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 1355805 times)

Offline ElectricCPR

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5300 on: January 17, 2018, 12:33:25 PM »
Im traveling on vacation to Israel for a week I own an Orange/ Partner SIM  (bought in August 2017) I need local calls, data, and international calls. What's my best and cheapest option(s)?

Offline moardie

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5301 on: March 11, 2018, 03:28:06 PM »
I am traveling to Israel for Pesach From March 27th- April 11

Am I best off going with UnlimitedIsrael? Or can I get a cheaper sim card from an Israeli company?

Online nafnaf12

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5302 on: March 11, 2018, 03:56:29 PM »
I am traveling to Israel for Pesach From March 27th- April 11

Am I best off going with UnlimitedIsrael? Or can I get a cheaper sim card from an Israeli company?
if you can pick up in monsey, I have 2  Golan sims I can rent out
A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.

Offline mark da man

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5303 on: March 11, 2018, 04:17:52 PM »
I am traveling to Israel for Pesach From March 27th- April 11

Am I best off going with UnlimitedIsrael? Or can I get a cheaper sim card from an Israeli company?
try golanusa.com I was very happy with them

Offline ExGingi

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5304 on: March 11, 2018, 04:45:00 PM »
I am traveling to Israel for Pesach From March 27th- April 11

Am I best off going with UnlimitedIsrael? Or can I get a cheaper sim card from an Israeli company?
If you'd like to pick up in Crown Heights, or if you would like me to ship, I have a couple of Golan SIMs.

I also have an option for 2 SIMs that share the same number, where only one of the SIMs has data, for a significantly lower cost than getting a totally separate second SIM that includes data and has a separate phone number. Incoming calls on shared number will ring on both phones, and phones can call each other with no problem. This can also work for someone that has a dumb phone and a tablet.
I've been waiting over 5 years with bated breath for someone to say that!
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Offline Triple Canopy

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5305 on: March 15, 2018, 02:23:06 AM »
Going to Poland and then to Israel. What's the best/cheapest way to get DATA in both and calling in israel?

Offline myi

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5306 on: March 18, 2018, 01:21:29 AM »
Going to Poland and then to Israel. What's the best/cheapest way to get DATA in both and calling in israel?
T-mobile in Poland and use whatsapp calling or Google voice , and then when in isreal open a Golan or hot mobile plan which cost very little. ( now the only reason to buy a rental sim from a member here is that you don't have to pay for the SIM activation fee.)
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Offline Hjay

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5307 on: March 18, 2018, 09:10:24 AM »
T-mobile in Poland and use whatsapp calling or Google voice , and then when in isreal open a Golan or hot mobile plan which cost very little. ( now the only reason to buy a rental sim from a member here is that you don't have to pay for the SIM activation fee.)

I wouldn’t rely solely on T-Mobile. I’ve had issues with them overseas many times. Extremely unreliable.

Offline ExGingi

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5308 on: March 18, 2018, 11:03:38 AM »
T-mobile in Poland and use whatsapp calling or Google voice , and then when in isreal open a Golan or hot mobile plan which cost very little. ( now the only reason to buy a rental sim from a member here is that you don't have to pay for the SIM activation fee.)
There are essentially 4 reasons to rent an Israeli sim in advance (not all apply in all cases).

1. Have an activated working sim upon landing.
2. Save the activation fee.
3. Avoid issues of inability to pay because you don't have an Israeli CC.
4. Access to grandfathered plans that allow UNLIMITED voice calls to the US.
I've been waiting over 5 years with bated breath for someone to say that!
-- Dan

Offline myi

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5309 on: March 18, 2018, 12:19:33 PM »
There are essentially 4 reasons to rent an Israeli sim in advance (not all apply in all cases).

1. Have an activated working sim upon landing.
2. Save the activation fee.
3. Avoid issues of inability to pay because you don't have an Israeli CC.
4. Access to grandfathered plans that allow UNLIMITED voice calls to the US.

