Israel – Postal Service

What is the postal service in Israel and who are the main providers?

Israel Post is the country’s principal postal authority, delivering a comprehensive range of mailing and logistics solutions to individuals and businesses throughout Israel and internationally. It was established in 1948 alongside the founding of the State of Israel and has remained the dominant postal operator ever since.

Previously operating as a government corporation, it underwent privatisation in 2024 when the tender concluded and ownership passed to a consortium — comprising Milgam (51.7%), Phoenix Insurance Company (21.1%), Phoenix Pension and Provident (13.2%), and Layman Schlissel (15%) — for NIS 468 million. The transaction was finalised on 14 November 2024, representing the first occasion in the country’s history that postal operations have been placed under private ownership.

Israel Post’s activities span three core areas: Courier, Express, and Parcel (CEP) delivery with an emphasis on international e-commerce — covering import, export, and domestic CEP operations. The Postal Bank, a financial services subsidiary of Israel Post, caters to more than one million current account holders and prepaid card users. Traditional mail offerings encompass bulk and individual correspondence, registered mail, express mail, and retail services provided at branches.

Israel Post employs 5,000 staff members, among them 1,650 letter carriers and 2,000 counter clerks spread across 700 post office branches nationwide, supported by 4,262 post boxes and a fleet of 1,000 delivery vehicles. In parallel with Israel Post, global courier operators including DHL, FedEx, and UPS maintain a presence in Israel, delivering premium express and freight options that are especially suited to time-critical commercial consignments. This arrangement — one dominant national carrier alongside competing private services — resembles the structure in countries such as Germany (Deutsche Post/DHL) or France (La Poste alongside private rivals), rather than either a fully open market like Sweden’s or an exclusive state monopoly.

The push for full privatisation was driven in part by a desire to shed the organisation’s outdated reputation — mirroring moves by postal operators in other nations that made the transition to private ownership years earlier. Having previously been associated with poor customer experiences and lengthy queues, Israel Post has undergone a notable turnaround and financial rehabilitation in recent years. Its official website can be accessed in both Hebrew and English at www.israelpost.co.il.

How fast and reliable is postal delivery in Israel?

Delivery speeds at Israel Post depend on the service level selected, whether the mail is travelling within Israel or internationally, and seasonal or holiday-related factors. Within the country, standard deliveries typically arrive within 3 to 7 business days, while express options bring that down to 1 to 3 days. These timeframes are broadly in line with standard domestic postal services across much of Europe, though the longer end of the range may feel slow compared to operators such as those in the Netherlands or Germany.

Israel Post’s Domestic Express service commits to next-business-day delivery in major urban centres, while recipients in rural or more remote locations may wait 2–3 business days. This service includes live tracking and delivery alerts via both SMS and email.

Standard domestic tiers — referred to as Doreshet, Doreshet Mevugar, and Doreshet Mevugar Mezuman — carry no formal delivery guarantees but generally achieve transit times of 2–5 business days in practice.

Cross-border deliveries can range from 7 to 21 business days, influenced by the recipient country and the length of any customs clearance process. Israel Post’s EMS (Express Mail Service) comes with guaranteed international delivery windows, typically within 3–7 business days depending on the destination country. Israel Post participates in agreements with the Universal Postal Union (UPU), which supports timely handling of international mail across member nations.

Reliability has been a long-standing concern. The service was once widely criticised for poor customer relations and erratic delivery timelines. The ongoing modernisation effort has brought meaningful progress, and tracking is now a standard feature on most products. Israel Post’s tracking platform enables customers to monitor their shipments in real time, domestically and abroad. Expats arriving from countries with highly dependable postal networks — such as Switzerland or Japan — may still observe greater variability in delivery consistency, especially for international standard letters and parcels.

For overseas shipments, customs inspections may extend transit times, and the Jewish calendar introduces additional scheduling considerations. Israel observes Shabbat each week (from Friday evening until Saturday night) as well as numerous Jewish holidays, during which branches are closed and no deliveries take place — a significant distinction from most Western postal systems, where only Sunday operations are typically curtailed.

