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 1371113 times)

Offline Galitzyaner

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #520 on: August 13, 2012, 11:18:24 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.
+1000

Offline YudiG

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #521 on: August 14, 2012, 02:24:01 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)

pelephone because the deal looks good and the service is good...bb because i asked for a cheap phone recommendation and the one i got was the bb tour..

i have no intention of pulling shtik...my question was if there was an alternative to buying a phone on amazon as it is most likely refurbished..

truth is that if amex protection will cover it i dont really mind

any tips? TIA

Offline rots5

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #522 on: August 14, 2012, 05:56:31 AM »
tia?

i just bought an i[hone 3gs 32gb for 140 shipped and will get it jainbroken and unlocked but if u have the tour then kol hakavode.

yest i was in malcha mall and a pelephone lady stopped me and asked me which service i have i said ani mitzaer; kulam b'sedar; ahe said (in heb) why u sorry wjat service u have i said golan and asked why she sais switch to us, i said again im sorry alls good she sais y u being so sorry, i said bec im not switching. she then said well, if u switch its 94 shek for a gb iphone and all sms and calls included i said i pay 100 and also get that; i asked what about l'chul (usa) she said ya for another 40 shek areound 300 min; i said sms, calls, internet, and chul unlimited - 100 shek,  she said ahh ok now i see y ur sorry and laughed and said ya dont switch u have an amazing plan and we cant beat it except we have better service so kol hakavode
If you have any questions please search and then ask. PM me for detailed help.

Offline sawlw

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #523 on: August 14, 2012, 11:55:59 AM »
Anyone have an extra sim card in jlm for a few days please pm me
Thank you

Offline elikay

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #524 on: August 14, 2012, 12:14:21 PM »
tia?

i just bought an i[hone 3gs 32gb for 140 shipped and will get it jainbroken and unlocked but if u have the tour then kol hakavode.

yest i was in malcha mall and a pelephone lady stopped me and asked me which service i have i said ani mitzaer; kulam b'sedar; ahe said (in heb) why u sorry wjat service u have i said golan and asked why she sais switch to us, i said again im sorry alls good she sais y u being so sorry, i said bec im not switching. she then said well, if u switch its 94 shek for a gb iphone and all sms and calls included i said i pay 100 and also get that; i asked what about l'chul (usa) she said ya for another 40 shek areound 300 min; i said sms, calls, internet, and chul unlimited - 100 shek,  she said ahh ok now i see y ur sorry and laughed and said ya dont switch u have an amazing plan and we cant beat it except we have better service so kol hakavode
Am I the only one having trouble deciphering this?

Offline Jkhein

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #525 on: August 14, 2012, 12:58:20 PM »
Am I the only one having trouble deciphering this?
no your not.

Offline rots5

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Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #526 on: August 14, 2012, 01:23:22 PM »
Sorry, and post by me then. In short Pelephone lady said golans the way to go
If you have any questions please search and then ask. PM me for detailed help.

Offline Sammy12345

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #527 on: August 19, 2012, 11:53:44 AM »
Hello everyone,
I need some help with getting cell phones in israel I have a iPhone 4s and it's unlocked so I'm looking for a good data plan and also a phone plan so that I can call ppl in israel. My wife has a bb and will need the same sort of thing does anyone know which is the best and cheapest way to get this done?
Thanks

Offline rots5

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #528 on: August 19, 2012, 12:52:05 PM »
Hello everyone,
I need some help with getting cell phones in israel I have a iPhone 4s and it's unlocked so I'm looking for a good data plan and also a phone plan so that I can call ppl in israel. My wife has a bb and will need the same sort of thing does anyone know which is the best and cheapest way to get this done?
Thanks

i have an iphone and this is what i use; its the cheapest and best! though it doesnt work on BB, and for that youll have to shop and finagle with orange cellcom and the works for a deal, though the cheapest im hearing now a days is 150 shek
If you have any questions please search and then ask. PM me for detailed help.

Offline Sammy12345

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #529 on: August 19, 2012, 03:49:27 PM »

Is the service good? I mean it sounds like metropcs how do u rate the service?

Offline rots5

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #530 on: August 19, 2012, 03:55:22 PM »
Is the service good? I mean it sounds like metropcs how do u rate the service?
gr8
If you have any questions please search and then ask. PM me for detailed help.

Offline YudiG

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #531 on: August 19, 2012, 04:32:59 PM »
TIA - means thanks in advance...i wanted confirmation that the BB Tour works with Pelephone....?

Does Amex Purchase protection work when buying a phone on Amazon?

Offline Yitz

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #532 on: August 19, 2012, 05:23:06 PM »
Is it really worth the hassle and savings if you are coming for sukkos or once a year to buy a phone and get a plan for 2 weeks in eretz Yisroel?

Offline sky121

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Re: Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #533 on: August 19, 2012, 05:24:24 PM »
Is it really worth the hassle and savings if you are coming for sukkos or once a year to buy a phone and get a plan for 2 weeks in eretz Yisroel?

Worth buying a phone and either A. Getting a plan or even B. Buying a prepaid sim. Either way you'll save from renting from places in America.
"Not all who wander are lost"

Offline Yitz

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #534 on: August 19, 2012, 05:30:48 PM »
Worth buying a phone and either A. Getting a plan or even B. Buying a prepaid sim. Either way you'll save from renting from places in America.
I looked for a used or refurb and prices for a decent phone are not that cheap. Getting a plan or buying a sim card for a short time is a hassle from people that I have spoken to.

Offline Sammy12345

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #535 on: August 19, 2012, 05:52:32 PM »
gr8
Is it a sign up plan? Or prepaid? Also does it work all around israel?

Offline YudiG

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #536 on: August 21, 2012, 01:35:48 AM »
this phone looks like it will do the job...refurbished but has a warranty and amex will provide one as well...can someone confirm if it will work in israel?

looks like a winner considering the price...TIA!
http://www.amazon.com/Motorola-MB502-Unlocked-Android-Keyboard/dp/B006AUZYWI/ref=sr_1_26?ie=UTF8&qid=1345527175&sr=8-26&keywords=motorola+unlocked+gsm+3g

Offline statusmiles

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Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #537 on: August 21, 2012, 01:42:33 AM »
this phone looks like it will do the job...refurbished but has a warranty and amex will provide one as well...can someone confirm if it will work in israel?

looks like a winner considering the price...TIA!
http://www.amazon.com/Motorola-MB502-Unlocked-Android-Keyboard/dp/B006AUZYWI/ref=sr_1_26?ie=UTF8&qid=1345527175&sr=8-26&keywords=motorola+unlocked+gsm+3g
the title means nothing, there will be no warranty and only used is available under that title

Offline YudiG

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #538 on: August 21, 2012, 01:45:34 AM »
the title means nothing, there will be no warranty and only used is available under that title

used is fine....will it work in the country? what about
http://www.amazon.com/Motorola-EX112-Unlocked-QWERTY-Keyboard/dp/tech-data/B004FLL6SU/ref=de_a_smtd

TIA!

Offline statusmiles

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Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #539 on: August 21, 2012, 01:52:51 AM »
used is fine....will it work in the country? what about
http://www.amazon.com/Motorola-EX112-Unlocked-QWERTY-Keyboard/dp/tech-data/B004FLL6SU/ref=de_a_smtd

TIA!
ex112 will be new, it's a basic gsm phone with keyboard will work