1. Sure is worth it for that reason alone.
2. Dont know why someone would pass up on the offer for avoiding the fees alone, without any other offers you have on your plan.
3.No need for a credit card for golan/hot worked fine for me without.
4.Yes very much worth it for that, as the quality of the calls are very clear compared to using Google voice for my outgoing and incoming calls. (Now the only reason to use Google voice is to allow others to call you on your American number while your abroad, and if you attach a 2nd email to your Google voice account you will be able to place calls in isreal while using your American number from which ever carrier you use, if it's not t-mobile them you might not be able to receive texts while abroad so it would need to be set up before you leave.)
   But yes i agree with you 100% no hassle of speaking to Israeli reps and having to close your phone plan after they leave, all taken care of for a few dollars by borrowing a sim like what your offering.
   I recommend it very much for one traveling.
 I have lent some Sims over the year to a few freinds and they were extremely happy with paying only a quarter of what they would have paid( or Better free as of now as I never gave them the bill for the 2 phones they borrowed.)
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Offline cozmohoot

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5310 on: March 18, 2018, 12:45:05 PM »
Data in Poland is very spotty and unreliable

Offline Yehuda25

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5311 on: March 19, 2018, 09:56:12 PM »
There are essentially 4 reasons to rent an Israeli sim in advance (not all apply in all cases).

1. Have an activated working sim upon landing.
2. Save the activation fee.
3. Avoid issues of inability to pay because you don't have an Israeli CC.
4. Access to grandfathered plans that allow UNLIMITED voice calls to the US.
also a huge reason why I regretted not renting a sim  - I did verizon travelpass which throttles your data to unusable after 500mb in a 24 hour rolling period, I got stuck places so many times...
“To avoid criticism say nothing, do nothing, be nothing.”


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Offline mark da man

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5312 on: March 20, 2018, 11:24:25 AM »
i was happy with golanusa.net
they have a bunch of options

Offline davidrotts63

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5313 on: April 15, 2018, 12:39:16 AM »
What is there to do now about porting a number? GV is dead correct?
(Quit) pulling out the flowers, and watering the weeds. -Peter Lynch

Offline ilherman

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5314 on: April 29, 2018, 11:17:01 AM »
I'm landing soon in Israel, what would be my best option for a sim card for the week? Do you guys have something similar to the T mobile $2 a day prepaid plan in the US?
You can say what you think when you think what you say.

Offline myi

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5315 on: April 29, 2018, 11:39:38 AM »
What is there to do now about porting a number? GV is dead correct?
GV works great and worked great as well as it still works great.
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Offline myi

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5316 on: April 29, 2018, 11:52:27 AM »
I'm landing soon in Israel, what would be my best option for a sim card for the week? Do you guys have something similar to the T mobile $2 a day prepaid plan in the US?
For $21 You can get "Unlimited" data which you can use Google hangouts to make calls to the Usa/Canada and calling to any Israeli phone or texting to another Israeli phone number.  (19₪ sim fee + 30₪ activation + 29₪ monthly fee due for the service.)
  Golan telecom takes 5 minutes to activate this plan by going to a Golan telecom location.
   Or rent from someone or pay per day.
 
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Offline ilherman

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5317 on: April 29, 2018, 12:05:51 PM »
For $21 You can get "Unlimited" data which you can use Google hangouts to make calls to the Usa/Canada and calling to any Israeli phone or texting to another Israeli phone number.  (19₪ sim fee + 30₪ activation + 29₪ monthly fee due for the service.)
  Golan telecom takes 5 minutes to activate this plan by going to a Golan telecom location.
   Or rent from someone or pay per day.
 
Thanks. Can I add voice calls to the US on this plan? I'm too old fashioned for hangouts. Also do I get to keep my number if I deactivate the plan after a month and wanna use it agaIn when I come back in 3 months let's say?
You can say what you think when you think what you say.

Offline ExGingi

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5318 on: April 29, 2018, 12:20:03 PM »
Thanks. Can I add voice calls to the US on this plan? I'm too old fashioned for hangouts. Also do I get to keep my number if I deactivate the plan after a month and wanna use it agaIn when I come back in 3 months let's say?
You should have contacted me before you left, I still have a few grandfathered lines with unlimited calls to the US.

AFAIK the only plans currently available with unlimited calls to the US are Golan Kosher Plan for 79 Shekels per month.

However, you might be better off by getting one of the other promotional plans and adding some cheap plan for overseas calls (such as 018 or possibly 012). While it won't be unlimited, you will probably come out ahead of the game.
I've been waiting over 5 years with bated breath for someone to say that!
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Offline myi

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5319 on: April 29, 2018, 12:48:07 PM »


You should have contacted me before you left, I still have a few grandfathered lines with unlimited calls to the US.

AFAIK the only plans currently available with unlimited calls to the US are Golan Kosher Plan for 79 Shekels per month.

However, you might be better off by getting one of the other promotional plans and adding some cheap plan for overseas calls (such as 018 or possibly 012). While it won't be unlimited, you will probably come out ahead of the game.

Btw you can get for 10₪ another kosher sim added to anyone who already has a Golan kosher sim active, which gets you unlmtd calls to the U.S./CAN.
 
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