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 1370837 times)

Offline sammy n

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #4860 on: August 04, 2016, 10:19:59 AM »
From experience, it doesnt work with just any unlocked device.
Any specific device that you know works currently?
There are very few unlocked phones that don't work in Israel. Right now I'm on iPhone with no issues. Almost all Verizon 4G phones will work as well.

Offline Eliyohu

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #4861 on: August 04, 2016, 10:44:12 AM »
There are very few unlocked phones that don't work in Israel. Right now I'm on iPhone with no issues. Almost all Verizon 4G phones will work as well.
The original q was whats my cheapest android option...
BLU for ex. Only some of them worked at certain times... whats current info on this?

Offline yg99

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #4862 on: August 04, 2016, 01:05:05 PM »
yes, Hot is also not bad just another 12 shekel (sim free)

Besides (small dif) price, what's the difference between Golan & Hot?

Which has better service?

Offline Yissroel

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #4863 on: August 04, 2016, 01:18:29 PM »
Besides (small dif) price, what's the difference between Golan & Hot?

Which has better service?
golan might have a little more issue with getting disconnected in middle of a conversation. in regards to reception it depends whos tower our closer to, service they both ahve issue , golan has an easy to use website, but drives people crazy with international credit cards, hot doesnt have as unfriendly site but much better with int cc
www.cellularisrael.com, Cheapest Cellphone Deals In Israel - Sales and Rentals

Offline ExGingi

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #4864 on: August 04, 2016, 09:53:58 PM »
There are very few unlocked phones that don't work in Israel. Right now I'm on iPhone with no issues. Almost all Verizon 4G phones will work as well.
FME short codes (*NNNN) don't work with Verizon phones. Also, I was previously using a Verizon galaxy note 2 with Golan sim, later switched to Verizon iPhone. Hard to say that experience was the same. iphone worked without a problem, note was sketchy.

I've been waiting over 5 years with bated breath for someone to say that!
-- Dan

Offline hocker

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #4865 on: August 06, 2016, 04:08:59 PM »
FME short codes (*NNNN) don't work with Verizon phones. Also, I was previously using a Verizon galaxy note 2 with Golan sim, later switched to Verizon iPhone. Hard to say that experience was the same. iphone worked without a problem, note was sketchy.


any solution, it drives me insane.

Offline yakov116

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #4866 on: August 10, 2016, 12:18:03 AM »
any solution, it drives me insane.
Yes disable international dialing
Money talks...mine says goodbye!

Offline ExGingi

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #4867 on: August 10, 2016, 12:54:16 AM »
Yes disable international dialing
What does that solve?
I've been waiting over 5 years with bated breath for someone to say that!
-- Dan

Offline Shmuel4

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #4868 on: August 16, 2016, 02:38:51 PM »
I need a sim card to put in my galaxy 5 tmobile unlocked.

The dates are Aug 20-25.

Anywhere to pick one up in the Five Towns area.

Thank you

Offline Live N Learn

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #4869 on: August 22, 2016, 10:40:56 PM »
Any details on Golan new pro-rated charges?
".איזהו חכם, הלומד מכל אדם"

Offline Yissroel

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #4870 on: August 23, 2016, 03:42:40 AM »
Any details on Golan new pro-rated charges?
you pay per day used
www.cellularisrael.com, Cheapest Cellphone Deals In Israel - Sales and Rentals

Offline coupongal

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #4871 on: August 23, 2016, 08:57:13 AM »
Anyone use the international Verizon plan in Israel for $10 day? How does it work? Happy? Wondering if I should do this or buy a SIM card. Need data for navigation


Offline yakov116

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #4872 on: August 23, 2016, 09:01:55 AM »
Anyone use the international Verizon plan in Israel for $10 day? How does it work? Happy? Wondering if I should do this or buy a SIM card. Need data for navigation
For nav it's OK but more then that it's slow
Money talks...mine says goodbye!

Offline meher

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #4873 on: August 23, 2016, 10:33:23 AM »
Anyone use the international Verizon plan in Israel for $10 day? How does it work? Happy? Wondering if I should do this or buy a SIM card. Need data for navigation

10.00 a day is a lot of money.  If you are only going for 2 or 3 days, I can see it being worthwhile.  If you go often or are staying for a couple of weeks you can buy a sim with a phone number for Golan.  They are the only company will sell service to a foreigner, at  least as of 6 months ago.  I pay under 10.00 a month for service, I go a couple of times a year and lend it out as well to others.  Just make sure you use a card that doesn't have foreign exchange fees.  You could also cancel when you are done.

Offline coupongal

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #4874 on: August 23, 2016, 11:27:45 AM »
Traveling for 2-3 weeks there. Where do I purchase golan card from in NYC area and what are the plans to choose from?

Offline coupongal

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #4875 on: August 23, 2016, 11:58:33 AM »
and would I remove my current sim card from my iphone 6S plus or should I get a new phone.

also anyone know anything about amazon firephone and using that for israel?

Offline cholent

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #4876 on: August 23, 2016, 12:26:55 PM »
and would I remove my current sim card from my iphone 6S plus or should I get a new phone.

also anyone know anything about amazon firephone and using that for israel?
You would remove your SIM

I'm currently using an Amazon fire phone in Israel with a Golan sim without issues
Don't ask stupid questions and you won't get stupid answers

Offline Yissroel

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #4877 on: August 23, 2016, 03:59:17 PM »
Thansk folks.  I  need to rent ONE cell phone only.  Will be making/receiving calls to/from Israelis with their own cell phones as well as from landlines.  Hope this clarifies things
i dont understand, just get an unlimited voice only plan you wont have to think twice before each call and its way cheaper
www.cellularisrael.com, Cheapest Cellphone Deals In Israel - Sales and Rentals

Offline coupongal

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #4878 on: August 24, 2016, 07:59:17 AM »
You would remove your SIM

I'm currently using an Amazon fire phone in Israel with a Golan sim without issues

I tried my amazon fire phone last year that I bought just for this reason and we couldnt get the sim to work, wouldn;t recognize the sim :( did you get a nano sim that wasnt cut?? did you buy in israel or US?

Offline cholent

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #4879 on: August 24, 2016, 08:42:41 AM »
I tried my amazon fire phone last year that I bought just for this reason and we couldnt get the sim to work, wouldn;t recognize the sim :( did you get a nano sim that wasnt cut?? did you buy in israel or US?
I got a golan nano SIM, had to unlock the phone but then it worked fine. Although it didn't really work with Golan while in the US even though it's supposed to. I generally use it with a cricket micro SIM that I cut myself
Don't ask stupid questions and you won't get stupid answers