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 1355207 times)

Online ExGingi

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5540 on: August 12, 2019, 11:05:01 AM »
Is there an end to low prices, no contract, and free porting on the horizon:

https://www.globes.co.il/news/article.aspx?did=1001296808
I've been waiting over 5 years with bated breath for someone to say that!
-- Dan

Offline yeshivabucher

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5541 on: August 13, 2019, 03:55:15 PM »
looking to buy kosher phone for Israel cheapest used thing on the market

Offline Shevach

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5542 on: September 03, 2019, 03:11:42 PM »
Hi,
I'm looking to buy a Israeli SIM card,
Talk and text in Israel
Calling to the usa (and text)
If available also an American number
Data not necessary
Whats the cheapest rate if someone can please update since the wiki is very outdated.
thanks

Offline mark da man

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5543 on: September 03, 2019, 05:47:02 PM »
Hi,
I'm looking to buy a Israeli SIM card,
Talk and text in Israel
Calling to the usa (and text)
If available also an American number
Data not necessary
Whats the cheapest rate if someone can please update since the wiki is very outdated.
thanks
Israelrentaphone@gmail.com

Offline jose34

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5544 on: September 10, 2019, 06:45:42 PM »
Any recent updates / comparisons between Hot Mobile 4G and Golan , which network is stronger?

Right now I have Hot Mobile connection speed is really good but Golan has cheaper plan.

Online ExGingi

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5545 on: September 11, 2019, 09:01:19 AM »
Hi,
I'm looking to buy a Israeli SIM card,
Talk and text in Israel
Calling to the usa (and text)
If available also an American number
Data not necessary
Whats the cheapest rate if someone can please update since the wiki is very outdated.
thanks

No Israeli plan that I have seen ever includes text to the US.

If you have a smartphone, US calls and texts could be taken care of with Google Voice (assuming you have data). And then just find the best Israeli plan that suits you. IINM 019 has a plan for 12.80 which seemed to me to be quite good value.
I've been waiting over 5 years with bated breath for someone to say that!
-- Dan

Offline Shevach

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5546 on: September 11, 2019, 04:50:45 PM »
Israelrentaphone@gmail.com
I emailed you! you didn't answer

Offline Shevach

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5547 on: September 11, 2019, 05:10:09 PM »
No Israeli plan that I have seen ever includes text to the US.

If you have a smartphone, US calls and texts could be taken care of with Google Voice (assuming you have data). And then just find the best Israeli plan that suits you. IINM 019 has a plan for 12.80 which seemed to me to be quite good value.
How come when i rent an Israeli phone i do get text to the US?
I don't have a smartphone...
Is there any link where i can order this 019 plan online?

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5548 on: September 11, 2019, 07:25:21 PM »
How come when i rent an Israeli phone i do get text to the US?
I don't have a smartphone...
Is there any link where i can order this 019 plan online?
You can text the US but you pay for each text.
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 #5549 on: September 11, 2019, 08:07:03 PM »
How come when i rent an Israeli phone i do get text to the US?
I don't have a smartphone...
Is there any link where i can order this 019 plan online?

I stand corrected. It's ₪19.80

https://019mobile.co.il/
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 #5550 on: September 11, 2019, 08:22:51 PM »
I stand corrected. It's ₪19.80

https://019mobile.co.il/
it looks like that plan does not come with calling to the US

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5551 on: September 11, 2019, 08:27:01 PM »
it looks like that plan does not come with calling to the US

That's correct. It doesn't. Which is why I referenced GV and a smartphone.

Without a smartphone the way to go is get a cheap domestic plan, and get a prepaid account with FreeVoipDeal or one of the other Delmont prepaid services, that will give you 90 days of free calls to the US with a $10 reload.  I did something like that for my daughter when she was in Seminary in Italy, while the rest of her class got a plan that included calls to the US. My daughter ended up with a much better deal for less money.
« Last Edit: September 11, 2019, 08:31:09 PM by ExGingi »
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 #5552 on: September 11, 2019, 09:10:52 PM »
That's correct. It doesn't. Which is why I referenced GV and a smartphone.

Without a smartphone the way to go is get a cheap domestic plan, and get a prepaid account with FreeVoipDeal or one of the other Delmont prepaid services, that will give you 90 days of free calls to the US with a $10 reload.  I did something like that for my daughter when she was in Seminary in Italy, while the rest of her class got a plan that included calls to the US. My daughter ended up with a much better deal for less money.
Thanks it looks good
But how do i add it to my Israeli cell phone plan?

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5553 on: September 11, 2019, 09:11:54 PM »
Thanks it looks good
But how do i add it to my Israeli cell phone plan?

You don't add it to any plan. You use an Israeli local access number.
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 #5554 on: September 11, 2019, 09:25:01 PM »
You don't add it to any plan. You use an Israeli local access number.
Thanks
But I'm fed up with calling cards here in the US there i want direct access.
Any other ideas??

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5555 on: September 11, 2019, 09:25:37 PM »
You can text the US but you pay for each text.
Travelcell has plans with free intl text from basic phones.

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5556 on: September 11, 2019, 09:34:32 PM »
Travelcell has plans with free intl text from basic phones.
Thanks but I'm looking to buy a sim not to rent one.

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5557 on: September 11, 2019, 09:50:33 PM »
Travelcell has plans with free intl text from basic phones.
At $110/month+VAT I would also include outgoing text to the US.  ::) And I'm sure many Israeli carriers would.
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 #5558 on: September 12, 2019, 03:16:05 AM »
At $110/month+VAT I would also include outgoing text to the US.  ::) And I'm sure many Israeli carriers would.
israelrentacell@gmail.com has a plan for $33

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5559 on: September 12, 2019, 06:25:57 AM »
israelrentacell@gmail.com has a plan for $33
And they include unlimited sms to the US for that price?
I've been waiting over 5 years with bated breath for someone to say that!
-- Dan