Israel: 6 Best Prepaid SIM Cards Buying Guide (2023)

Israel – the only Jewish country in the world. It is known for its many religious sites, museums & beaches.

While there is plenty to be said about the political situation in the country, it is irrelevant (for this guide) ;)

Despite the fact that some nations in the Middle East are crazy cheap (for travel – that is), Israel is, surprisingly, not so cheap.

Sure, it is much cheaper than many Western or Northern European nations.

Still, many neighboring countries have lower living costs, especially for travelers.

So, any way to save some money in Israel is always appreciated.

One way to keep costs contained is by using a local SIM card – an Israeli one.

International roaming can be expensive. And in most cases, it is not worth it.

With a local SIM card, however, you can enjoy local rates.

So, how expensive are SIM cards in Israel?

You can buy an Israeli SIM card for between 38.60 ILS (11.10 USD) to 90 ILS (25.90 USD) in the stores of the mobile network operators (Cellcom/Golan Telecom, Partner, Pelephone & HOT Mobile), or other stores, such as grocery stores (also for the MVNOs – 012mobile and 019 Mobile).

Yeah, those SIM cards are not cheap at all.

However, Israel has the lowest mobile data rates worldwide.

The average cost of 1 GB of data is just 0.05 USD!

That is mostly because the mobile operators are GENEROUS with their data allowances.

So, expensive SIM cards but dirty-cheap mobile data rates. Worth the trade-off? You decide.

In this guide, I will go over everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in Israel. Let’s go.

Original publication: 23rd of December 2019. Last updated: 15th of March 2023.

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Table of Contents

Can You Buy a SIM Card in Israel?

Anyone living in or visiting Israel can buy an Israeli SIM card from the mobile network operators (Cellcom Israel/Golan Telecom, Partner, Pelephone & HOT Mobile) and the Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs – 012mobile & 019 Mobile) without restrictions.

You do have to comply with the SIM card registration regulations.

Moreover, you need a phone that supports the frequencies used in the country (preferably all of them to have the most optimal experience while in Israel).

Furthermore, you need to have a SIM-lock-free device.

Where Can You Buy a SIM Card in Israel?

You can get an Israeli SIM card in Cellcom/Golan Telecom, Partner, Pelephone & HOT Mobile stores or other retailers, including grocery stores, electronic stores & convenience stores (for the mobile network operators or MVNOs, like 012mobile and 019 Mobile). Tel Aviv-Ben Gurion Airport sells SIM cards too.

You can expect to pay the following for Israeli SIM cards:

• Cellcom Israel/Golan Telecom: 49 ILS (19 ILS for the SIM card + 30 ILS activation fee)
• Partner: 60 ILS & 90 ILS
• Pelephone: 40 ILS
• HOT Mobile: 49 ILS
• 012mobile: 38.60 ILS
• 019 Mobile: around 50 ILS (stores decide the price)

The following mobile operators also have SIM cards targeting tourists:

• 019 Mobile: 29 USD, 49 USD & 59 USD (at Tel Aviv-Ben Gurion Airport only)

For up-to-date ILS:your currency (let's say USD) exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.

Can You Use Your Phone in Israel?

Israel uses GSM technology for mobile communications. CDMA phones will not work in Israel. However, there is a 99% chance your phone supports GSM (if your phone has a SIM card slot, then it supports GSM).

Besides that, you need to be aware of the ITU Regions to determine whether your phone will work in other parts of the world.

Although there are three ITU Regions, you only need to know these two terms: American Frequencies and European Frequencies.

Africa, Asia (including the Middle East), Europe & Oceania (ITU Regions 1 & 3) typically use European Frequencies, meaning phones bought in those regions can be used in countries using European Frequencies without issues.

The Americas (North-, Central, and South America + the Caribbean), ITU Region 2, use American Frequencies, which are different from the European Frequencies.

Israel uses primarily European frequencies for 2G, 3G, 4G/LTE & 5G NR. However, some mobile operators use an American Frequency for 3G (850 MHz).

If you bought your phone in the Americas (ITU Region 2) and have a low/medium-end device (without Tri-Band or Quad-Band) support, then you can get a SIM card from Cellcom, Golan Telecom, or Pelephone and use its 3G network on 850 MHz.

If you purchased your phone in Africa, Asia, Europe, or Oceania (ITU Regions 1 & 3) and have a low/medium-end device (without Tri-Band or Quad-Band) support, you can go with any mobile operator. They support traditional European Frequencies on 2G, 3G, 4G/LTE & 5G NR.

