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 1355456 times)

Offline mark da man

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5640 on: June 28, 2020, 01:01:40 PM »
who cares who owns it, your mess up all the other chutzneik jews who go visit and live there

Offline ExGingi

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5641 on: June 28, 2020, 01:10:11 PM »
Its jewish owned.
Owned by French-Israeli Patrick Drahi.

-0.5

Altice, the owner of HOT is a publicly-traded company, though Patrick Drahi (who unfortunately is married to a non-Jew) is still the controlling shareholder. Golan Telecom was founded and owned by French-Israeli Michael Golan, but he sold it a couple of years ago to Electra holdings.
I've been waiting over 5 years with bated breath for someone to say that!
-- Dan

Offline jose34

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5642 on: June 28, 2020, 01:41:45 PM »
-0.5

Altice, the owner of HOT is a publicly-traded company, though Patrick Drahi (who unfortunately is married to a non-Jew) is still the controlling shareholder. Golan Telecom was founded and owned by French-Israeli Michael Golan, but he sold it a couple of years ago to Electra holdings.

HOT/ Altice is traded on the European stock market? However Drahl who married out I guess that would פסל him from having to treat as a Jew and therefore I dont have to be so מקפיד regarding disputing the charge.

Golan- If owned by Electra Holdings seems like all the people on the Executive Management are Jews. Which would make issues... since now it becomes Jewshly owned.  (http://www.electra.co.il/en/about_us/executive_management)

Offline ExGingi

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5643 on: June 28, 2020, 01:53:18 PM »
HOT/ Altice is traded on the European stock market? However Drahl who married out I guess that would פסל him from having to treat as a Jew and therefore I dont have to be so מקפיד regarding disputing the charge.

Golan- If owned by Electra Holdings seems like all the people on the Executive Management are Jews. Which would make issues... since now it becomes Jewshly owned.  (http://www.electra.co.il/en/about_us/executive_management)

PLEASE don't infer any of that from what I posted. I was just commenting on Jewish vs non-Jewish ownership of Israeli cell phone companies. Not saying what one should or shouldn't do. I can tell you that I used to have a few HOT lines (which I got before Golan entered the market) on a plan that had no charges unless there was usage, and then it was 10 agorot per minute. I haven't used those lines in a long time, and never bothered closing them after I got my Golan lines. At some point I noticed charges to my CC, which I blocked (or possibly they tried charging and the account was closed, it was an old Ink card that they on file). They sent me some collection notices, I sent them some emails to dispute, and possibly an attorney letter, but I disputed it based on the fact that they changed the terms on me and I never used it, and left it at that.

Drahi is Jewish, his wife and kids are not AFAIK. I don't know how that would make you treat him as a non-Jew (not that a non-Jew should be treated in any dishonest way either - I think the only difference would be טעות גוי in a case where there is no חילול השם).
I've been waiting over 5 years with bated breath for someone to say that!
-- Dan

Offline jose34

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5644 on: June 28, 2020, 02:08:41 PM »
PLEASE don't infer any of that from what I posted. I was just commenting on Jewish vs non-Jewish ownership of Israeli cell phone companies. Not saying what one should or shouldn't do. I can tell you that I used to have a few HOT lines (which I got before Golan entered the market) on a plan that had no charges unless there was usage, and then it was 10 agorot per minute. I haven't used those lines in a long time, and never bothered closing them after I got my Golan lines. At some point I noticed charges to my CC, which I blocked (or possibly they tried charging and the account was closed, it was an old Ink card that they on file). They sent me some collection notices, I sent them some emails to dispute, and possibly an attorney letter, but I disputed it based on the fact that they changed the terms on me and I never used it, and left it at that.

Drahi is Jewish, his wife and kids are not AFAIK. I don't know how that would make you treat him as a non-Jew (not that a non-Jew should be treated in any dishonest way either - I think the only difference would be טעות גוי in a case where there is no חילול השם).
For sure- I'll have to ask my own Rav.

Offline Mikes@Micro

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5645 on: June 28, 2020, 02:35:46 PM »
I apologize for setting off this debate. Not everyday you see a full thread of long posts!

who cares who owns it, your mess up all the other chutzneik jews who go visit and live there

+10000 Cellcom, who has probably the best service in Israel requires either israeli ID or CC..... not sure that its bec of chargebacks or higher processing rates?
Quote or engagement  equals full throated endorsement and vote!
H/t PinchosL

Offline jose34

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5646 on: June 30, 2020, 11:57:41 AM »
-0.5

Altice, the owner of HOT is a publicly-traded company, though Patrick Drahi (who unfortunately is married to a non-Jew) is still the controlling shareholder. Golan Telecom was founded and owned by French-Israeli Michael Golan, but he sold it a couple of years ago to Electra holdings.
To make things more complicated Patrick Drahi's wife is a Syrian Christian who converted to Judaism.

