Topic Wiki

*=More info below
Company  Price  Sim  Talk/SMS  Web  Free Int'l  Signup Bonus  Israeli CC  Real TZBlackerry
Hot99₪49₪Unlimited3GB31 countries49₪/6 months*  Yes*Yes*
Golan99₪49₪UnlimitedUnlimited  53 countries  ₪59 /1st yearYesNoNo
01292₪Unlimited3GB42 countries*44₪/6 months  YesYes29₪
Rami Levy89₪59₪Unlimited1GB  No1₪/3 monthsYesYesNo
PelephoneYes*Yes*Free
Partner129/135₪*0₪*Unlimited  1GB/3GBAdd'l 20₪NoNoNo*39₪
CellcomA lot of $180₪  NoNo75₪

Rule #1- The Israeli cell phone service market is difficult. But cheap.
Rule #2- It is illegal for a company to "lock you in" a contract. ALL plans may be cancelled at any time with no penalty. Though, they do prevent you from opening and closing plans by charging a sim card "fee". This fee must always be paid even if paid for once before, and ranges from 39₪ to 180₪.
Rule #3- For those places that need an Israeli credit card, you may need to get one from an Israeli bank with a passport and income information although YMMV.
Rule #4- It is rarely, if ever, worthwhile to rent a "vacation plan" or prepaid, as the price for a regular unlimted plan for a month is less that a vacation plan for a week. Get a GSM phone that covers 900/1800 bands and save your money
Rule #5- All Israeli plans, whether regular or prepaid, include free incoming calls/texts.

Hot- 99₪ a month - includes unlimited calls, text and data (3 gb, then slow) and unlimited to 32 countries. Free home internet supply included. They currently have an offer if you port a number from a different network, to get the first six months for just 49₪ a month. You can move your package to a 10₪ a month plan, which includes 50 minutes and texts. You can also freeze the line once a year for up to 3 months. Regarding signup- you can use an American CC and fake TZ over the phone as one user has done.

Golan - Service is passable, but can be subpar in certain areas. There are two plans with Golan. There's the 99₪ unlimited talk/text/internet/international calling plan, which also gives you up to 2 virtual foreign numbers. This plan also includes for many countries unlimited global data roaming (6GB high-speed), incoming calls & texts, and calls & texts to Israel. They also offer a ₪29 per day data-roaming plan which gives 100MB a day in these countries. These roaming options can be very useful for foreigners regardless of whether they need Golan for Israel. See their website for details.There's a promo deal to get the 99 plan for ₪59 /month for the 1st year. There's also a ₪10 a month plan, which includes 60 min for domestic/US & CA and landlines in many countries, unlimited SMS and 10 MB of Internet, with add'l mins ₪.18 domestic, ₪.08 to US/CA and landlines in many countries, and data ₪.09 /MB. Its great for those short trips here. SIM should work in an iPad for data; you can also order a car SIM which will allow you to have 2 SIMs which draw from same plan.
[To get the sim in the USA before your trip:  golanusa.net will ship it to you for $14 (more for rush) and the 49 nis for the sim. Golan bills on the 25th of the month.  The days before the first 25th are freeprorated.(So for a trip between the 26th and the 24th of the month, you don't pay the 59 nis or 99 nis plan fee.)]

012mobile - Runs on Partner service, you will get an 054 number (unless you ported). Unlimited - 49₪ for the first 6 months and 92₪ from thereon after for unlimited everything too. Includes 3GB Data and 500 minutes to US/CA (any phone) and 40 other countries (landlines only). 9₪ plan includes 60 minutes, 60 SMS, and 100MB data. Additional domestic minutes/SMS are ₪ .09, Int'l calls to to US/CA (any phone) and 40 other countries (landlines only) are ₪ .25 per min. Add'l data bundles are available starting from ₪ 19 for 1 GB. 5GB Laptop/Tablet (data only) is 98₪.

Pelephone - Online, they accept fake TZ and US CC.

Partner - 129₪ a month for unlimited talk, text, and 1GB. 135₪ for 3GB. Family plans are cheaper.Free sim for online orders. Extra 20₪/mo. for 500 min. int'l calling. Extra 39₪ for Blackberry. May need to give 500₪ deposit that you (may) get back when you cancel the plan.  One can freeze line without charges for up to 3 months when not needed (not sure if allowed more than once per 12 months).

