package, starting at 199 NIS per person! Limited time offer so go ahead and buy it right now if you want it!
Daniel Hotel Spa (Dead Sea) - spa packages for 2, starting at 389 NIS!
David Hotel (Dead Sea) - spa packages with breakfast or lunch at the hotel, starting at 219 NIS per person
Spa Day + Hermon tickets at the Panda Resort (Neve Ativ) - this package for 2 people includes breakfast, massages, spa access, tickets to the Hermon, and other extras, for 990 NIS
Hof Gai Hotel (Tiberias) - Spa package - starts at 295 NIS for one person
Here are some ideas for pampering yourself or a loved one, for less than 100 NIS:
Salt Room treatment (in the Krayot) - 29 NIS for one time, 79 NIS for 3 times
Gift packages from Sabonella - starting at 59 NIS
Manicure at Pure White Cosmetics (Dizengoff Center) - starting at 55 NIS
Hope you found this helpful!
Have a great day!
-Ester
Wednesday, November 24, 2021
Black Friday Deals (Ships from within Israel)
This post contains affiliate links. This means if you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!
Do you prefer to buy things that don't ship from overseas? I hear ya, loud and clear! I buy from Israeli sites, too! And lucky for us, there are some sales going on. So if you were in the market for something particular, or want to buy a gift for someone, here are some deals to check out:
These are some of the deals I found on GROO in their current Black Friday Sale:
1. Trial Subscription to National Geographic Kids (plus extras!) for just 9.90 NIS
2. Wooden Toys in a variety of price ranges, some with free shipping
4. 10 men's t-shirts (undershirts?) for 89.90
5. Vardinon down blankets for half the regular price!
6. Zooma photo album for 59 NIS
7. Coffee capsules for 1 NIS/apiece
8. Chair that opens to a bed (free shipping to some areas and with certain conditions)
9. 6 liters of Terra Creta Olive Oil (plus a bottle of balsamic vinegar) for 199 NIS
10. Dinner for 2 at Papagaio in Herzliya for 199 NIS!
Wednesday, January 20, 2021
Did you cancel your Israel trip?
this post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you click on a link and make a purchase. thanks for your support!
Did you have to cancel a trip to Israel? I know SO many people who did! (Not to mention all the other cancelled trips to places all over the world...)
So I know that nothing can actually replace that visit. And the time WILL come when you can come visit us here again.
But until then, you can still get a taste of Israel, even from outside of it!
Window shopping on Amazon turned up a bunch of options for bringing Israel into your home, or giving an Israeli gift! And you can support Israeli businesses when you buy them, too.
Here's a great place to start!
Yair Emmanuel Judaica is always a great gift choice!
There are actually a lot of items available on Amazon, so go check it out and pick out your favorite! And check out this sweet gift idea, while you're at it, too!
Enjoy the colors of Israel, anywhere!
Wednesday, October 21, 2020
Quarantine Friendly Deals!
this post contains affiliate links. this means that if you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission, which helps me keep this website up and running! Thanks for your support!
Is your bestie in quarantine? Wish you could go over and give her a hug and help out, but obviously you can't, right? I've got some ideas for sending a gift over, which will make anyone in quarantine feel loved and cared for!
Here are some deals, and I'm sure there are more:
Free delivery to: Netanaya, Kfar Sava, Raanana, Herzliya, Ramat Hasharon, Hod Hasharon, Petach Tikvah, Biq'at Ono, Ramat Gan, Givatayim, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Rishon Letzion, Holon, Bat Yam, Nes Tziona, Rechovot, Gedera, Yavneh, Gan Yavneh, Ashdod, Rosh Ha'ayin. Order by Thursday at 1pm for Friday delivery!
Olam Helechem also offers a weekday baked goods basket, starting at 129 NIS!
Pizza Donatelo in Tel Aviv: this delivery deal has a very limited delivery area, but if you're in Tel Aviv, worth checking out! Yes, you can send it to a friend stuck in quarantine too! Regular price for this package (2 XL pizzas with toppings, dessert, and a drink) is 183 NIS, but this deal is just 149 NIS
Send a catered meal! This offer has delivery in the Merkaz/Sharon area. It's 179 NIS for a meal for 3, and you can add additional meals for 65 NIS apiece.