However, one of Cellcom's, Golan Telecom's & Pelephone's 3G frequencies (850 MHz) is a traditional American Frequency. Luckily, the other one (2100 MHz) is a traditional European Frequency.

If you have a medium/high-end device with Tri-Band or Quad-Band support, you can use your phone in Israel without (major) issues – also on 4G/LTE and 5G NR.

Mobile Operators, Networks & Frequencies in Israel

Israel has four/five Main Operators and two Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) offering prepaid options easily accessible to travelers:

• Cellcom Israel/Golan Telecom
• Partner
• Pelephone
• HOT Mobile
• 012mobile
• 019 Mobile

The following frequencies are used in Israel:

• 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
• 3G: 850 MHz, 900 MHz & 2100 MHz
• 4G/LTE: 1800 MHz (Band 3)
• 5G NR: 700 MHz (n28), 2600 MHz (n7) &3500 MHz (n78)

You can learn more about frequencies in the video below.

To check whether your phone will work in Israel, check out this page by Kimovil or this one by Will My Phone Work (outdated, unfortunately, but extremely user-friendly – useful for phones launched in or before 2019. It does not check for 5G NR compatibility).

Again, make sure your phone is unlocked. Otherwise, you will not be able to use any SIM card except the one from your home operator (meaning you have to roam internationally or buy another unlocked phone that does support the frequencies listed above).

If you want to learn how international roaming works, this guide explains it in-depth. If you wonder why it is often so expensive to roam, this article explains the hidden reason they do not want you to know.

5G NR in Israel

Commercial 5G NR has been available in Israel since September 2020. it is available on the Cellcom Israel/Golan Telecom, Partner, Pelephone & HOT Mobile. Golan Telecom does not offer 5G NR to prepaid customers. The MVNOs, 012mobile and 019 Mobile do not have access to Partner's 5G NR network.

Best SIM Card in Israel

Best eSIM in Israel

Unfortunately, none of the mobile operators offer eSIM to prepaid customers in Israel (yet).

Note that the Israeli mobile operators require your identification (passport) for (future) eSIMs and physical SIM cards (will be discussed later).

Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Israel (without personal detail capturing), you can get the Israel (Annatel) eSIM from Airalo.

You have these five options:

• Israel/Annatel 1 GB eSIM for 7 days – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
• Israel/Annatel 3 GB eSIM for 30 days
• Israel/Annatel 5 GB eSIM for 30 days
• Israel/Annatel 10 GB eSIM for 30 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
• Israel/Annatel 20 GB eSIM for 30 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in March based on data up to the 13^th of March (2023 data only)

The Airalo links above will automatically get you the available Phone Travel Wiz exclusive offers – a code is unnecessary.

For an in-depth analysis of the Isreel Annatel eSIMs (covering pros and cons as well), check out my Israel eSIMs Compared guide.

You can also get Israel eSIMs from SimCorner (6 GB/15 days), which can also be used in neighboring Middle East countries.

Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for extra savings, although the link above will do the same automatically.

For an in-depth analysis of the SimCorner Israel eSIMs (covering pros and cons as well), check out my Israel eSIMs Compared guide.

Finally, you can get Israel eSIMs from Holafly:

• Israel 3 GB eSIM for 8 days
• Israel 5 GB eSIM for 15 days

Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!

For an in-depth analysis of the Holafly Israel eSIMs (covering pros and cons as well), check out my Israel eSIMs Compared guide.

With these eSIMs, you can skip Israel's SIM card registration scheme entirely and use it immediately upon arriving in Israel!

TIP: check out my Best Israel eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Israel, including ones not mentioned above.

Airalo recently introduced an eSIM for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA): Menalink. The Menalink eSIM follows the popular Eurolink eSIM for 39 European countries, the fairly new Asialink eSIM for 14 Asian countries & the super new Latamlink eSIM for 19 Latin American countries.

The Menalink eSIM comes in three variants: 1 GB/7 days – most popular with PTW readers, 2 GB/15 days & 3 GB/30 days – very popular with PTW readers, to be used in Israel and 14 other Middle Eastern and Northern African countries:

TIP: Check out my eSIM lookup tool for an overview of local mobile operators offering eSIMs to prepaid customers and travel eSIMs I use and love (for eSIMs in Israel and eSIMs worldwide) and my Best Israel eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Israel.

