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In Israel's major cities shops are usually open from 9:00 am until 7:00 pm, Sunday through Thursday, with an afternoon break a custom that has become less
and less the norm.
More and more shopping malls are springing up throughout the country, with shopping hours that are even more flexible. Nevertheless, on Fridays shops usually close between 2:00 -3:30 pm and most places of business in Jewish areas do not open on Saturdays.
The wide range of options in Tel Aviv is a pleasure for souvenir hunters and seasoned shoppers alike. Diamonds and jewelry; fashion and swimware; Oriental carpets and local antiques; original artwork including sculpture, painting and ceramics; Christian and Jewish keepsakes and ceremonial objects, and more many shops carry an "Approved by the Ministry of Tourism" label and offer a five percent discount and the opportunity for a VAT refund (currently 16.5%) upon departure from Israel to people paying in foreign currency and purchasing more than $50 worth of goods. Look for the sign.
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