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 1370766 times)

Offline pghtown

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #2420 on: June 02, 2013, 10:37:55 PM »
Where is the best place in the US to get a cheap unlocked phone for use in Israel with a Golan (or other company) SIM card?  Need only phone and texting, not internet access.  Looking to spend under $50 for a basic GSM phone.

Offline real-brisker

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #2421 on: June 02, 2013, 11:29:47 PM »
Where is the best place in the US to get a cheap unlocked phone for use in Israel with a Golan (or other company) SIM card?  Need only phone and texting, not internet access.  Looking to spend under $50 for a basic GSM phone.
for how long

Offline pghtown

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #2422 on: June 02, 2013, 11:37:55 PM »
For how long?  For one year

Offline real-brisker

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #2423 on: June 02, 2013, 11:44:24 PM »
For how long?  For one year
qwerty?

Offline pghtown

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #2424 on: June 02, 2013, 11:46:14 PM »
qwerty?
Preferably yes, but not essential if much more money

Offline real-brisker

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #2425 on: June 02, 2013, 11:54:07 PM »
Preferably yes, but not essential if much more money
how about this
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=350693691669
Assuming you don't mind slightly used.
Otherwise you can search for new...

Offline rots5

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #2426 on: June 03, 2013, 08:22:08 AM »
Friend of mines father needs an iPhone 4 sim for a week. Anyone do that here?!
If you have any questions please search and then ask. PM me for detailed help.

Offline Twin

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #2427 on: June 03, 2013, 08:25:53 AM »
Friend of mines father needs an iPhone 4 sim for a week. Anyone do that here?!
Paging Real Brisker

Offline real-brisker

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #2428 on: June 03, 2013, 08:31:28 AM »
PM sent

Offline avielan

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #2429 on: June 09, 2013, 12:49:20 PM »
Golan Telecom has just upped the game again in Israel. you are now able to get an international "local" number for people to call you on in Israel. For instance you can get a US number for Americans to call you and they will automatically be routed to your Israeli phone.

See below press release from Golan Telecom.

 Free new service - "My International number"

"My International number" is a free service for Golan Telecom customers in Israel that allows to make an International call from abroad to a Golan Telecom customer in Israel for a local rate only.  Golan Telecom customers in "Plan Golan Telecom" and "Birthday plan" can choose two different international locations (such as U.S.A and France) and they will get a local number that will be diverted to their number in Israel.
How does it work? Simply and effortlessly! the Golan Telecom customer gets another number that he tells his friends and family in the chosen destination, The callers from abroad will pay the rate of their local call only. This is an ideal solution for cheap direct communication between Golan Telecom customers and their friends, family, or customers with business abroad.  This service is currently available in the following international destinations: U.S.A , U.K, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Canada, Denmark, Italy, Austria and Sweden, more location will be available in the future.

Offline Jkhein

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #2430 on: June 09, 2013, 01:13:00 PM »
Golan Telecom has just upped the game again in Israel. you are now able to get an international "local" number for people to call you on in Israel. For instance you can get a US number for Americans to call you and they will automatically be routed to your Israeli phone.

See below press release from Golan Telecom.

 Free new service - "My International number"

"My International number" is a free service for Golan Telecom customers in Israel that allows to make an International call from abroad to a Golan Telecom customer in Israel for a local rate only.  Golan Telecom customers in "Plan Golan Telecom" and "Birthday plan" can choose two different international locations (such as U.S.A and France) and they will get a local number that will be diverted to their number in Israel.
How does it work? Simply and effortlessly! the Golan Telecom customer gets another number that he tells his friends and family in the chosen destination, The callers from abroad will pay the rate of their local call only. This is an ideal solution for cheap direct communication between Golan Telecom customers and their friends, family, or customers with business abroad.  This service is currently available in the following international destinations: U.S.A , U.K, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Canada, Denmark, Italy, Austria and Sweden, more location will be available in the future.
indeed, this is truly amazing!

Offline real-brisker

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #2431 on: June 09, 2013, 01:39:11 PM »
I don't get it, golan is paying the "calling card fee"?

Offline sky121

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #2432 on: June 09, 2013, 02:00:57 PM »
Nice perk!

Q- what do most people keep their Golan account on for international?

No default ILD or or 016 Golan telecom intl tariffs ?
"Not all who wander are lost"

Offline real-brisker

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #2433 on: June 09, 2013, 02:06:08 PM »
Default

Offline avielan

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #2434 on: June 09, 2013, 02:07:23 PM »
I don't get it, golan is paying the "calling card fee"?

For example, Golan will give you a US phone number which can be dialed as a local US phone call but will ring through to your Golan cellphone in Israel. Cost to you = 0; cost to the US caller = price of normal US phone call. Essentially, now its not only ridiculous cheap for you to call abroad its cheap for people abroad to call you!

Nice perk!

Q- what do most people keep their Golan account on for international?

No default ILD or or 016 Golan telecom intl tariffs ?

Golan 016

Offline sky121

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #2435 on: June 09, 2013, 02:22:59 PM »
Default


For example, Golan will give you a US phone number which can be dialed as a local US phone call but will ring through to your Golan cellphone in Israel. Cost to you = 0; cost to the US caller = price of normal US phone call. Essentially, now its not only ridiculous cheap for you to call abroad its cheap for people abroad to call you!

Golan 016

For default you dial 001...?
What's the diff between default and Golan?
"Not all who wander are lost"

Offline avielan

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #2436 on: June 09, 2013, 02:25:58 PM »

For default you dial 001...?
What's the diff between default and Golan?

read the FAQ on their site. https://www.golantelecom.co.il/web/general_information.php#calls_from_israel_abroad
My account was automatically set to Golan 016.

Offline hocker

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #2438 on: June 10, 2013, 09:07:00 AM »
How long will it take Orange to get it??

Offline rots5

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #2439 on: June 10, 2013, 04:43:32 PM »
Golan Telecom has just upped the game again in Israel. you are now able to get an international "local" number for people to call you on in Israel. For instance you can get a US number for Americans to call you and they will automatically be routed to your Israeli phone.

See below press release from Golan Telecom.

 Free new service - "My International number"

"My International number" is a free service for Golan Telecom customers in Israel that allows to make an International call from abroad to a Golan Telecom customer in Israel for a local rate only.  Golan Telecom customers in "Plan Golan Telecom" and "Birthday plan" can choose two different international locations (such as U.S.A and France) and they will get a local number that will be diverted to their number in Israel.
How does it work? Simply and effortlessly! the Golan Telecom customer gets another number that he tells his friends and family in the chosen destination, The callers from abroad will pay the rate of their local call only. This is an ideal solution for cheap direct communication between Golan Telecom customers and their friends, family, or customers with business abroad.  This service is currently available in the following international destinations: U.S.A , U.K, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Canada, Denmark, Italy, Austria and Sweden, more location will be available in the future.
how do i find this on there website?
If you have any questions please search and then ask. PM me for detailed help.