Freedomhot.com - 2/19/2023 - They have local pickup in lots of major frum areas and delivery too. They accept US CC. Runs on Hot Mobile. Copying and pasting from their website.
All monthly plans include: Unlimited Calls & Texts to Israeli phone numbers Unlimited outgoing calls to USA and Canada and landlines to 33 additional countries.
Unlimited incoming calls and texts from anywhere in the world. Prices include all taxes.
59 Shekels - 70GB LTE Internet Data
79 shekels - 150GB LTE Internet Data
KOSHER - Voice Only - 64 Shekels
One-time SIM card fee: 49 Shekels
Optional: add a virtual USA number for $15 per month

Misc. Info
APN settings

On Hot Mobile you can check how much data was consumed either by downloading the app or by texting גלישה  to phone number 530 from your hot mobile phone,you can as well try calling this number *6733.

Note by Menucha:
Please note: as of 4/1/13, most carriers reduce period of intro rates and at times increased cost for monthly intro. I suggest we leave the above as is, but please keep in mind new changed, which are not negotiable and based on govt agreements. monthly flat rate is still great and same. (post intro)
Also, while reps wont tell you, typically you will get longer intro rate if you activate account on your own on line, and not via rep (phone or store). confirmed with carrier. Enjoy! flat monthly, even without intro rate is still one of the lowest you will come across in the west!

Israeli cellphone rentals:

1) Talkinisrael.com
Phone: +972587564477
Whatsapp: +972536299365
Email: info@talkinisrael.com 
if you should have any problems feel free to send me a pm and I will try to help you the best I can.
Plans for sale here are primarily for long term rentals.(students and the like.)


2) Israel Rent-a-cell SIM card or eSIM with calling and data. Also you can get SIMs for Israel Kosher phones!
Contact at Israelrentacell@gmail.com or WhatsApp 972-55-333-1234
Overnight or standard delivery in USA/delivery in Israel! Pickup locations in Lakewood and Israel.
* Unlimited calls and texts in Israel
* Unlimited calls to USA, Canada and landlines in 35 countries
* Unlimited incoming calls
* 70 GB of data (can add an extra 80GB of data)
* eSIMs available!
* Free voicemail
Student discount available, $29.97 monthly, including tax! Never surprise charges or hidden fees!

3) Cellular Israel - 072-224-3300 or 718-289-0195 Full Service - short term and long term, rent phones, Kosher phones, SIM cards, mifi devices, Waze by the day or month. American Customer Service!
info@cellularisrael.com

4) Simforisrael@gmail.com free delivery to anywhere

5) UnlimitedIsrael (DansDeals Advertiser with many positive reviews on DDMS & DDF) is the leading provider of SIM card & iPhone rentals for Israel in the US.
  • Unlimited calls & texts within Israel
  • Unlimited calling to the US and Canada
  • Lightning Fast 4G Internet Speeds
  • Unlimited 4G data
  • Sim Cards - $5/day
  • iPhones - $45/week
  • Kosher Phone - $4/day
  • Mifi Hotspot - $6/day
Use code SUAVE10 for 10% off any order
« Last edited by shmuelb on August 06, 2023, 12:48:30 PM »

Author Topic: Cell Phones in Israel  (Read 1355438 times)

Offline ae123

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5000 on: March 02, 2017, 02:01:08 PM »
You get an A+ in reading comprehension!
Thanks. :)
I just don't know anything about this, so I wanted to make sure it was as simple as it sounds.
I don't have to change any settings on my phone, like APN?
« Last Edit: March 02, 2017, 02:06:43 PM by ae123 »

Offline ExGingi

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5001 on: March 02, 2017, 02:36:06 PM »
Thanks. :)
I just don't know anything about this, so I wanted to make sure it was as simple as it sounds.
I don't have to change any settings on my phone, like APN?
In most cases (with newer phones) you get a message from the carrier the first time you turn it on on their network. Occasionally, you might need to change settings, not too difficult (that's only required for data, voice and text will work right away, though it does take a few minutes to sync to the network, the first time you turn it on).
I've been waiting over 5 years with bated breath for someone to say that!
-- Dan

Offline ae123

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5002 on: March 02, 2017, 05:09:31 PM »
Ok, thanks.
How would I know what to change the APN settings to, if necessary?

Offline ExGingi

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5003 on: March 02, 2017, 06:05:31 PM »
Ok, thanks.
How would I know what to change the APN settings to, if necessary?
https://www.golantelecom.co.il/web/guides.php

You can also search the Google Play store for "apn israel", there are two apps there that say they will change the setting for you (I haven't tried or tested).

