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 1355200 times)

Offline plainbachur

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #500 on: August 09, 2012, 01:32:20 PM »
Read thru the Thread it was discussed already

Offline Yitz

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #501 on: August 09, 2012, 08:02:34 PM »
Read thru the Thread it was discussed already
I apprfeciate your advice. I would like some actual experience with a phone bought in the USA that would work in Eretz Yisroel. I searched and did not find this info.

Offline rots5

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #502 on: August 10, 2012, 02:18:03 AM »
I apprfeciate your advice. I would like some actual experience with a phone bought in the USA that would work in Eretz Yisroel. I searched and did not find this info.

im sorry if this comes out rude, but i think i mightve mentioned quiet a number of times what i do, and i live in israel!

i have an iphone 3g and it was jailbroken and unlocked, and i use golan for 99 shek a month. i signed up with my muchedet number (which is very similar to my passport number) bec when u type in the passprt number it wont work, but ur muchedet number is basically ur TZ here in israel, for anyone who has Betuach leumi (israeli  helth insurance) they recieve a TZ number at some point and this is the same number.
any other questions?



page 25 of this thread
so i have a 3g iphone and it workes as long as it has data capabilities i think ur fine )of course it has to be unlocked in order for it to work too)

how long u here for?

if u have muechdet u that is ur "t.z" while ur here its ur passport number but shiortened, thats how i signed up with golan, alsoi ordered golan on sunday and had it by thurs, and they have ppl to speak to when u call *058 (or wtvr u dial)
If you have any questions please search and then ask. PM me for detailed help.

Offline Yitz

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #503 on: August 11, 2012, 10:09:10 PM »
im sorry if this comes out rude, but i think i mightve mentioned quiet a number of times what i do, and i live in israel!

i have an iphone 3g and it was jailbroken and unlocked, and i use golan for 99 shek a month. i signed up with my muchedet number (which is very similar to my passport number) bec when u type in the passprt number it wont work, but ur muchedet number is basically ur TZ here in israel, for anyone who has Betuach leumi (israeli  helth insurance) they recieve a TZ number at some point and this is the same number.
any other questions?



page 25 of this thread
Thanks
That will not work for me. i was wondering about any other phone that would work

Offline yfriedman7

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Re: Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #504 on: August 12, 2012, 03:39:52 PM »
Did it work for you? If not, on what basis are you saying that?

most 9 digit numbers should work

Offline YudiG

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #505 on: August 12, 2012, 07:32:47 PM »
just want to confirm before i buy...that this phone works in israel and i can sign up for pelephone and get BB service.

i dont need the 130 nis plan - i'll go with the 99 nis as jivetel gives me free usa calling from my cell...TIA

http://www.amazon.com/BlackBerry-BB-9630-Verizon-Unlocked/dp/B005LVN4SI/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1344812078&sr=8-4&keywords=9630

will passport number work or should i use muechedet number?

Offline statusmiles

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Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #506 on: August 12, 2012, 11:57:03 PM »
You will get a refurbished phone buying on amazon or ebay, just beware.

Offline elikay

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #507 on: August 12, 2012, 11:59:34 PM »
You will get a refurbished phone buying on amazon or ebay, just beware.
+1000,000

Offline YudiG

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #508 on: August 13, 2012, 12:17:13 AM »
a) whats the alternative?

b) will it work in israel with pelephone?

