Shopping in Palestine - outlets, shopping streets and boutiques

The territory of Palestine includes the Gaza Strip – a separate area near the Mediterranean Sea – and the West Bank, an area near the River Jordan. These two territories form the State of Palestine. Israel monitors the border with Palestine, and so there are Israeli customs officers and soldiers. A tall wall surrounds the Palestinian territory. It is easy to enter it from Israel’s side, but returning is somewhat more difficult because the customs check is stricter. The majority of everyday goods are cheaper in Palestine because this country has lower taxes compared to Israel. Moreover, there is no extra kosher tax on food that can be up to 10%.

Having passed the security checkpoint, tourists usually see numerous taxi drivers that offer their services. Some of these taxi drivers can be too persistent. Do not be angry with them. Just keep in mind that persistence is a typical selling method in the Middle East. Just like in other Arab countries, sellers can increase the price depending on the look of the potential buyer. That being said, local sellers are polite and ready to bargain. It is a mistake to think that all Palestinian Arabs are rude liars or terrorists – the Israeli media often portraits them like this. Palestinians, in their turn, characterize Israelis in a similar way. However, both sides treat foreign tourists in a friendly way. Bethlehem, Hebron, and Jericho are the most popular cities with foreign guests.

In Bethlehem, the majority of tour guides take their groups of tourists to The Three Arches. This is a large souvenir shop that has already become a local attraction. Excursion groups from Israel always visit it. Some tour guides claim that there are no more souvenir shops in the area. This is not true because you will see many souvenir shops on your way to the Church of Nativity – the main destination of most excursions. These souvenir shops are smaller but they have cheaper prices. If you decide to explore Bethlehem without a tour guide and caught a taxi, your taxi driver will most likely act as a tour guide but can stop at any souvenir shop. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The Three Arches shop offers a broad range of various items related to the Bible and Christianity in general: big and small crosses made of silver and wood, silver chains, icons, candles, hanging icon lamps, chandeliers, essential oils, fridge magnets with different icons, magnets with the images of Palestinian shrines, and wooden sculptures. Tableware that has a definite Palestinian vibe, decorative plates, cups, vases, gold and silver jewelry, keychains, fashion jewelry of all types – it is simply impossible to leave this souvenir shop without a purchase.

Many tourists visit The Three Arches like a museum because the shop is big and has beautifully decorated stalls. Moreover, it is allowed to take pictures here. All purchased items can be blessed in the Church of Nativity afterward. In order not to feel sad about more expensive prices (some travelers feel that once they visit smaller shops), it is always a good idea to keep in mind that souvenir shops in popular tourist areas always have higher prices. Shops located on small, less buzzing streets sell the same items cheaper. This rule is not true about the family-run businesses located on the Milk Grotto Street, which specialize in olive wood art.

In Bethlehem, tourists can also visit a souvenir shop dedicated to Banksy, the famous street artist. One of his most famous works, Armored Dove of Peace, decorates the wall that separates Israel and Palestine. The British artist is a legendary person. No one knows his face but his works are familiar to everyone. Small copies of his works have become popular souvenirs. Israeli Shekel is the currency used in Palestine. Prices can be also indicated in dollars or euro. If the price looks too expensive, don’t hesitate to bargain. A good talk can bring you a discount of 20% to 30%. There is no Shabbat in Palestine, and so shops work by their regular schedule on Friday evening and Saturday. The same applies to local public transport. In Israel, everything stops working on Shabbat.

The Tax-Free system that allows tourists to return a part of the money spent is almost not working in the West Bank. It is available only in the shops that have a license of Israel’s Ministry of Tourism. Ask a Tax-Free form from the seller. The form includes information about the purchased good and the passport number of the buyer. At the Israeli airport, tourists need to find the Change Place office and display the unused item, receipt, the Tax-Free form, passport, and airplane ticket. The money is returned in cash or sent to the bank card after inspection.

Arab sweets and spices can also be good souvenirs from Palestine. Local markets are the best place to shop for them. Cosmetics enriched with the mineral salt from the Dead Sea are also a popular souvenir from Palestine. Shampoos, peelings, and scrubs – the choice of locally produced cosmetic types is enough to fit any taste. As a rule, tourists do not buy clothes or electronics in Palestine because there are no famous brands here and the prices are high. To buy clothes by mainstream brands like Zara, Mango, and Castro, Palestinians from Jericho and Bethlehem head to Jerusalem, a part of which is Palestinian territory.