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 1356042 times)

Online ExGingi

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #4780 on: June 05, 2016, 06:26:51 PM »
50 doesnt have a virt

i know s/o who can put a virt on any company
I know that only the 99 NIS has a virtual number. I did the math and it wasn't worth it for me. Also with so many people using WhatsApp and sms (which is now free even for international on many plans), can always call back from Israel.

I've been waiting over 5 years with bated breath for someone to say that!
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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #4781 on: June 05, 2016, 06:27:46 PM »
yup thats an issue >:(, thats why we offer a customer assistance service, to do your dirty work  :D
I actually managed to finally pay the outstanding debt online using PayPal. Still having an issue changing the CC for recurring billing which they said could be done with a foreign card.
I've been waiting over 5 years with bated breath for someone to say that!
-- Dan

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #4782 on: June 06, 2016, 03:17:35 AM »
ebay for a couple dollars.
and then when you put the kosher sim it will lock it?
www.cellularisrael.com, Cheapest Cellphone Deals In Israel - Sales and Rentals

Offline Live N Learn

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #4783 on: June 06, 2016, 01:24:56 PM »
ebay for a couple dollars.

The IMEI has to have certain numbers, you're best off buying a kosher one or tomech kosher IMO.
« Last Edit: June 07, 2016, 10:04:27 AM by jj1000 »
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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #4784 on: June 06, 2016, 03:47:32 PM »
I will be in Israel for 2 weeks, what are my options for the Phone/Internet services?
I will mostly need Internet (using Waze and WhatUp for calling), and do not need US number.

I will need the same services for 2 people/phones and we have 2 unlocked iPhone phones.

TIA.

Offline DanH

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #4785 on: June 07, 2016, 03:03:33 AM »
For tech help feel free to Telegram me @DanTechSupp

Offline DanH

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #4786 on: June 08, 2016, 07:13:46 AM »
https://telegram.me/merczt_bot is also a very good one
For tech help feel free to Telegram me @DanTechSupp

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #4787 on: June 08, 2016, 08:44:38 AM »
I will be in Israel for 2 weeks, what are my options for the Phone/Internet services?
I will mostly need Internet (using Waze and WhatUp for calling), and do not need US number.

I will need the same services for 2 people/phones and we have 2 unlocked iPhone phones.

TIA.

FYI for cellular Israel i can attest their good prices and service. and i believe many of you here will agree.

keep in mind that mobile data does not compare to real wifi (landline internet) in the most part. It's good for mobile usage but not for heavy streaming etc....
I would go for golan 10GB plan  two for 60 shek.....just not from me ;)

Offline shalumov

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #4788 on: June 08, 2016, 12:15:47 PM »
FYI for cellular Israel i can attest their good prices and service. and i believe many of you here will agree.

keep in mind that mobile data does not compare to real wifi (landline internet) in the most part. It's good for mobile usage but not for heavy streaming etc....
I would go for golan 10GB plan  two for 60 shek.....just not from me ;)
First of all, thanks for replying ...
I need the internet mostly for GPS as I will be driving for most of the 2 weeks (not planning to stream).
I read the Wiki, and the most of the Wiki looks like for long time renting. Would the 10GB plan for 60 shekels be for 2 weeks or a month? Also, how much is SIM with this plan?

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #4789 on: June 08, 2016, 01:02:30 PM »
First of all, thanks for replying ...
I need the internet mostly for GPS as I will be driving for most of the 2 weeks (not planning to stream).
I read the Wiki, and the most of the Wiki looks like for long time renting. Would the 10GB plan for 60 shekels be for 2 weeks or a month? Also, how much is SIM with this plan?
All prices per month and sim is always 50 shekel.

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #4790 on: June 09, 2016, 06:01:15 AM »
First of all, thanks for replying ...
I need the internet mostly for GPS as I will be driving for most of the 2 weeks (not planning to stream).
I read the Wiki, and the most of the Wiki looks like for long time renting. Would the 10GB plan for 60 shekels be for 2 weeks or a month? Also, how much is SIM with this plan?

Wazes hardly uses data and 10  gb is plenty.  The charge is on the 25th for the following month  and 49 shekels for the sim on activation date.

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #4791 on: June 16, 2016, 01:13:21 AM »
I have 2 golan sim cards from when I lived in israel-I logged into my golan account but cant seem to reactivate them- What am I doing wrong and how do I proceed? If I am going on a 10 day london-israel trip is the 99shekel plan my best bet? and if i cancel before the 25th I dont get charged? TIA!!!

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #4792 on: June 16, 2016, 04:51:28 AM »
I have 2 golan sim cards from when I lived in israel-I logged into my golan account but cant seem to reactivate them- What am I doing wrong and how do I proceed? If I am going on a 10 day london-israel trip is the 99shekel plan my best bet? and if i cancel before the 25th I dont get charged? TIA!!!
you can't reuse golan sims, you need to order new ones
www.cellularisrael.com, Cheapest Cellphone Deals In Israel - Sales and Rentals

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #4793 on: June 16, 2016, 10:25:06 AM »
Hi, seeking advice for my two children who will be studying in Israel. Son going all year, Elul 1-Shavuot. Daughter going Elul 1-Thanksgiving.  Each has a Verizon iPhone 6. 