Just want to send some snacks? Here's a deal for 10 boxes of granola bars. Including home delivery, it comes to 144 NIS!
This cheese basket is well-loved! You can choose the basic basket for 189 NIS, or upgrade to include wine.
More food delivery options are available on Groo - there are so many to choose from, including DIY kits for desserts and pizza, sushi delivery, drinks - alcoholic and non-alcoholic, chocolates, and more! Check them out!
If you don't want to send food, I also have a great option for you to send some fun! You can gift your bestie or loved one a game from Bagels & Locks Studios! No need to worry about whether it's appropriate for them - it's appropriate for all audiences! Pick an Israel or Jewish themed game and play together with them with new Quarantine Special we've arranged. Check it out - this option gets you 2 connections to a game, so you can play together even when you're not able to be together. (Other options are also available!)
Other stay-at-home entertainment options:
Online "Matnas" - 3 months for 79 NIS
Online courses starting at 10 NIS
Hope these deals are helpful! Don't forget to join my Facebook group for more deals! I also have a Whatsapp group!
Tuesday, November 26, 2019
Deals: GAMES with free shipping!
Toys seem to be the talk of the town, which makes sense with Chanukah coming, lots of sales, and free shipping deals! This post focuses on GAMES. Check out the toy deals I posted the other day (click here!) too!
Here are my hand-picked deals - if you're looking for something else, please let me know and I'll see if I can track down a deal for you! I'll do my best to post more toys soon!
Codenames is under $10! (qualify for free shipping with a qualifying $49 order)
If you're looking for extensions and expansions, click here to check today's deals!
Here's a deal for Ticket to Ride at almost half off the list price! (free shipping with a qualifying $49 order!)
Click here to go to Amazon and buy this game!
Monday, May 14, 2018
Housewares,Toys, and Gifts from Iwoot!
Iwoot is an awesome site to shop, especially for those of us here in Israel. They ship internationally from their UK site, and international delivery fees are generally very cheap - often just 99pence. Heavy items may be more expensive to ship, though, so check before you buy!
Here are some of my favorite Iwoot deals. Please keep in mind that sales are subject to change, so if you're catching this post late, prices posted here may not be accurate.
7-piece Towel Sets (100% cotton) for £16.99
9 piece towel sets (100% cotton) for £21.99
Brio Magnetic Blocks for £14.99 - a really excellent gift!
Gift Items 3 for £20.00 - this list changes all the time, and some things are super kitchy. But other things are super fun! Check it out!
Kitchen gadgets and appliances from the UK are all the right voltage for Israel, and IWOOT has great prices for items when there's a sale! Be sure to compare with local prices before buying - some will save you as much as 50%, and others won't actually be different. But it's always worth a look!
Take this French Press Coffee Maker as an example - it's £12.99, and here you'll be hard pressed to find one for less than 99 NIS, and it won't be as nice as this one!
Legos are always a favorite, and the prices on IWOOT by and large represent HUGE savings over the prices found here in Israel. It's definitely worth checking them for Lego deals if you're planning to buy any!
I know that Playmobil seems to be really popular with young kids here, so be sure to check Iwoot's Playmobil deals! It could save you a LOT!
I hope this post helps you find some great deals when you're shopping!
Don't get surprised by import taxes! If you're ordering items from overseas, be sure to familiarize yourself with the most recent personal import regulations!
--- Retrieved from https://www.kosherfrugal.com/ ---
Have a great day!
Monday, October 9, 2017
IWOOT deals
Tuesday, June 27, 2017
On Sale Now - Reveal Games!
Have you heard about these great new games? They will make a great summer birthday gifts for your family or friends! (Or stock your gift stash for the whole year because of this AWESOME sale! Details below!)
Reveal Israel, the family card game about Israel, has 3 different ways to play - making this a really great deal packed into a teeny little box! For ages 3-100 and up to 18 players.
Reveal Chai, the new card game about Jewish Life, has 3 different ways to play - so it's also a really great deal packed into a teeny little box! It's multilingual (English, Hebrew, Spanish, Dutch, German and French) and is great for all ages, but especially great for kids aged 3-10 -- because there's no reading required.
Right now, when you buy these games on Amazon (this seller only), you can take advantage of this special offer: Buy 1 Get 1 FREE with code 4LJ9T3TL -- but only while supplies last, or the end of July! So hurry!
