Your parcel is due to arrive in Israel – what now?
Linda wrote:-
“Can you help me, please?
I am an international student and have been in Israel for about 6 weeks. I ordered a parcel online and I received an order confirmation in my email, but how will I know when it arrives and what happens then? Where do I fetch it? What do I need?”
Whether you’re in Israel on a study program, or recently made Aliyah, navigating Hebrew instructions – even simple ones – can have you pulling your hair out.
Your order from AliExpress, Shein, or a local supplier is confirmed and on its way. You note the tracking number and wait.
A few weeks later, a text message appears on your phone—entirely in Hebrew. You recognize the tracking number, and for a moment, there’s relief. Your package has arrived.
Then comes the question:
- Where must I collect it? Can I have it delivered?
- Do I need an appointment?
- Do I need an identifying document?
- Do I have to pay tax?
The First Notification
After receiving an email order confirmation, a few weeks later the first delivery notification will be sent from Israel Post, or a third party delivery service like HFD, Cheetah, or UPS, and will look something like this.
What does it say? Here is the translation.
“Hello, your name, your parcel reference number xxxxxxx from AliExpress is on its way to Israel. Once it has been released from customs, it will be sent to a collection point associated with the address that you provided in your order.”
You can choose how you would like to have the parcel delivered: you can self-collect or choose to have the parcel delivered for a fee.
The message continues: “If you do not choose an alternative delivery method, your parcel will be sent as per the supplier’s instructions. Note, the delivery method can only be changed prior to the parcel’s arrival in Israel.”
Collection points could be a post office or a designated distribution point across your city.
The Second Notification
A few days later you will receive a second notification.
Translation: “Dear client, your parcel reference number xxxxxxxxx from AliExpress has arrived in Israel and is on its way to you. To track the parcel, click on the following link.”
- Israel postal services
- Postal, zip and area code information
- Try the MyVisit appointment app for scheduling a visit to a public office.
The Third Notification
A few days after the second notification, you will receive a third one.
It says” “Hello, parcel reference number xxxxxxx has arrived in Israel and is awaiting pick-up xxxxxxx.
Note, there is a second reference number in the body of the message – in this case ג1843. This is the reference number you must present at the distribution point.
Translation continues: “Click on the following link to arrange an appointment or schedule a delivery to your address.”
The post office requires you to make an appointment ahead of time (you can do this online via their website).
Next and Final Notification
If you don’t collect your parcel in time, you’ll usually receive a reminder. Most pickup points ask that you collect it within three business days.
At the post office, parcels are typically held for up to 14 days—after that, if unclaimed, they are returned to the sender.
Eventually, you have your parcel. Once your parcel has been collected or delivered, you’ll receive a final message.
Final Notification
This notification says: “Thank you for collecting parcel reference XXXXXXXXX. To improve our service, we would appreciate your answering three questions by clicking on this link.”
MyPost is a recommend that you register for (Hebrew) so that you can manage your deliveries. Thanks – Israel Post.
Photo ID
You’ll need to present a photo ID: teudat zehut, passport, or driver’s license
Duty on Personal Imports
According to the law, duty on personal imports above a $75 value, can be levied.
