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 1354965 times)

Offline BISPRO

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #260 on: June 18, 2012, 04:40:17 PM »
What does having a kosher phone have anything to do with having a kosher number? Peer pressure?

Peer pressure is only the beginning
you can't advertise on Yated and Hamodia etc. a lot of different schools and TT won't except your kids , etc .

Offline Chaikel

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #261 on: June 18, 2012, 05:47:06 PM »
Peer pressure is only the beginning
you can't advertise on Yated and Hamodia etc. a lot of different schools and TT won't except your kids , etc .
So pathetic
Create professional looking itineraries.
Check out eliteitinerary.com

Offline shmooz

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #262 on: June 18, 2012, 06:39:28 PM »
I've got a short trip, and in the past used orange big talk, is it possible to load up the phone before i go, on their website or some  other way? If not is there a place in bengurion that sells the cards?

Offline rots5

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #263 on: June 18, 2012, 06:41:56 PM »
Lately ppl have been getting phines from tak n save in merica. I think its. Around 6$ a. Day
If you have any questions please search and then ask. PM me for detailed help.

Offline shmooz

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #264 on: June 18, 2012, 06:46:04 PM »
Lately ppl have been getting phines from tak n save in merica. I think its. Around 6$ a. Day

Saw that good deal but the minimum is 7 days plus shipping plus tax, comes out about $80 and Im only there a few days.

Offline rots5

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #265 on: June 18, 2012, 06:52:13 PM »
Gotcha. Do u already have a phone? Also if u do get a sim can u activate it in america or ould u b able to riht when u land?
If you have any questions please search and then ask. PM me for detailed help.

Offline BISPRO

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #266 on: June 18, 2012, 11:21:04 PM »
I've got a short trip, and in the past used orange big talk, is it possible to load up the phone before i go, on their website or some  other way? If not is there a place in bengurion that sells the cards?

https://orange.eprs.co.il/Recharge.aspx


i suggest you to have a Golan sim waiting for you there order with a prepaid c/c

Offline BISPRO

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #267 on: June 18, 2012, 11:21:47 PM »
Lately ppl have been getting phines from tak n save in merica. I think its. Around 6$ a. Day

very expensive , you can have for 99 NIS from Golan all unlimited.

Offline rots5

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #268 on: June 19, 2012, 01:43:58 AM »
my brother in law told me last night his golan doesnt let him call usa for free..... not sure if its so ligit ...
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Offline BISPRO

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #269 on: June 19, 2012, 01:48:49 AM »
my brother in law told me last night his golan doesnt let him call usa for free..... not sure if its so ligit ...


known issue

http://www.globes.co.il/news/article.aspx?did=1000754402


even then it's cheaper with calling Via 012/013/014/018 then rent from Talk and save .

Offline rots5

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #270 on: June 19, 2012, 01:55:55 AM »
oh forsure i think talk and save is a rip off lol  but its the convenience that comes with it. but whats that say bec my screen is not popping up.
also there are ppl who have no probs too dont get me wrong :-)
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Offline BISPRO

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #271 on: June 19, 2012, 03:07:02 AM »
oh forsure i think talk and save is a rip off lol  but its the convenience that comes with it. but whats that say bec my screen is not popping up.
also there are ppl who have no probs too dont get me wrong :-)

also me when i fly , i never ask the travel agent how much the corp. pays for it , and how much cloud i save with point's , but if have enough money to spend , so have a line siting for you the whole year pay 99NIS a month , when you back in USA forwarder your calls to your USA cell ( originally it was free )  this way you have a permanent Israeli number works no matter if you here or there

Offline Smartypantz

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #272 on: June 19, 2012, 09:21:14 AM »
try on Yad2.co.il
thanks but: 1)I do not speak fluent hebrew and 2) I am not in Israel. Are there any other ways to sell the phones?

Offline shmooz

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #273 on: June 19, 2012, 11:38:15 AM »
https://orange.eprs.co.il/Recharge.aspx


i suggest you to have a Golan sim waiting for you there order with a prepaid c/c

Thanks, that link to big talk looks like you need to be signed in to buy and i'm not sure how to do that....

If you could help me through the process of getting a golan or hot sim card that would be great, i read some of the posts and looked around but its confusing to me.

HOT at 10 agurot it looks like that's the best option for a few days trip, if i sign up online should i use a friends name and tz? i need a prepaid credit card not a regular credit card?

Offline rots5

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #274 on: June 19, 2012, 03:38:53 PM »

If you could help me through the process of getting a golan or hot sim card that would be great, i read some of the posts and looked around but its confusing to me.


https://www.golantelecom.co.il/web/
If you have any questions please search and then ask. PM me for detailed help.

Offline BISPRO

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #275 on: June 19, 2012, 03:42:11 PM »
Thanks, that link to big talk looks like you need to be signed in to buy and i'm not sure how to do that....

If you could help me through the process of getting a golan or hot sim card that would be great, i read some of the posts and looked around but its confusing to me.

HOT at 10 agurot it looks like that's the best option for a few days trip, if i sign up online should i use a friends name and tz? i need a prepaid credit card not a regular credit card?

i would suggest you to go for Hot , but you need to go to the service center , golan deliver to you .
if you want open a line using my TZ you welcome , so long you don't going to screw the system

Offline Galitzyaner

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #276 on: June 21, 2012, 04:46:43 AM »
Find someone with TMo.
I don't know if I'm gonna find someone with a Tmobile sim (to call TM to get the unlock code for my Sensation4g) before I leave to E"Y.  So in case I don't..

Does anybody know who'd be the cheapest to do it?  In USA or Israel?

Someone told me Davidka in Jerus...

Offline Galitzyaner

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #277 on: June 21, 2012, 04:53:01 AM »
I'm IYH gonna be in EY for a week and a half.  Which plan would you folks suggest I get when I arrive.

I primarily need the cell to call within Israel and for the Internet (2 GB should more than suffice).

I would like to use it also for calling the USA if my GrooveIP gives me a crappy line..

Offline rots5

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #278 on: June 21, 2012, 08:04:30 AM »
https://www.golantelecom.co.il/web/

there is an issue though lately with callimh usa  officially it doesnt go but i think golan is working out a deal
If you have any questions please search and then ask. PM me for detailed help.

Offline sky121

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Re: Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #279 on: June 21, 2012, 05:09:15 PM »
https://www.golantelecom.co.il/web/

there is an issue though lately with callimh usa  officially it doesnt go but i think golan is working out a deal

Do you need an Israeli CC for this?
"Not all who wander are lost"