Whether you are buying these games as a gift for someone (this is a great way to get your family hooked on Israel as much as you are!), or you're sharing this deal with your friends and family in America, make sure you all hurry and take advantage of this discount, and share it with your friends!
Saturday, May 20, 2017
SALE - Reveal Israel and Reveal Chai Games!
Have you heard about these great new games? They will make a great Shavuot gifts or summer birthday gifts for your family or friends!
Reveal Israel, the family card game about Israel, has 3 different ways to play - making this a really great deal packed into a teeny little box! For ages 3-100 and up to 18 players.
Reveal Chai, the new card game about Jewish Life, has 3 different ways to play - so it's also a really great deal packed into a teeny little box! It's multilingual (English, Hebrew, Spanish, Dutch, German and French) and is great for all ages, but especially great for kids aged 3-10 -- because there's no reading required.
Right now, when you buy these games on Amazon (this seller only), you can take advantage of these special offers: Buy 1 get 10% off, Buy 2 get 15% off, Buy 3 get 20% off, Buy 4 get 25% off! Just put the games in your cart and the discount will show up at checkout!
Whether you are buying these games as a gift for someone (this is a great way to get your family hooked on Israel as much as you are!), or you're sharing this deal with your friends and family in America, make sure you all hurry and take advantage of this discount!
Discount will expire at the end of May!
If you are in Israel and want to buy these games, please send a message to my friend Janice on Facebook!
Monday, May 1, 2017
High Quality Baby Gifts/Toys for less!
Are you looking for gifts for your children or friends?


Now, you can buy high quality toys, like Melissa & Doug brand, without going broke, (though not as low priced as outlet stores in America), from eChemist, and get free international shipping on many orders!
Check it out!
While you're at it, take note that eChemist has a large selection of other items - many of which cost less than their local counterparts. (For example, Ricola costs a lot less there!)
And always check out the sales!
Monday, January 30, 2017
Reveal Israel & Reveal Chai ON SALE NOW!
(links in this post are affiliate links. I may receive a commission when you make a purchase. Thanks for your support!)
Have you heard about these great new games?
Reveal Chai, the new card game about Jewish Life, has 3 different ways to play - making this a really great deal packed into a teeny little box! It's multilingual (English, Hebrew, Spanish, Dutch, German and French) and is great for all ages, but especially great for kids aged 3-10 ~ because there's no reading required.
Right now, when you buy these games on Amazon (this seller only), you can take advantage of these special offers: Buy 1 get 5% off, Buy 2 Get 10% off, Buy 3 Get 15% off, or Buy 4 Get 20% off! Just put the games in your cart and the discount will show up at checkout!
Whether you are buying these games as a gift for someone (this is a great way to get your family hooked on Israel as much as you are!), or you're sharing this deal with your friends and family in America, make sure you all hurry and take advantage of this discount!
Discount will expire at the end of February.
Thursday, December 8, 2016
Reveal Israel - Special Discount!
Reveal Israel, the new family card game about Israel, has 3 different ways to play - making this a really great deal packed into a teeny little box! For ages 3-100 and up to 18 players.
Right now, when you buy this game on Amazon (this seller only), you can take advantage of these special offers: Buy 1 get 5% off, Buy 2 Get 10% off, Buy 3 Get 15% off, or Buy 4 Get 20% off! Just put the games in your cart and the discount will show up at checkout!
Whether you are buying this game as a gift for someone (this is a great way to get your family hooked on Israel as much as you are!), or you're sharing this deal with your friends and family in America, make sure you all hurry and take advantage of this discount!
This deal ends Dec. 31, 2016
When you shop from any of the links on this page, I may be paid a commission. Thanks in advance for your support!
Thursday, December 4, 2014
IWOOT - sneak preview sale!
Looking for a great gift, or special item for yourself?
IWOOT is such a fun place to look!
Haven't checked it out yet? Well, you are in luck, because right now there is a GREAT Preview Sale going on - IWOOT is having Black Friday Part II "declining sale" tomorrow, (the % discount will decrease throughout the day!) and instead of waiting, you can get 20% off right now, at the sneak preview sale!
Make sure to use code PREDECLINE
Valid from 6pm 4th December – 6am 5th December (Times are London Time, I believe)
this post contains affiliate links