Tourists will receive a refund of the value-added tax (VAT) on goods they purchase in the country, Minister of Tourism Gideon Patt announced yesterday. He advised customs officials and the Civil Aviation Authority that the refund is to be made at the time of their departure.
A special counter will be set up at Ben Gurion Airport where tourists will have to present a wrapped parcel and a receipt in order to claim the refund. Tourists pressed for time will be able to drop the receipt in a box, in which case the refunds will be mailed to their homes. The VAT presently stands at 12 percent of the purchase price but is expected to be increased to 15 percent shortly.
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