Offline rots5

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #509 on: August 13, 2012, 02:41:46 AM »
why davka pelephone? u need bb?

i was in cellcom and a bunch of jews from a diff sect of judism than i am told me this, that they would get new plans every 3 months bec they wouldnt pay the bills and cell com gives u three months till they shut it down; plus it wasnt under his passport so it was really connected to him...if they ask u for ur number; u have to think do u plan on just leaving and not paying if they mess u over then give them ur muchedet number, if u just wanna do it straight give ur passport number (also i wonder if theyll charge u tax if u give them ur muchedet or not)
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 #510 on: August 13, 2012, 04:12:29 AM »
why davka pelephone? u need bb?

i was in cellcom and a bunch of jews from a diff sect of judism than i am told me this, that they would get new plans every 3 months bec they wouldnt pay the bills and cell com gives u three months till they shut it down; plus it wasnt under his passport so it was really connected to him...if they ask u for ur number; u have to think do u plan on just leaving and not paying if they mess u over then give them ur muchedet number

its a plain לא תעשוק את רעך

Offline rots5

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #511 on: August 13, 2012, 08:35:57 AM »
its a plain לא תעשוק את רעך

hence why i said another sect of people, i happen to have everything  done thru my passport but this is what the person told me, wierd thing was it was infront of a cellcom guy - and he was nodding in agreement ...
If you have any questions please search and then ask. PM me for detailed help.

Offline statusmiles

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Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #512 on: August 13, 2012, 09:04:19 AM »
wierd thing was it was infront of a cellcom guy - and he was nodding in agreement ...

Only in IL

Offline edklar

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #513 on: August 13, 2012, 03:36:27 PM »
I am looking to obtain an Android phone for my son heading to yeshiva in Israel.  He must use TalknSave service (they have supplied the SIM card), which means the phone needs to operate on something called HSDPA 850/2100. Need quickly.  Any thoughts?

Offline sky121

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #514 on: August 13, 2012, 03:39:55 PM »
I am looking to obtain an Android phone for my son heading to yeshiva in Israel.  He must use TalknSave service (they have supplied the SIM card), which means the phone needs to operate on something called HSDPA 850/2100. Need quickly.  Any thoughts?

Just out of curiosity how much does the plan with TalkNSave cost?

http://negrielectronics.com/motorola-defy-android-850-1900-2100-3g-unlocked.html#.UClXop38uHc

https://play.google.com/store/devices/details?id=galaxy_nexus_hspa
How much are you looking to spend?
"Not all who wander are lost"

Offline edklar

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #515 on: August 13, 2012, 03:43:30 PM »
Just out of curiosity how much does the plan with TalkNSave cost?

http://negrielectronics.com/motorola-defy-android-850-1900-2100-3g-unlocked.html#.UClXop38uHc

https://play.google.com/store/devices/details?id=galaxy_nexus_hspa
How much are you looking to spend?

The plans are VERY expensive. With unlimited talk and data, pklus US number, will be over $100 per month.

I would like to spend as little as possible for an android phone that will work.  $100 or so?

Offline sky121

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #516 on: August 13, 2012, 03:45:50 PM »
The plans are VERY expensive. With unlimited talk and data, pklus US number, will be over $100 per month.

I would like to spend as little as possible for an android phone that will work.  $100 or so?

With plans like Golan out for 99 shekel a month it literally breaks my heart to see the young girls and boys spending that much money a month on their cell phone plans.

 Sigh.

              What about a used Motorola Photon?  How GOOD does the phone have to be?
"Not all who wander are lost"

Offline edklar

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #517 on: August 13, 2012, 04:01:54 PM »
With plans like Golan out for 99 shekel a month it literally breaks my heart to see the young girls and boys spending that much money a month on their cell phone plans.

 Sigh.

              What about a used Motorola Photon?  How GOOD does the phone have to be?

Is that a decent phone (never heard of it)?  My son would like good internet access.

Offline sky121

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #518 on: August 13, 2012, 04:04:06 PM »
Is that a decent phone (never heard of it)?  My son would like good internet access.

More than decent. It's a Sprint phone that has world roaming capabilities. It's my current phone and it works great and has good battery life compared to most Android phones.

           If you can get a good condition one on Ebay that might be something to look into.

         
"Not all who wander are lost"

Offline edklar

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #519 on: August 13, 2012, 04:07:30 PM »
will check it out, thanks for the help.