Western Union has many locations worldwide. To find one, visit , or call 800-325-6000 in the US, 800-235-0000 in Can- ada, 0800 83 38 33 in the UK, 800 501 500 in Australia, 800 27 0000 in New Zealand, 0860 100031 in South Africa, or 177 213 141 in Israel. Money transfer services are also available at American Express and Thomas Cook offices. US STATE DEPARTMENT . In dire emergencies only, the US State Department will forward money within hours to the nearest consular office, which will then disburse it according to instructions for a US$15 fee.To use this ser- vice, you must contact the Overseas Citizens Service division of the US State Department . TIPPING AND BARGAINING Tipping in Israel is increasingly moving toward American standards, but for the time being, a 10% tip will suffice in restaurants, bars, and hotels. Check whether a service charge is already included in the bill; in restaurants, gratuity is frequently included for parties of six or more. Bargaining in Israel is the norm . There are very few places where you can't bargain; the "NOs" are limited for the most part to department stores, drug stores, supermarkets, and restaurants with fixed-price menus. Ask hostel owners if they offer any "discounts." Chances are they'll knock 5-10% of the price. A good strategy is to wait inconspicuously by the side until an Israeli makes a purchase. If your price seems higher, bargain. And if there are only tourists in the vicinity, definitely bargain, especially in markets. TAXES Israel offers a VAT refund to tourists purchasing more than US$50 worth of goods at a shop approved by the Ministry of Tourism. To collect the 17% refund, you must be a foreign passport holder who is not an Israeli citizen, and you must pay for your purchase in foreign currency . Approved stores will be marked; look for a the Ministry of Tourism insignia or a sign reading "V.A.T. Refund." For details, pick up a copy of the Cus- toms Guide for the Reimbursement of VAT to Tourists or Tourist Infomra- tion: Customs and VAT at the airport. In order to collect your refund, you will need to present a VAT invoice/receipt at the point of departure from Israel are leaving from Ben-Gurion International Airport, go to the 24-hour Bank Leumi . Be sure to ask for the invoice and fill it out in the shop. Both your pur- chase and the invoice must be sealed in a bag at the shop and must remain sealed until your departure. Pack the sealed bag in your hand luggage, as you will need to present it for inspection. The official will stamp the invoice and refund the VAT in US dollars; if the bank cannot scrape together enough, the refund will be mailed to your home address. Eurocheques may be written in shekels and counted as for- eign currency for discounts. The bank does charge a commission: US$2 on refunds of up to US$30; US$5 on refunds ranging from US$30 to US$100; and US$8 for refunds greater than US$100.