What additional services are available at post offices in Israel?

Israeli post offices function as considerably more than places to send letters. The organisation provides a broad portfolio spanning traditional postal operations, digital and e-government postal services, and financial and business-oriented products. This expansive role is comparable to the community hub function performed by post offices in France (La Poste) or Japan Post, where branches handle financial transactions and government services alongside mail.

Services on offer at Israeli post offices include postcard and express delivery, international money transfers, parcel collection, charged visa cards, foreign currency purchases, postal current accounts, utility bill payments, student loans, and a variety of other postal and financial products.

The Postal Bank delivers a broad array of financial services to more than one million account holders and prepaid card customers. While it does not extend credit or issue loans, it offers current accounts and prepaid card options that can serve as a practical stopgap for newcomers who have not yet established a regular bank account — particularly given that opening an account at a mainstream Israeli bank can be a slow, document-intensive process.

Common services include bill payment facilities, where customers can settle utility charges, taxes, and other obligations, and passport processing, as branches are authorised centres for passport applications and renewals. Post offices also assist with government document handling and identity-related matters, making them a useful first port of call for expats working through administrative requirements.

In recent years, Israel Post has extended opening hours at around 200 branches, rolled out digital services that reduce the need for in-person visits, and kept selected post offices open until 20:00 three evenings per week. A pre-booking system called “Queue in a Click” — accessible through the Israel Post website, its mobile app, or by dialling 171 — lets customers reserve a time slot to avoid standing in line. Using this appointment system is highly advisable, since walk-in queues at busy branches can be considerable.

Does the postal service deliver to every address in Israel?

Israel Post covers the vast majority of addresses throughout the country, including residential properties, businesses, and PO boxes. In certain remote areas where home delivery is not offered, customers can collect their mail from the closest available post office or pickup point.

The organisation serves around 38 million customers annually and maintains more than 1,000 service locations across the country, encompassing postal branches and pickup and drop-off (PUDO) points. This network comprises approximately 400 postal units and close to 700 PUDOs positioned within convenient reach of virtually every household in Israel. For expats settled in smaller towns or rural areas, the PUDO network is especially valuable — even where doorstep delivery is limited, a nearby collection point should generally be within reach.

The Domestic Express service delivers the next business day to major cities and metropolitan areas, with deliveries to rural locations and outlying communities taking 2–3 business days. Expats who relocate to peripheral regions — such as the Negev, the Galilee, or communities along the Jordan Valley — should account for these longer timescales and may wish to rent a PO box at their nearest branch as a reliable mail collection solution.

When a parcel cannot be delivered to the recipient’s door, Israel Post will ordinarily leave a collection slip, and the item will be held at a designated branch or pickup point awaiting collection. This network extends to roughly 1,300 locations nationwide, where customers can retrieve correspondence and packages.

How do you write a postal address in Israel?

Addressing mail and parcels in Israel follows the standard international structure. The correct sequence is: recipient’s name, street name and number, city or town, postal code, and country (when sending from overseas). This is broadly consistent with address formats used across continental Europe, where the postcode appears alongside the city name on the final address line.

A typical domestic Israeli address is structured as follows:

• Recipient Name: Yael Cohen
• Street address: Rothschild Boulevard 22
• City and postcode: Tel Aviv-Yafo 6688218
• Country (for international mail): Israel

The locality name and postal code appear together on the same line, with the city name written first followed directly by the code, without any intervening punctuation. When addressing mail from outside Israel, write “ISR” in capital letters on the final line.

For PO Box addresses, include the box number on a separate line between the street address and the city and postcode line. An example PO Box address would appear as: 7 Ierushalaim, PO Box 12, 5134200 Bnei Brak, ISR.

Always include the postal code, as its omission significantly increases the risk of delays or misdelivery. If you are unsure of the correct code for a given address, use the official lookup tool on the Israel Post website before dispatching your mail.

How do you find or look up a postcode in Israel?

