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 1514734 times)

Offline Jack out of the box

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5880 on: August 21, 2023, 03:36:49 PM »
Sorry, I'm new to this thread. I haven't read through all 294 pages yet.

A relative is moving here from the US. She needs a good cellphone deal which includes some data and plenty of calling abroad. A US phone number option would be highly attractive as well. She is open to carrying 2 phones if that would get the best combination of factors.
(I myself have a grandfathered kosher plan on Golan. I pay 79 Shekels/month - the 1st couple of years were 20 something - and get 10,000 minutes monthly which includes calling the US and landlines in many other countries. I also have a US incoming number and I know that at least originally I had the option for an additional incoming number in other countries. Unfortunately they are unwilling to add another line with the same deal.)

Any suggestion will be appreciated.

Offline Darth1

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5881 on: August 21, 2023, 04:07:05 PM »
Any suggestion will be appreciated.
FreedomHot 59 Shek: Unlimited talk text, Unlimited talk int'l. 70gb data.
TripleTel 79 Shek:  Unlimited talk text, Unlimited talk text to USA, virtual USA number. 5gb data.

Offline yfr bachur

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5882 on: August 21, 2023, 04:20:41 PM »
Sorry, I'm new to this thread. I haven't read through all 294 pages yet.

A relative is moving here from the US. She needs a good cellphone deal which includes some data and plenty of calling abroad. A US phone number option would be highly attractive as well. She is open to carrying 2 phones if that would get the best combination of factors.
(I myself have a grandfathered kosher plan on Golan. I pay 79 Shekels/month - the 1st couple of years were 20 something - and get 10,000 minutes monthly which includes calling the US and landlines in many other countries. I also have a US incoming number and I know that at least originally I had the option for an additional incoming number in other countries. Unfortunately they are unwilling to add another line with the same deal.)

Any suggestion will be appreciated.

Bestphone/Cellular Israel/TripleTel all have plans that should fill her needs. (though BP wont have a data plan)

Offline Jack out of the box

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5883 on: August 21, 2023, 07:50:40 PM »
FreedomHot 59 Shek: Unlimited talk text, Unlimited talk int'l. 70gb data.
TripleTel 79 Shek:  Unlimited talk text, Unlimited talk text to USA, virtual USA number. 5gb data.
Thank you!

Offline Jack out of the box

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5884 on: August 21, 2023, 07:50:55 PM »
Bestphone/Cellular Israel/TripleTel all have plans that should fill her needs. (though BP wont have a data plan)
Thank you!

Offline mgarfin

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5885 on: September 03, 2023, 08:10:25 PM »
Will the sunbeam phone work on tripletel?

Someone told me he recently used a Sunbeam with a cellcom sim.
Not sure on what network triplltel operates

Offline cozmohoot

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5886 on: December 24, 2023, 11:56:52 AM »
Whats a good company to use for maybe 10 to 20 lines with free calling and a local usa # besides the Israel # ? Tia

Offline TzviR

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5887 on: December 24, 2023, 01:03:22 PM »
Whats a good company to use for maybe 10 to 20 lines with free calling and a local usa # besides the Israel # ? Tia
I use Freedomhot.com and I find them reasonably priced and a pleasure to use. I’m not sure if that’s the cheapest option though. It’s an extra $15 a month for an American number. Unlimited calling to US is included in all the plans

My  prizes from CV :)

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5888 on: December 24, 2023, 01:20:10 PM »
Whats a good company to use for maybe 10 to 20 lines with free calling and a local usa # besides the Israel # ? Tia
Your best bet is probably reaching out to this guy:

There is also a guy that sells Hot mobile plans. Usually has better rates then all the other companies. His name is Nati samet. His numbe is +972-54-780-6284.
I think he now owns tripletell
I think you can also contact him through the Tripltel contact info.

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5889 on: December 24, 2023, 07:23:37 PM »
Your best bet is probably reaching out to this guy:
I think you can also contact him through the Tripltel contact info.
He owns freedomhot too

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5890 on: January 20, 2024, 12:10:52 PM »
Can an American credit card be used with Pelephone (not prepaid)?  It looks like you can't sign up with one, but is it like Partner where you can sign up with an Israeli card and then switch to an American card via the site or call center afterwards?

Basically, I want to be able to leverage the cell phone insurance offered on American cards, but from what I can tell, only Pelephone offers an equipment summary page on their site that clearly shows your phone number and the SIM and IMEI connected to the account.  If there are other or better options out there that fulfill this requirement, I'd be happy to know.
« Last Edit: January 20, 2024, 12:27:32 PM by moe8555 »

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5891 on: January 20, 2024, 04:09:09 PM »
Can an American credit card be used with Pelephone (not prepaid)?  It looks like you can't sign up with one, but is it like Partner where you can sign up with an Israeli card and then switch to an American card via the site or call center afterwards?