Offline Triple Canopy

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5647 on: September 01, 2020, 07:24:04 PM »
All those SIM rental prices in the wiki are 2-3x more expensive then prepaidisraelisim.com
Any reason not to go with them?

Offline nafnaf12

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5648 on: October 19, 2020, 10:32:07 AM »
Looking to connect with a friend in Israel who has a kosher phone.

so google voice won't work.

Is there a cheap option for me to get an Israeli virtual number? I have internet on my american line

Or is there an option for him to get an American number for me to call?

So far I was offered $15 a month for him to have a USA number ring on his phone

Or $3 and 3.7c a min

Also found online an option to have an Israeli virtual number for $3 unlimited first month then $10/M
waiting for a call back to hear more info

Anything better out there?
A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.

Offline ExGingi

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5649 on: October 19, 2020, 11:44:55 AM »
Looking to connect with a friend in Israel who has a kosher phone.

so google voice won't work.

Is there a cheap option for me to get an Israeli virtual number? I have internet on my american line

Or is there an option for him to get an American number for me to call?

So far I was offered $15 a month for him to have a USA number ring on his phone

Or $3 and 3.7c a min

Also found online an option to have an Israeli virtual number for $3 unlimited first month then $10/M
waiting for a call back to hear more info

Anything better out there?

Zadarma.com will give you a virtual Israeli number with unlimited incoming calls and incoming sms for $2/month. Outgoing calls are reasonable. This is assuming you're using an internet connected smartphone with an app, rather than forwarding the incoming calls to a us number
I've been waiting over 5 years with bated breath for someone to say that!
-- Dan

Offline nafnaf12

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5650 on: October 19, 2020, 12:05:05 PM »
Zadarma.com will give you a virtual Israeli number with unlimited incoming calls and incoming sms for $2/month. Outgoing calls are reasonable. This is assuming you're using an internet connected smartphone with an app, rather than forwarding the incoming calls to a us number
exactly what I'm looking for.
Have you used their service? How's the quality
A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.

Offline ExGingi

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5651 on: October 19, 2020, 12:37:48 PM »
exactly what I'm looking for.
Have you used their service? How's the quality

I use it all the time. I have had no issue most of the time. I find call quality to be decent (I use their app on an iPhone, you can use any SIP client). In order to receive SMS they want you to go through an ID process, taking a picture of yourself holding your ID. They also don't support international incoming SMS or incoming SMS from web services (authentication, etc.). I've managed to get authentication SMS to come through by using a working Israeli mobile number and porting it to Zadarma. I receive SMS authentication messages (my main reason for setting myself up with them in the first place) but not internationally originated SMS.
I've been waiting over 5 years with bated breath for someone to say that!
-- Dan

Offline nafnaf12

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5652 on: October 23, 2020, 10:15:06 AM »
I use it all the time. I have had no issue most of the time. I find call quality to be decent (I use their app on an iPhone, you can use any SIP client). In order to receive SMS they want you to go through an ID process, taking a picture of yourself holding your ID. They also don't support international incoming SMS or incoming SMS from web services (authentication, etc.). I've managed to get authentication SMS to come through by using a working Israeli mobile number and porting it to Zadarma. I receive SMS authentication messages (my main reason for setting myself up with them in the first place) but not internationally originated SMS.
huge thank you for the recommendation.
So far it's been perfect, and exactly what I was looking for.
A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.

Offline ad120

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5653 on: October 23, 2020, 02:07:39 PM »
I need an access number to Call ISraeli, UK, and Belgian, mobiles from the USA with a basic phone. any recommendations?

Offline lcm

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5654 on: October 24, 2020, 08:32:31 PM »
I need an access number to Call ISraeli, UK, and Belgian, mobiles from the USA with a basic phone. any recommendations?
Off the top of my head, ultra mobile may have something. There's for sure others

Offline ziv716

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5655 on: October 27, 2020, 06:15:11 AM »
Off the top of my head, ultra mobile may have something. There's for sure others
Localphone.com

Offline sky121

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5656 on: November 24, 2020, 06:21:51 AM »
Best plan for a month? Need free incoming and data and a good amount of outgoing to the US. Also would like a US number. Golan isn't offering one anymore apparently.

"Not all who wander are lost"

Offline mark da man

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5657 on: November 24, 2020, 11:26:01 AM »
try Cellular Israel they have a bunch of option

Offline TravelSER

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5658 on: November 24, 2020, 11:27:52 AM »
Best plan for a month? Need free incoming and data and a good amount of outgoing to the US. Also would like a US number. Golan isn't offering one anymore apparently.
Triple Tell

Offline mark da man

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5659 on: November 24, 2020, 01:23:45 PM »
Triple Tell
they have cool features when they work, i used to have them went crazy from all the tech issues