Israel uses a seven-digit numeric postcode system, written with a space separating the fifth and sixth digits — for instance, 99999 99. The switch to this 7-digit format took place in February 2013, superseding the previous 5-digit system. This update brought Israel into closer alignment with countries that employ longer codes for more granular geographic identification, similar to transitions seen in nations such as Australia or the Netherlands.

Postal codes are assigned in a broadly north-to-south sequence; the first two digits of any code correspond to a particular city or region. As an illustration, Metula in the far north carries a code beginning with 1029200, while Eilat in the south has codes opening with 88. Once you grasp this underlying logic, the structure becomes reasonably intuitive.

The full seven digits form the complete code, with the opening two digits identifying the relevant city or town. To find the correct postcode for any Israeli address, customers can use the dedicated postcode lookup tool on the Israel Post website. This tool is accessible at www.israelpost.co.il within the address and postcode section, and the site is available in Hebrew and English.

When completing address fields — whether for delivery purposes, official registration, or formal documents — always use the full 7-digit format. Older forms or legacy databases may still reference 5-digit codes; in such cases, use the Israel Post online tool to confirm the correct current code for your address, as codes have been revised on multiple occasions since the 2013 transition.

What should expats know about sending and receiving international mail and parcels in Israel?

Sending items internationally from Israel can be arranged at any post office branch. Israel Post offers dependable international shipping to more than 200 countries, with delivery windows of typically 5–15 business days to major global destinations, and provides assistance with customs paperwork. As a participant in the EMS network, Israel Post supports fast international dispatch of documents and parcels up to 20 kg. Check the Israel Post website for up-to-date international postage rates, as these are subject to periodic revision.

For those receiving parcels from abroad, customs regulations require careful attention. Israel calculates import taxes on the CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) basis — meaning duty is assessed on the combined value of goods, shipping, and insurance. Israel’s 17% VAT applies to virtually all imports, alongside applicable customs duties (as of 2025).

Import duties average 7–12%, with the 17% VAT levied on the CIF value plus any duty payable. The de minimis threshold stands at ILS 75 (roughly USD 20), below which no duty or VAT is collected (as of 2025). This threshold is considerably lower than those in many comparable countries — the EU, for instance, applies a EUR 150 customs threshold — which means even relatively modest overseas purchases are likely to attract charges on arrival in Israel.

Undervaluing goods or using incorrect HS codes can result in penalties of up to 300% of the item’s value and potential confiscation. Always ensure that overseas senders fill in customs declaration forms with accurate information. For the most current rates and regulations, consult the Israel Tax Authority’s personal importation guide on the official government portal (gov.il).

New immigrants (Olim) who have completed Aliyah are entitled to specific customs exemptions. These apply to all import channels — including sea, air, and postal packages — and the Customs authority will open a file automatically within 3 days of Aliyah. A postal package containing exclusively clothing and footwear dispatched to Israel before the Aliyah entry date may qualify for tax exemption, provided it arrived within 30 days before that date, on the entry date itself, or within 3 months afterwards. Olim should consult the Nefesh B’Nefesh organisation or the Israeli Tax Authority website for the latest details on eligible items and the applicable procedures.

Are there any known issues or practical tips for using the postal service in Israel?

Expats regularly encounter a number of recurring practical challenges when using Israel Post. Familiarising yourself with these in advance can help avoid unnecessary frustration.

Language barrier: While the Israel Post website is available in both Hebrew and English, branch staff tend to communicate primarily in Hebrew, and collection notices left for undelivered parcels are typically issued in Hebrew only. Having a translation app on hand — or enlisting the help of a Hebrew-speaking friend or neighbour — is useful when dealing with any official correspondence from the postal service.

Queues and wait times: Long queues have historically been one of Israel Post’s most common complaints. The pre-booking system known as “Queue in a Click” is accessible via the website, mobile app, or by calling 171, and is strongly advisable before any branch visit. Walk-in queues at busy urban branches — particularly in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem — can stretch to an hour or more at peak times.

Collecting parcels without a local ID: When picking up a parcel, you will generally need to show your Israeli identity card (Teudat Zehut) or, for those who have recently arrived, a passport. New immigrants who have not yet received their Teudat Zehut should bring their passport and entry documentation to avoid any difficulties at the collection point.