Seems to me that Golan Unlimited plan (39NIS/mo) and Golan Unlimited PRO plan (99NIS/mo) are great deals.  A few questions:

1. WHEN should I purchase the SIMs? Presumably I should wait until a few weeks before their departure date. Correct?

2. Seems that the two differences between the regular and PRO plans are (a) 20GB vs. 10GB data and (b) get two virtual numbers.  Does the latter mean that I can call them for free from the US? Is that really worth 60NIS/mo?  Couldn't I just text or WhatsApp, and have the kids call me back?

3. The website says, "Unlimited calls in Israel, USA and Canada to all destinations."  Can I really use this phone while I am here in the US? If so, why I am I paying Verizon so much $$$? >:(

Thanks in advance.

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #4794 on: June 16, 2016, 11:09:16 AM »
1: GOLAN charges on the 25 for the up coming month, so you can active the sim  from the 26th before the day he arrives and it wont cost you extra
2: yes you can call them for free, your choice
3: NO it can only be used up to 45 days a year, only calling to israel free, if you dial correctly!
4: you can also get your sims in the US so they can have a working sim when they get off the plane 
www.cellularisrael.com, Cheapest Cellphone Deals In Israel - Sales and Rentals

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #4795 on: June 16, 2016, 11:13:32 AM »


Hi, seeking advice for my two children who will be studying in Israel. Son going all year, Elul 1-Shavuot. Daughter going Elul 1-Thanksgiving.  Each has a Verizon iPhone 6. 

Seems to me that Golan Unlimited plan (39NIS/mo) and Golan Unlimited PRO plan (99NIS/mo) are great deals.  A few questions:

1. WHEN should I purchase the SIMs? Presumably I should wait until a few weeks before their departure date. Correct?

2. Seems that the two differences between the regular and PRO plans are (a) 20GB vs. 10GB data and (b) get two virtual numbers.  Does the latter mean that I can call them for free from the US? Is that really worth 60NIS/mo?  Couldn't I just text or WhatsApp, and have the kids call me back?

3. The website says, "Unlimited calls in Israel, USA and Canada to all destinations."  Can I really use this phone while I am here in the US? If so, why I am I paying Verizon so much $$$? >:(

Thanks in advance.

Yes. You can just text them and have you call them. That plan is catering strictly to Americans while the cheaper one is staying competitive with the other Israeli carriers.
And yes, its if you have the phone in Israel I believe just without calling to the US. On AT-T network.

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #4796 on: June 16, 2016, 09:42:06 PM »
My sons don't use data so I never considered the 10gb vs 20gb.

Do the places your children are going to study allow smartphones altogether?

I either text my sons and they call me back, or I use freevoipdeal or Anveo to call. Much cheaper than paying an extra NIS 60 (for first line, if you want both to have a virtual number it will be much more for the second, as it is NIS 99 compared to NIS 10 or 20 for a second line, depending on the current promo).

Also Golan lets you add a "car sim" so you can have 2 sims running same number concurrently. Car SIM won't receive SMS or have data.
I've been waiting over 5 years with bated breath for someone to say that!
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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #4797 on: June 17, 2016, 04:28:42 PM »
My sons don't use data so I never considered the 10gb vs 20gb.

Do the places your children are going to study allow smartphones altogether?

I either text my sons and they call me back, or I use freevoipdeal or Anveo to call. Much cheaper than paying an extra NIS 60 (for first line, if you want both to have a virtual number it will be much more for the second, as it is NIS 99 compared to NIS 10 or 20 for a second line, depending on the current promo).

Also Golan lets you add a "car sim" so you can have 2 sims running same number concurrently. Car SIM won't receive SMS or have data.

Hi, thanks. Very helpful.
They're going to fairly liberal places, and we haven't heard about any prohibition of smart phones.
I wish years ago we had been stricter and more prohibitive, but now the horse is out of the barn.

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #4798 on: June 17, 2016, 04:29:29 PM »

Yes. You can just text them and have you call them. That plan is catering strictly to Americans while the cheaper one is staying competitive with the other Israeli carriers.
And yes, its if you have the phone in Israel I believe just without calling to the US. On AT-T network.
1: GOLAN charges on the 25 for the up coming month, so you can active the sim  from the 26th before the day he arrives and it wont cost you extra
2: yes you can call them for free, your choice
3: NO it can only be used up to 45 days a year, only calling to israel free, if you dial correctly!
4: you can also get your sims in the US so they can have a working sim when they get off the plane

Thank you both.

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #4799 on: June 19, 2016, 09:22:15 PM »
is the 99shekel plan my best bet? and if i cancel before the 25th I dont get charged? TIA!!!

With the 99 plan you get free incoming calls, and outgoing is only free when calling to an Israeli number. If you cancel before the 25th you don't get charged.
".איזהו חכם, הלומד מכל אדם"