Best International/Travel SIM Card for Israel

If you want to buy the best international/travel SIM card for Israel, I recommend going with SimCorner's Israel SIM cards with 6 GB of data for 15 days or 12 GB of data for 30 days.

You can also go with SimCorner's International Travel SIM card (new: also available as an eSIM) 6 GB of data valid for 15 days to be used in Israel and 100+ countries, including neighboring Cyprus, Egypt & Jordan.

You can use the Simcorner International Travel SIM card in the following countries:

Use discount code PHONETRAVELWIZ for extra savings!

SIM Card Registration in Israel

SIM card registration, with the use of your passport information, is mandatory in Israel. This will be done at the point of sale.

There are still many sites, not the ones of the mobile operators though, claiming SIM card registration is not mandatory. (Un)fortunately, that is not true (anymore).

Many small shops, so not the official stores of the mobile operators, may not register your personal details.

You should be wary of this, as they may sign you up for a postpaid plan.

Although postpaid plans are cheaper than prepaid packages in Israel, they may not be favorable (in this situation).

The shopowner may delete your line within a few days baking you will not visit their shop anymore.

Then, you will be out of a plan and out of the money you spent there.

To be sure, get your SIM card from the official stores of the mobile operators.

That way, you will always be in the right.

Israel Mobile Speeds, Mobile Internet Prices & Insights

Currency in Israel

Israel uses the Israeli Shekel, also known as the Israeli New Shekel, with the symbol ILS (which will be used throughout this guide). The symbol NIS is also used unofficially.

However, prices are often listed as ₪.

For example, 25 ILS = ₪25. For reference, below are some exchange rates between ILS and USD (US Dollars):

• 1 ILS = 0.30 USD
• 10 ILS = 2.90 USD
• 100 ILS = 28.94 USD
• 1000 ILS = 289.40 USD

For up-to-date ILS:your currency (let's say USD) exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.

Israeli Prepaid SIM Cards

Below, I will guide you through Cellcom Israel/Golan Telecom, Partner, Pelephone, HOT Mobile, 012mobile & 019 Mobile, and go through:

• Background information
• Mobile coverage
• SIM card types, prices, and availability
• Recharge / top-up information
• Combo plans, data plans, and special packs (such as social media packs) 

With that being said, let’s see what Israel has to offer to us.

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Cellcom Israel & Golan Telecom (סלקום & גולן טלקום)

Cellcom Israel, also known as סלקום and not to be confused with Cellcom in Canada, Guinea, or the United States, or Celcom, with one L, in Malaysia, is the largest mobile operator in Israel.

In 2020, Cellcom purchased Golan Telecom (גולן טלקום), one of its competitors.

It is expected that both brands will operate separately, with Golan Telecom becoming a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO).

However, they could also be merged, with the Golan Telecom brand vanishing from the market.

Nevertheless, it looks like Cellcom dropped its prepaid line, Talkman, after purchasing Golan Telecom.

Golan Telecom still offers prepaid services with its prepaid brand called GOLANtalk.

As a result, you have to get a GOLANtalk SIM card by Golan Telecom if you wish to be on the Cellcom network.

Cellcom and Golan Telecom have the best voice app (VoIP) experience.

Golan Telecom also has the best online games experience and has one of the best upload speeds.

Cellcom and Golan Telecom use the following frequencies:

• 2G: 1800 MHz
• 3G: 850 MHz & 2100 MHz
• 4G: 1800 MHz (Band 3)
• 5G NR: 700 MHz (n28), 2600 MHz (n7) & 3500 MHz (n78) – all for Cellcom only

This is what you will learn about Golan Telecom:

* Coverage
* How to Get a Golan Telecom SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings

Coverage – Cellcom Israel & GOLANtalk by Golan Telecom

Cellcom and Golan Telecom have extensive coverage throughout Israel.

Coverage in the south, however, is primarily on 2G or 3G.

But this applies to all mobile operators in Israel.

Below is Cellcom and Golan Telecom's coverage map produced by Speedtest:

SIM Card Price – Cellcom Israel & GOLANtalk by Golan Telecom

You can buy a GOLANtalk by Golan Telecom SIM card for 19 ILS in Golan Telecom stores and many other establishments, such as grocery stores, convenience stores & electronic shops. A 30 ILS activation fee applies too, meaning the total cost of a SIM card is 49 ILS.