Also some of the companies that rent phones have additional instructions/guides, for example:
http://cellularisrael.com/content.php?cid=16

« Last Edit: March 02, 2017, 06:09:57 PM by ExGingi »
I've been waiting over 5 years with bated breath for someone to say that!
-- Dan

Offline ae123

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5004 on: March 02, 2017, 07:15:42 PM »
Thank you. Very helpful.

By the way, since 2 people here didn't get back (yet) to my PM, what is the going rate to rent a SIM for my unlocked phone for approximately 10 days?
Is $10-$20 realistic?

Offline ExGingi

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5005 on: March 02, 2017, 09:58:56 PM »
Thank you. Very helpful.

By the way, since 2 people here didn't get back (yet) to my PM, what is the going rate to rent a SIM for my unlocked phone for approximately 10 days?
Is $10-$20 realistic?
Yes. I don't recall getting a PM from you  ;)
I've been waiting over 5 years with bated breath for someone to say that!
-- Dan

Offline ae123

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5006 on: March 02, 2017, 11:49:52 PM »
Yes. I don't recall getting a PM from you  ;)
I didn't know to PM you.
2 people PM'd me based on my questions and I replied to them.

Offline Kosher_Cellutions

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5007 on: March 08, 2017, 01:47:57 PM »
Anyone looking for Kosher phones for Israel. I am looking for anyone that wants to wholesale kosher phones. I have brand new LG phones 3G flip phones fully kosher with kosher sim lock and kosher tac $40USD. Send me a whatsapp if you are interested for pictures and videos.

whatsapp
+1 818 822 6272
www.kosherlgclassic.com
www.koshertclflip.com
KosherCellutions@gmail.com
Cellutions® is a registered trademark

Offline Z56

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5008 on: March 08, 2017, 05:49:51 PM »
Anyone looking for Kosher phones for Israel. I am looking for anyone that wants to wholesale kosher phones. I have brand new LG phones 3G flip phones fully kosher with kosher sim lock and kosher tac $40USD. Send me a whatsapp if you are interested for pictures and videos.

whatsapp
+1 818 822 6272

What kind of phone ?
“I have nothing in common with lazy people who blame others for their lack of success. Great things come from hard work

Offline Live N Learn

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5009 on: March 09, 2017, 07:54:53 AM »
".איזהו חכם, הלומד מכל אדם"

Offline springles

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5010 on: March 26, 2017, 11:23:03 AM »
verizon tells me that my samsung galaxy s6 and s7 and my 2 iphones are all unlocked from factory. Anyone know if that is always the case?

Offline mbasar

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5011 on: March 26, 2017, 11:26:56 AM »
Yes

Offline springles

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5012 on: March 26, 2017, 11:31:41 AM »
Yes
thanks.
sorry if this is a noob question but I am a noob to this, so if I get a sim and put it in my regular phone how does it work in regards to whatsapp and texts/calls? do i have to use a different number?

Offline Z56

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5013 on: March 26, 2017, 11:33:53 AM »
thanks.
sorry if this is a noob question but I am a noob to this, so if I get a sim and put it in my regular phone how does it work in regards to whatsapp and texts/calls? do i have to use a different number?

Well your using a different sim, so your number and txt will have a different number.

Whatsapp will work the same

If you download the message+ app from Verizon you can use your talk and txt number
“I have nothing in common with lazy people who blame others for their lack of success. Great things come from hard work

Offline mbasar

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5014 on: March 26, 2017, 11:34:58 AM »
You can use your regular us number for what app (since it uses data, not sellular)
(First time you open whats app with the Israel sim, it will ask you if you want to verify your new number, choose no)

Offline Yissroel

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5015 on: March 26, 2017, 11:39:51 AM »
you  will also have to change the phone settings off of cdma and on roaming
www.cellularisrael.com, Cheapest Cellphone Deals In Israel - Sales and Rentals

Offline springles

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5016 on: March 26, 2017, 11:50:33 AM »

If you download the message+ app from Verizon you can use your talk and txt number
can you explain more please?

Offline springles

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5017 on: March 26, 2017, 11:57:20 AM »
you  will also have to change the phone settings off of cdma and on roaming
looking at my phone settings (galaxy s6) it has the following options for mobile networks: global, lte/cdma, lte/gsm/umts
which would I have to switch to?

Offline mbasar

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5018 on: March 26, 2017, 12:10:28 PM »
Global, as well you'll need to change you APN (On Verizon phone you only have the option when you insert a non Verizon sim card)

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5019 on: March 26, 2017, 12:17:29 PM »
download this before you go
it should help you.
Link : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=it.appando.app.changeApn
www.cellularisrael.com, Cheapest Cellphone Deals In Israel - Sales and Rentals