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I am planning on bringing my Xbox one x with me on my (touristic) visit to Israel, but I’m afraid of the duty which may be imposed on it. From what I heard I could have to pay up to 148% of the price of the Xbox One X. When I purchased it I bought it for 400 dollars.

Is there any way I can avoid paying import duties for my used Xbox One X?

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    More info needed please. Are you an Israeli citizen returning to Israel to live after being abroad? If so, how long have you been outside the country? There are differing rules for tourists, and for returning citizens who are bringing with them used personal effects.
    – canonacer
    Mar 13, 2019 at 8:02
  • I have lived in America for 11 years my father works in America and regularly flies to Israel. My friend decided to give me his used Xbox one x.
    – crazyfoo
    Mar 13, 2019 at 11:36
  • Are you moving from US to Israel permanently, or just visiting?
    – Gerard Ashton
    Mar 13, 2019 at 14:31
  • I am visiting Israel
    – crazyfoo
    Mar 13, 2019 at 17:27

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You will not owe customs on the X-box, but you may need to deposit the VAT on it.

According to the Israeli Tax Authority guide for tourists, tourists are not required to declare items whose value doesn't exceed 200 USD (which your Xbox doesn't fall under).

As well there is a category for "others":

OTHER USED AND PORTABLE ITEMS WHICH MAY BE BROUGHT THROUGH THE GREEN CHANNEL

Typewriter, Camera, Movie camera, Video camera, Personal computer, Laptop computer, Television receiver, Tape recorder, Radio, Binoculars, Jewelry for personal use, Musical instruments, Record player, Stroller/baby carriage, Tent (only one allowed), Camping equipment, Sporting. Equipment, Bicycle (only one allowed, and non-motorized) and Similar travelers' equipment.

Since computers and televisions are on the list, I beieve that your Xbox (as long as it's not new) will also fall under this category, but it does not explicitly mention video game consoles, so there may be some room for judgement by the customs personal in your case.

In any case, however, you will only need to pay the VAT, as there is no custom on game consoles in Israel, which is 17% (68 USD). And even then, you will not pay it but only leave it in deposit, and will receive the amount back as long as you'll take the Xbox with you when you leave:

If you bring in: a new personal computer, a new VCR, a new video camera, or other similar items, you must leave a guarantee equal to the taxes due on the item. The guarantee must be [...] made in foreign currency, using cash or one of the following credit cards: Visa; EuroCard; American Express; and Diners'Club.

B. THE GUARANTEE - RETURNING OR FORFEITING

The guarantee will be returned to you if you take out the items on time; otherwise the guarantee will be forfeited.

So in any case, at the end of your trip, you should have no expences on the Xbox.

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