Lost or delayed mail: A domestic parcel is not considered lost until tracking has shown no movement for 21 days from the posting date; the threshold for international parcels is 45 days. Israel Post will not process lost parcel claims until these waiting periods have elapsed, and the majority of apparently stalled items do eventually arrive. If your parcel remains undelivered beyond the relevant period, submit a claim through the Israel Post website.

Shabbat and Jewish holidays: Post offices are closed throughout Shabbat — from Friday afternoon until Saturday night — and on all major Jewish holidays. This represents a fundamental difference from postal systems in most other countries and has a tangible effect on delivery schedules, particularly during the numerous Jewish holiday periods that fall throughout the calendar year. Factor in these closures when planning international shipments.

PO boxes: Taking out a PO box rental (known in Hebrew as “ta do’ar”) is a sensible solution for expats who relocate frequently, live in areas where home delivery can be inconsistent, or simply need a stable postal address while settling in. PO boxes can be arranged at most branches — consult the Israel Post website for current rental fees and branch availability.

Service options for valuable items: For valuable documents and smaller packages, opt for Doreshet Mevugar rather than the standard Doreshet service, which offers limited tracking capability. For high-value international shipments, EMS via Israel Post is the safest in-house option, though a private courier may offer greater peace of mind for particularly valuable consignments.

Frequently asked questions

Does Israel Post have an English-language website?

Yes — the Israel Post website is offered in both Hebrew and English, providing accessible support for expats using postal services. You can toggle between languages at www.israelpost.co.il. The customer service phone line (171) is also available, though Hebrew is the primary language used by representatives.

How do I track a parcel sent through Israel Post?

Israel Post’s tracking platform lets customers monitor their shipments in real time, whether the parcel is travelling within Israel or internationally. International tracking numbers follow the format of 2 capital letters at the start, an 8-digit number in the middle, and “IL” — Israel’s country code — at the end. Simply enter your tracking number on the Israel Post website to view the latest status.

What happens if I miss a parcel delivery?

If no one is available to receive a delivery, the postal worker will ordinarily leave a collection notice. The parcel will then be held at the specified post office or pickup point shown on the slip. You can collect your item from any of the roughly 1,300 service locations around the country — just remember to bring your ID or passport.

Is there a customs threshold for packages arriving in Israel from abroad?

The de minimis threshold is ILS 75 (approximately USD 20), below which neither duty nor VAT is charged. Parcels valued above this level attract import duties of 0–12% (averaging 7%) plus 17% VAT on the CIF value (as of 2025). For the latest figures, refer to the Israel Tax Authority website, as thresholds are subject to change.

Can I open a bank account at the post office in Israel?

The Postal Bank provides financial services to more than one million current account holders and prepaid card customers. It does not, however, offer credit facilities or loans. For expats who have not yet established an account with a mainstream bank, the Postal Bank’s current account and prepaid card options can serve as a practical interim solution, often with fewer documentation barriers than conventional commercial banks impose.

How do I find the correct 7-digit postcode for my address in Israel?

The easiest way to locate the right postcode is to use the postcode lookup tool on the Israel Post website at www.israelpost.co.il. Israel adopted its 7-digit postal code format in February 2013, replacing the older 5-digit system. If you come across a 5-digit code on an older document, always verify the current 7-digit equivalent using the official tool before sending mail.

Do Jewish holidays affect postal delivery in Israel?

Yes — post offices are closed on Shabbat (from Friday afternoon until Saturday night) and on all Jewish public holidays throughout the year, including Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Passover, and others. These closures affect both branch opening hours and delivery schedules. If you are arranging a time-sensitive international shipment, consult the Jewish holiday calendar in advance and build in extra time around these periods.

Are there private courier alternatives to Israel Post?

Yes — alongside Israel Post, international carriers such as DHL and FedEx operate in Israel, typically completing express deliveries within 1–3 business days for urgent consignments. Private couriers generally deliver faster and more consistent results for high-value or time-critical shipments, though their pricing is higher than Israel Post’s standard service rates.