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 1355823 times)

Offline PlatinumGuy

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #700 on: September 27, 2012, 07:45:45 PM »
Its a good deal if you want an iPad.

Cellcom cellular data is terrible IME.
״וזה כלל גדול: שישנא אדם כל דבר שקר. וכל מה שיוסיף שנאה לדרכי השקר – יוסיף אהבה לתורה.״ - אורחות צדיקים

Offline Flying Fish

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #701 on: September 28, 2012, 03:00:03 AM »
In my experience they won't
So what did you do?

Offline Moishebatchy

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #702 on: September 28, 2012, 04:15:47 AM »
This "deal" really depends on what you want and need. What is the payment plan for the tablet? I assume its the charge/refund policy that the legacy carriers in Israel are infamous for. This usually is spread over 36 months. You should find out what you will have to pay if you change your plan in the future.

I think it's like 40 NIS per month, for 36 months.

As far as the rest of the plan, your international calling is limited which in my mind is a big minus unless you don't really use it (keep in mind that you can use GV and Talkatone for unlimited free calls to and from the US) also the data is limited to 1Gb as opposed to 3Gb, I would also try to find out what minimum speed they are willing to guarantee. I switched from Cellcom where on a good day I was getting 1mbps.

Good points, thanks.

I currently have 3 unlimited Golan plans.
For my home internet I get 12mb. For ISP I pay NIS 30 to Bezeq Benleumi and another NIS 70 to HOT for my tashtit (note that Cellcom's offer does not include tashtit so make sure to take that into account when you compare).

I have heard of offers which include home phone lines (although with unlimited cellphones I am not sure if you need that).

From Cellcom?

Bottom line for me, I wouldn't want to have any long term commitment to any of the communications companies. The tablet aspect almost definitely has a 36 month commitment to pay off the tablet and if you leave Cellcom it will cost you. If you really want the tablet it will almost definitely be cheaper to buy it elsewhere.

There is a really good Israeli site (in hebrew) for comparing the various communication bundles, I recommend that you check it out to compare the latest promotions being offered - www.kamaze.co.il

Thanks!

Offline Moishebatchy

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #703 on: September 28, 2012, 04:40:25 AM »
Its a good deal if you want an iPad.

I kind of do... the one I have is 64 GB, with just WiFi. But now I'm thinking that getting one without cellular was a big no-no. If I get Cellcom's iPad, I can sell my old one...

So, is this actually a good way to get hold of an iPad (or other tablet)? Or should I rather try to have someone bring me one from the US?

Cellcom cellular data is terrible IME.

True dat... is Orange any better? (I hear Pelephone is pretty anti-Chutznik these days...)

Offline PlatinumGuy

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #704 on: September 28, 2012, 06:35:48 AM »
(I hear Pelephone is pretty anti-Chutznik these days...)
I had their service for awhile, until they came up with a pathetic 2500nis bill, so I had to port my number over to Cellcom.

TalkNsave uses the Pelephone network if u absolutely need it.

Not sure if Orange is better or not.

Its a good deal if you're otherwise buying an iPad with service. (Golan/Hot 3*100= 300, here you get a free iPad in return for a 3 yr commitment. You don't lose by that because prices cannot go any lower without everyone going bankrupt IMHO)
״וזה כלל גדול: שישנא אדם כל דבר שקר. וכל מה שיוסיף שנאה לדרכי השקר – יוסיף אהבה לתורה.״ - אורחות צדיקים

Offline avielan

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #705 on: September 28, 2012, 04:34:33 PM »
I think it's like 40 NIS per month, for 36 months.

-->so essentially you are paying $360 (40NIS*36month/~4=$360) for a 16Gb iPad spread over 3 years.

From Cellcom?

-->Several of the companies were offering similar packages which included cellphone, VOIP landline, internet and international calling. Cellcom offered me one like that when I switched over to Golan but it wasn't good enough for me.

