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 1413254 times)

Offline moeg

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #3780 on: March 30, 2015, 01:35:38 PM »
The Golan 2 shek plan is back for only 24 hours (started 3:00 pm)

Unlimited calling only in israel, although even if you call international its still very cheap.
3 GB of data.
Sim costs 50 nis.
You need to have a 37 nis, 59 nis, or 99 nis plan first.
I'm more than fairly sure you need to do it by a dealer.
That's about $18 for the whole year!

Offline DanH

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #3781 on: March 30, 2015, 02:38:31 PM »
The Golan 2 shek plan is back for only 24 hours (started 3:00 pm)

Unlimited calling only in israel, although even if you call international its still very cheap.
3 GB of data.
Sim costs 50 nis.
You need to have a 37 nis, 59 nis, or 99 nis plan first.
I'm more than fairly sure you need to do it by a dealer.
That's about $18 for the whole year!
You can do it by phone as well, although IIRC she told me it was until 9PM.
For tech help feel free to Telegram me @DanTechSupp

Offline Emkay

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #3782 on: March 30, 2015, 03:41:49 PM »
The Golan 2 shek plan is back for only 24 hours (started 3:00 pm)

Unlimited calling only in israel, although even if you call international its still very cheap.
3 GB of data.
Sim costs 50 nis.
You need to have a 37 nis, 59 nis, or 99 nis plan first.
I'm more than fairly sure you need to do it by a dealer.
That's about $18 for the whole year!
how long is it 2 shekel for- 6 months?  this is for additional lines on existing accounts?

Offline DanH

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #3783 on: March 30, 2015, 04:24:56 PM »
how long is it 2 shekel for- 6 months?  this is for additional lines on existing accounts?
i think its for 1 year.  yea, only additional line on existing account.
For tech help feel free to Telegram me @DanTechSupp

Offline moeg

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #3784 on: March 30, 2015, 06:33:47 PM »
i think its for 1 year.  yea, only additional line on existing account.
+1

Offline moeg

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #3785 on: March 30, 2015, 06:41:35 PM »
You can do it by phone as well, although IIRC she told me it was until 9PM.
i saw the official email it said from 3 for 24 hours

Offline YaakovS

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #3786 on: March 30, 2015, 07:11:50 PM »
Hard to get the info straight off the wiki... What would be the cheapest plan for 2 sims, non-smartphones with calling to America?

Offline moeg

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #3787 on: March 30, 2015, 07:17:15 PM »
Hard to get the info straight off the wiki... What would be the cheapest plan for 2 sims, non-smartphones with calling to America?
Kosher plans (needs a kosher phone)would run you 26 nis 1st line and then 19 nis second line per month with golan
not kosher (regular) 59 1st line 26 second line
all sims with golan cost 49 nis each

Offline belle

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #3788 on: March 30, 2015, 07:33:40 PM »
The Golan 2 shek plan is back for only 24 hours (started 3:00 pm)

Unlimited calling only in israel, although even if you call international its still very cheap.
3 GB of data.
Sim costs 50 nis.
You need to have a 37 nis, 59 nis, or 99 nis plan first.
I'm more than fairly sure you need to do it by a dealer.
That's about $18 for the whole year!

Is this only for locals in Israel? Or should/can I consider it for a 2 week visit?

Offline Hidden

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #3789 on: March 30, 2015, 07:57:59 PM »
Is this only for locals in Israel? Or should/can I consider it for a 2 week visit?
You definitely can take it buy you do not get unlimited USA and no USA number.

Offline yitzy93

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #3790 on: April 08, 2015, 07:29:45 PM »
I want to change my plan with HOT Mobile.
Anyone know if I have to provide them with the cc details again or do they have the details on file and change it no problem?

Offline moeg

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #3791 on: April 09, 2015, 12:00:55 AM »
I want to change my plan with HOT Mobile.
Anyone know if I have to provide them with the cc details again or do they have the details on file and change it no problem?
I'm pretty sure they would have it on file. What's the reason to think they wouldn't?

Offline DanH

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #3792 on: April 09, 2015, 05:41:03 AM »
I want to change my plan with HOT Mobile.
Anyone know if I have to provide them with the cc details again or do they have the details on file and change it no problem?
Almost always you don't need CC info.  Although I haven't done anything phone related with a phone call to CS.  Just do it online..

P.S.  Do you like HOT Mobile?  Why do you use it over 012mobile?
For tech help feel free to Telegram me @DanTechSupp

Offline DovtheBear

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #3793 on: April 09, 2015, 06:30:53 AM »
Almost always you don't need CC info.  Although I haven't done anything phone related with a phone call to CS.  Just do it online..

P.S.  Do you like HOT Mobile?  Why do you use it over 012mobile?
2 for 40₪?
"להסתובב זה לא אומר להיות חופשי"

Offline yitzy93

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #3794 on: April 11, 2015, 08:57:14 PM »
P.S.  Do you like HOT Mobile?  Why do you use it over 012mobile?

I've been with HOT for 2 years now and I've never had any network problems, although it did once take ages to get through to CS by phone.
2 for 40₪?

I'm pretty sure that offer is not on anymore (on their website at least)
Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Offline gedman

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #3795 on: April 12, 2015, 02:50:54 PM »
My son is going to Israel for a year to learn. I'm trying to figure out a cell plan. I hope I can get some advice from the folks here.

What is the best plan to get if I want unlimited calling in Israel, unlimited calling to the US and unlimited texting within Israel?  I also might want a US phone number that rings on his Israeli cellphone.

From looking online, it seems that unlimited calling + texting + US number would be best to get the Golan 99NIS plan.  That plan includes internet/data, which I don't need - but I presume that the SIM card would fit in a non-Smartphone and we could use the plan without utilizing the data allowance.

I appreciate any ideas/feedback/suggestions.

Offline DanH

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #3796 on: April 12, 2015, 02:53:17 PM »
My son is going to Israel for a year to learn. I'm trying to figure out a cell plan. I hope I can get some advice from the folks here.

What is the best plan to get if I want unlimited calling in Israel, unlimited calling to the US and unlimited texting within Israel?  I also might want a US phone number that rings on his Israeli cellphone.

From looking online, it seems that unlimited calling + texting + US number would be best to get the Golan 99NIS plan.  That plan includes internet/data, which I don't need - but I presume that the SIM card would fit in a non-Smartphone and we could use the plan without utilizing the data allowance.

I appreciate any ideas/feedback/suggestions.
The 37 golan would be enough.
For tech help feel free to Telegram me @DanTechSupp

Offline D93

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #3797 on: April 12, 2015, 03:01:06 PM »
The 37 golan would be enough.
But wouldn't include an incoming USA number

Offline DanH

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #3798 on: April 12, 2015, 03:42:38 PM »
But wouldn't include an incoming USA number
Oh.  59?
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Offline gedman

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #3799 on: April 12, 2015, 03:45:48 PM »
Oh.  59?
The 37 NIS Golan plan doesn't include unlimited international calling to the US.

I think that the Golan website says that only the 99 NIS plan (or 79NIS kosher plan with no texting) includes a US number.  https://www.golantelecom.co.il/web/packages.php

« Last Edit: April 12, 2015, 03:53:08 PM by gedman »