Supermarket in Eilat: Where to Buy Groceries and How VAT Affects Your Savings
In short: You will find a supermarket in every part of Eilat, and you can buy groceries for your whole holiday. As we understand it, and according to current policy, Eilat has VAT relief as a free trade zone, but what you actually save depends on the product and the store. Check your receipt for a VAT line, and don't rely only on the shelf price.
You walk into the store with an empty cart, hungry kids and the midday sun on your back. That is exactly the moment when it helps to know what really saves money and what just sounds good.
Is there a VAT exemption in Eilat?
Eilat is known as a free trade zone, which is why you hear that everything there is cheaper. As we understand it, and according to current policy, VAT relief in Eilat does exist, but it does not apply to everything in the same way. There are differences between types of products, between goods and services, and sometimes between residents and tourists.
We are not tax advisers, so we won't promise you any amount. The simple rule: whatever applies to you will show up on the receipt. If there is no clear VAT line, don't assume you saved.
For general background on the city's status, see Wikipedia's article on Eilat and the Eilat tourism website.
Local tip: Don't just ask whether there is an exemption. Ask at the register: does the shelf price already include VAT, or will it be deducted at payment? That way there are no surprises.
How do you choose a supermarket in Eilat?
The city has several types of stores, and each plays a different role on your holiday. You don't need to know names, just what to look for.
Large supermarket: The right choice for one big shop at the start of your holiday. Wide selection, dairy, meat, vegetables and cleaning supplies.
Neighborhood minimarket: Good for topping up on milk, bread and vegetables mid-holiday. Usually close to where you stay and open at convenient hours.
Bakery and greengrocer: Worth a stop for a fresh breakfast and seasonal fruit.
Convenience store: Handy for a bottle of water or a snack in the evening, but usually more expensive.
Opening hours vary, especially on Fridays, Saturdays and holidays. Check them on Google Maps before you head out.
Is grocery shopping in Eilat really cheaper?
Not always. Eilat is far from production and supply areas, and in busy seasons prices can go up. VAT relief can lower the total, but it doesn't guarantee that your basket will be cheaper than at the supermarket near your home.
There is also the matter of basic products. As we understand it, fresh fruit and vegetables in Israel are exempt from VAT anyway, so you won't feel a difference there. The difference, if there is one, will be in other items: packaged food, drinks, cleaning products and toiletries.
What to buy in Eilat and what to bring from home
Buy here what spoils or is heavy: milk, eggs, vegetables, meat, bread and water. The regular products you love, such as a special spice, coffee or a snack for the kids, are better brought from home if you are sure of the brand.
In Eilat's heat, cold groceries can't wait in the car. Plan your shop so that the chilled items are the last thing in the cart and the first thing in the fridge. You can check the forecast on the Eilat weather site.
Shopping list for two to three days
This is a basic list for a couple or a small family with a kitchenette. Adjust it to the number of people.
Eggs, bread, cheeses and spreads for breakfast
Milk, yogurt and coffee or tea
Tomatoes, cucumbers and vegetables for salad
Pasta, sauce, rice or couscous for dinner
Chicken breast or sausages for quick cooking
Fruit, snacks and bottles of water for day trips
Dish soap, a sponge and trash bags
You'll find easy meal ideas in cooking in an Eilat vacation apartment.
Save money: Write a list before you go in. Without one, people usually buy more than they eat, and the extra food doesn't come home with you.
How do you check that you really saved? A checklist
Compare the price of three regular items (milk, bread, water) between two stores.
Ask at the register whether the shelf price includes VAT or will be reduced at payment.
Ask for a receipt and check whether it shows a VAT line.
Check the expiry date and price of special offers. A deal on a large pack isn't always cheaper per kg.
Pause before expensive purchases such as alcohol or electronics, and ask for the terms in writing.
If any step is unclear, that's a sign to ask again.
Is it better to cook in the apartment or eat out?
The answer is a mix. Breakfasts and small treats in the apartment save a lot, and dinner at a restaurant is part of the holiday. Food is part of the Eilat experience, and it's not worth giving it up to save a few shekels.
If you want to eat out without paying a fortune, read about cheap restaurants in Eilat. If kosher matters to you, there is a guide to kosher restaurants in Eilat.
How does it work at City Apartments Eilat?
At City Apartments Eilat, every apartment has a kitchenette with a fridge, a stovetop or hot plate, a kettle, a microwave and kitchenware. That means you can make breakfast and pasta without waiting for a table. The apartments are in the hotel area in the city center, behind the Club Hotel, a 5 to 10 minute walk from the promenade.
What suits whom?
Couple or small family: Studio no. 1 on Tzfit 6 sleeps up to 4 guests.
Family with children: One-bedroom apartment no. 3 sleeps up to 5 guests and leaves room for a kitchenette and a living area.
Anyone who wants a balcony: Balcony apartment no. 11 sleeps up to 4 guests.
There is free public parking outside the entrance, so your groceries don't have to travel far. On Nevi'ot Street there is also free private parking, subject to availability. You can see all the apartments on the apartments page.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a VAT exemption on groceries in Eilat?
As we understand it, and according to current policy, Eilat has VAT relief, but it depends on the type of product and the circumstances. Check your receipt for a VAT line and ask the cashier.
Is a supermarket in Eilat cheaper than in the rest of Israel?
Not necessarily. VAT relief can help, but shipping costs and demand in busy seasons have an effect. Compare a few regular items before a big shop.
When is the best time to do the big shop?
At the start of your holiday, once check-in is done and the apartment is ready. That way the fridge fills up and you don't have to keep going back to the store. Check-in at our apartments starts at 15:00.
Can I cook in an apartment in Eilat?
Yes. Every apartment has a kitchenette with a fridge, a stovetop or hot plate, a kettle, a microwave and kitchenware. It suits light meals and breakfasts.
Is it worth bringing food from home?
Only products that matter a lot to you, such as a specific brand or baby food. The rest is easy to buy in the city.
Want to save on your stay too? Check availability and prices on our website. Booking direct gives you an automatic 5% discount, and the kitchenette is waiting for you.
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