Basically, I want to be able to leverage the cell phone insurance offered on American cards, but from what I can tell, only Pelephone offers an equipment summary page on their site that clearly shows your phone number and the SIM and IMEI connected to the account.  If there are other or better options out there that fulfill this requirement, I'd be happy to know.

No direct DP, but I've almost never heard of an expat in my circles on Pelephone.
Is it bec the plans are not what they need or that they dont accept US CCs I dont know

Offline moe8555

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5892 on: January 20, 2024, 04:24:44 PM »
No direct DP, but I've almost never heard of an expat in my circles on Pelephone.
Is it bec the plans are not what they need or that they dont accept US CCs I dont know

I'm going to head to their nearest location tomorrow morning and will report back on the results. :)

They aren't quite the top carrier in my circles either, whether Israeli or expat, and they're certainly on the pricier side.  But I had two instances of phone damage last year that would have easily made up the price difference for years ahead had I been covered by an American card.  So if Pelephone can finally do the trick, I'll gladly port to them.

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5893 on: January 21, 2024, 03:45:30 AM »
I'm going to head to their nearest location tomorrow morning and will report back on the results. :)

They aren't quite the top carrier in my circles either, whether Israeli or expat, and they're certainly on the pricier side.  But I had two instances of phone damage last year that would have easily made up the price difference for years ahead had I been covered by an American card.  So if Pelephone can finally do the trick, I'll gladly port to them.

I went to a Pelephone service center this morning and the results are in: epic fail.  Upon handing over my Citi Prestige for payment, a message popped up saying the card was not valid for activation (i.e. credit check) or monthly bill payment.  I asked if I could join using my Israeli card to fulfill the credit check requirement and then switch to the U.S. card for payments going forward, but the rep said no.  I'm not entirely convinced since she looked to be one of those fresh out of high school/army types.  Also, Partner lets you join with an Israeli card and then switch to a U.S. card via the call center, so there is certainly a precedent of sort.  I'm going to try to see if someone at the call center could somehow push this through, and if not, then maybe a reseller/agent.  Will report back!

Offline mevinyavin

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5894 on: January 21, 2024, 03:59:14 AM »
When I tried Pelephone (many years ago) they also required only a teudat zehut. Did that change?
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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5895 on: January 21, 2024, 04:06:06 AM »
When I tried Pelephone (many years ago) they also required only a teudat zehut. Did that change?

They do require a teudat zehut for any service that isn't prepaid.  But if you're saying that you could pay however you wanted, it would appear that this has changed.  But like I said, not giving up just yet...

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5896 on: January 21, 2024, 04:09:39 AM »
They do require a teudat zehut for any service that isn't prepaid.  But if you're saying that you could pay however you wanted, it would appear that this has changed.  But like I said, not giving up just yet...
Never got as far as payment being that I lacked a TZ back then.
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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5897 on: January 21, 2024, 05:53:39 AM »
I went to a Pelephone service center this morning and the results are in: epic fail.  Upon handing over my Citi Prestige for payment, a message popped up saying the card was not valid for activation (i.e. credit check) or monthly bill payment.  I asked if I could join using my Israeli card to fulfill the credit check requirement and then switch to the U.S. card for payments going forward, but the rep said no.  I'm not entirely convinced since she looked to be one of those fresh out of high school/army types.  Also, Partner lets you join with an Israeli card and then switch to a U.S. card via the call center, so there is certainly a precedent of sort.  I'm going to try to see if someone at the call center could somehow push this through, and if not, then maybe a reseller/agent.  Will report back!

Call center and WhatsApp team also were unable to use the American CC.  Do any of the other companies offer an equipment summary page or some easy way of showing that the phone/IMEI is linked to the account you pay with the CC?  Amazing that only Pelephone appears to offer this basic feature...

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5898 on: January 21, 2024, 12:07:17 PM »
How is it that cellcom doesn't offer esim for a new iphone??
Any real carrier offer esim and not only for a watch?

Any work-around?
Tia

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #5899 on: January 21, 2024, 01:19:53 PM »
How is it that cellcom doesn't offer esim for a new iphone??
Any real carrier offer esim and not only for a watch?

Any work-around?
Tia

Pretty sure Wecom and SkyCall offer eSIMs, maybe Pelephone also?