Offline shmooz

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #706 on: September 30, 2012, 10:51:12 AM »
Report on golan service
Got the sims and setup no problem. Phone worked great for israel calls, the US calls sometimes had problems that there was no ringing, so it made it a little hard to tell if it was going through, the hotspot worked great. cancelled by sending registered mail for 10 nis, they confirmed next day. It cancels at the end of the cycle, so be aware you may end up paying for an extra cycle.
Havnt seen the bill but i hope it will be as expected. Overall great for the price.
Bought a new phone -motorola defy on ebay for $200 -perfect. Its a well protected phone from sand and minor water damage you might get on a trip.

When I go back will i be able to reuse the sim cards and restart service, or need new ones?


so golan continued to charge me for one line after i cancelled, and did not respond to my email, called amex plat and they refunded the $25 with no hassle, i dont even think they opened an inquiry, just hope golan doesnt continue to keep charging...

Offline njmacman

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #707 on: October 01, 2012, 05:44:02 PM »
HotMobile has been a problem with the setup. I got the sim cards for 4 lines at Malcha. They generated a teudat zehut number for me since I am american. They didnt port my 2 old numbers over and changing from plan to plan is a nightmare (over 30 minute wait on phone for service each time). I finally reverted to the 10 agurot per minute plan since I won't call them again if I can help it and can't switch online.

Offline njmacman

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #708 on: October 01, 2012, 05:45:11 PM »
BTW, they are using my American credit card and the phone service and iphone internet service has been good.

Offline mmermss

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #709 on: October 01, 2012, 05:56:02 PM »
BTW, they are using my American credit card and the phone service and iphone internet service has been good.
why did u use HOT over golan?
It's not about the quantity of your posts.  It's about the quality.

Offline njmacman

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #710 on: October 02, 2012, 02:06:25 AM »
I'm not here moist of the year and they have a 10 agurot plan which is 10% of what I was paying Orange for their Talkman.

Offline satturn

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #711 on: October 02, 2012, 04:15:24 PM »
I'm not here moist of the year and they have a 10 agurot plan which is 10% of what I was paying Orange for their Talkman.
+1
i just signed up 2 lines in the central bus station. i switched plans without a problem- only issue was a long hold time.

Offline njmacman

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #712 on: October 02, 2012, 04:27:30 PM »
Hour hold time, but then they helped me switch my Orange Talkman number over to HotMobile.

Offline satturn

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #713 on: October 04, 2012, 05:26:07 AM »
+1
i just signed up 2 lines in the central bus station. i switched plans without a problem- only issue was a long hold time.
also on the phone they will not take an US cc- or even an israeli debit card- but in person they agreed to take any visa.(not mc or amex)

Offline njmacman

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #714 on: October 04, 2012, 04:44:41 PM »
Right. And they generated a teudat zehut number for me that I can use elsewhere. I tried to get my son here in Israel onto the 012 plan (88 shekels per month) because he has a blackberry- they took the TZ but didn't work since I dont have an Israeli credit card

Offline Sammy12345

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #715 on: October 04, 2012, 08:16:26 PM »
I used my MC and they asked me if it was Israeli i just told them YES and it worked. (thats for HOT mobile i am talking)

Offline bh

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #716 on: October 05, 2012, 02:07:43 AM »
Quote
So what did you do?

I left.  :(

It looks like "njmacman" had better experience in malcha

Quote
HotMobile has been a problem with the setup. I got the sim cards for 4 lines at Malcha. They generated a teudat zehut number for me since I am american. They didnt port my 2 old numbers over and changing from plan to plan is a nightmare (over 30 minute wait on phone for service each time). I finally reverted to the 10 agurot per minute plan since I won't call them again if I can help it and can't switch online.




Offline njmacman

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #717 on: October 05, 2012, 07:47:09 AM »
Working perfectly for me now. Good service in Jerusalem, Maale Adumim, and Sderot. Rough in Efrat.

Offline njmacman

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #718 on: October 05, 2012, 07:49:10 AM »
HOT doesn't care if it is Israeli credit card or American card.

Offline rots5

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #719 on: October 05, 2012, 09:31:45 AM »
any one with a nano sim from golan left?
If you have any questions please search and then ask. PM me for detailed help.