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 1372251 times)

Offline Jkhein

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #960 on: December 04, 2012, 11:01:48 AM »
c2-01 , on zap now for 380
+1 and people will even think its kosher :-) its the new in style kosher phone, but the networks take about 800 shekel for it.

Offline Moishebatchy

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #961 on: December 04, 2012, 01:24:06 PM »
Its sad that people take this whole divorce thing for granted :-) :-)

I know, right? :P

The company you are porting from, finds out instantly, and usually call you right away to persuade you to stay

Instantly means the instant you apply to the new carrier (even before the SIM arrives in the mail), or the instant you try to activate?

You can not change your number once you chose to port your old one.

Are you sure about this? i.e. Have you (or anyone you know) tried?

I mean, why wouldn't they let you change - what have they got to lose?

(if you really want a good number, you can maybe choose one at hot, than port it to Golan or w.)

Who's "w"?

Offline Jkhein

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #962 on: December 04, 2012, 01:38:53 PM »
1. As soon as you activate and confirm the porting of your number, you will get an automated phonecall if you want to be transferred to a rep, to hear about their promotion.
2. I was once told that with orange.
3. Vice versa
You will actually get a text with the exact time when you will be ported (exactly 3 hours later)

Offline Moishebatchy

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #963 on: December 04, 2012, 01:59:18 PM »
1. As soon as you activate and confirm the porting of your number, you will get an automated phonecall if you want to be transferred to a rep, to hear about their promotion.
2. I was once told that with orange.
3. Vice versa
You will actually get a text with the exact time when you will be ported (exactly 3 hours later)

Thanks!

Was the promotion any good? :P

Offline Jkhein

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #964 on: December 04, 2012, 02:52:37 PM »
Thanks!

Was the promotion any good? :P
I didnt choose to speak to them...

Offline L'Chaim

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #965 on: December 04, 2012, 03:01:06 PM »
1. As soon as you activate and confirm the porting of your number, you will get an automated phonecall if you want to be transferred to a rep, to hear about their promotion.
2. I was once told that with orange.
3. Vice versa
You will actually get a text with the exact time when you will be ported (exactly 3 hours later)

When I ported my landline from Bezeq to Cellcom I immediately got an sms from Bezeq to call them and 'confirm' that it is me that had asked for the porting.
I then wasted almost half an hour on the phone with them after they had an cheaper offer, which at the end of the day was more expensive... :(

Offline Moishebatchy

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #966 on: December 04, 2012, 07:34:06 PM »
When I ported my landline from Bezeq to Cellcom

Wow. Didn't know you could do that. :o

And people calling you still pay landline rates?

Offline Jkhein

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #967 on: December 05, 2012, 12:59:04 AM »
Wow. Didn't know you could do that. :o

And people calling you still pay landline rates?
probably from Bezeq to cellphone landline.

Offline Jkhein

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #968 on: December 05, 2012, 01:00:42 AM »
I would recommend to try to stick with a big company, if possible, it might be worth the extra few shekels. I moved over one of my lines to golan on Sunday, I am prob moving back any day.
Although some people are happy with them, it is important that each one points out their individual problems, they experience.
Internet is slow in some places, the voicemail menu is quite annoying, it gives a very short time for someone to record his message (which is not good for me) it does not show the icon when you have a voicemail, you just get text (not good, sometimes I dont have time to listen, but later forget to listen if no icon).
Im sure I will find out soon.

Offline L'Chaim

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #969 on: December 05, 2012, 02:30:31 AM »
probably from Bezeq to cellphone landline.

Correct, I'm on Cellcom Total.

Offline Moishebatchy

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #970 on: December 05, 2012, 02:36:27 AM »
Although some people are happy with them, it is important that each one points out their individual problems, they experience.
Internet is slow in some places, the voicemail menu is quite annoying, it gives a very short time for someone to record his message (which is not good for me) it does not show the icon when you have a voicemail, you just get text (not good, sometimes I dont have time to listen, but later forget to listen if no icon).

Thanks for the heads-up.

Can anyone with HOT Mobile share their experiences, especially as relates to these issues?

Offline njmacman

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Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #971 on: December 05, 2012, 12:27:18 PM »
We love hot mobile. After the setup (which always takes time) it works smoothly and bills charged to my American card.

Offline BISPRO

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #972 on: December 05, 2012, 01:00:05 PM »
We love hot mobile. After the setup (which always takes time) it works smoothly and bills charged to my American card.

Same here , i'm done with Golan

Offline sky121

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Re: Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #973 on: December 05, 2012, 01:01:12 PM »
Same here , i'm done with Golan

What's better about Hot mobile?
"Not all who wander are lost"

Offline BISPRO

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Re: Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #974 on: December 05, 2012, 01:05:46 PM »
What's better about Hot mobile?

Golan never disconnect my 8 lines for 6 month already 
after i sent more then 15 times fax , and the original signed papers in registered mail, my credit card being every month and i'm going now for law suit


Offline rots5

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Re: Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #975 on: December 05, 2012, 01:09:22 PM »
Golan never disconnect my 8 lines for 6 month already 
after i sent more then 15 times fax , and the original signed papers in registered mail, my credit card being every month and i'm going now for law suit
Wow.  Crazy. Sorry to hear. Thas nuts
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Re: Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #976 on: December 05, 2012, 01:23:30 PM »
Wow.  Crazy. Sorry to hear. Thas nuts




i have no other words than a גנבים i did everything i can before going to court

Offline rots5

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #977 on: December 05, 2012, 01:44:10 PM »
Call up Amex and say someone stole ur card.....golan
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Offline sky121

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #978 on: December 05, 2012, 01:49:34 PM »
You can tell Amex you cancelled service. Then Golan might finally cancel your service.
"Not all who wander are lost"

Offline sky121

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #979 on: December 05, 2012, 01:58:22 PM »
If I call HoT Mobile, will they let me choose my cell number like Golan?

Also, can you roam with Hot Mobile in other countries?

Can you cancel at anytime?

Are there any differences in the plans between Golan and Hot Mobile?
« Last Edit: December 05, 2012, 02:08:23 PM by sky121 »
"Not all who wander are lost"