Cellcom & GOLAN has no eSIMs.

Note that the Israeli mobile operators require your identification (passport) for (future) eSIMs and physical SIM cards.

Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Israel (without personal detail capturing), you can get the Israel (Annatel) eSIM from Airalo.

You have these five options:

• Israel/Annatel 1 GB eSIM for 7 days – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
• Israel/Annatel 3 GB eSIM for 30 days
• Israel/Annatel 5 GB eSIM for 30 days
• Israel/Annatel 10 GB eSIM for 30 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
• Israel/Annatel 20 GB eSIM for 30 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in March based on data up to the 13^th of March (2023 data only)

The Airalo links above will automatically get you the available Phone Travel Wiz exclusive offers – a code is unnecessary.

You can also get Israel eSIMs from SimCorner (6 GB/15 days), which can also be used in neighboring Middle East countries.

Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for extra savings, although the link above will do the same automatically.

Finally, you can get Israel eSIMs from Holafly:

• Israel 3 GB eSIM for 8 days
• Israel 5 GB eSIM for 15 days

Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!

Airalo recently introduced an eSIM for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA): Menalink. The Menalink eSIM follows the popular Eurolink eSIM for 39 European countries, the fairly new Asialink eSIM for 14 Asian countries & the super new Latamlink eSIM for 19 Latin American countries.

The Menalink eSIM comes in three variants: 1 GB/7 days – most popular with PTW readers, 2 GB/15 days & 3 GB/30 days – very popular with PTW readers, to be used in Israel and 14 other Middle Eastern and Northern African countries:

TIP: check out my Best Israel eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Israel, including ones not mentioned above.

Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Cellcom Israel & GOLANtalk by Golan Telecom

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Cellcom Israel & GOLANtalk by Golan Telecom

GOLANtalk by Golan Telecom/Cellcom has two data-featured prepaid plans: Packages (combo) & Add-Ons (data).

Packages – Cellcom Israel & GOLANtalk by Golan Telecom

The Packages are combo plans with data, minutes & SMS.

These Packages are available:

Price	Data	Local Minutes	Local SMS	Validity
39 ILS	10 GB	N/A	N/A	30 days
45 ILS	9 GB	2000 minutes	1000 SMS	30 days
49 ILS	40 GB	2000 minutes	1000 SMS	30 days
69 ILS	75 GB	2000 minutes	1000 SMS	30 days

Add-Ons – Cellcom Israel & GOLANtalk by Golan Telecom

The Add-Ons are data add-ons. They cannot be purchased as standalone plans.

These Add-Ons are available:

Price	Data	Validity
3.90 ILS	1 GB	Until plan expires
5.90 ILS	2 GB	1 month, auto-renews
6.90 ILS	2 GB	Until plan expires
9.90 ILS	5 GB	1 month, auto-renews
10.90 ILS	5 GB	Until plan expires

APN/Internet Settings – Cellcom Israel & GOLANtalk by Golan Telecom

• Name: Golan Telecom
• APN: internet.golantelecom.net.il

Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.

Jump back to the Table of Contents.

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Bigtalk by Partner (פרטנר)

Partner, also known as פרטנר, is the second-largest mobile operator in Israel.

It used to be known as Orange until 2016.

Its prepaid brand is called Bigtalk.

Partner uses the following frequencies:

• 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
• 3G: 900 MHz & 2100 MHz
• 4G/LTE: 1800 MHz (Band 3) & 2100 MHz (Band 1)
• 5G NR: 3500 MHz (n78)

This is what you will learn about Partner:

* Coverage
* How to Get a Partner SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings

Coverage – Bigtalk by Partner

Partner has the best 4G/LTE coverage throughout Israel.

Coverage in the south, however, is primarily on 2G or 3G.

But this applies to all mobile operators in Israel.

Below is Partner's coverage map produced by Speedtest:

SIM Card Price – Bigtalk by Partner

You can buy a Bigtalk by Partner SIM Card for 60 ILS with 53 ILS credit or 90 ILS with 83 ILS credit in Partner stores and many other establishments, such as grocery stores, convenience stores & electronic shops. It is also possible to get SIM cards at Tel Aviv-Ben Gurion Airport.

Bigtalk has no eSIMs.

Note that the Israeli mobile operators require your identification (passport) for (future) eSIMs and physical SIM cards.

Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Israel (without personal detail capturing), you can get the Israel (Annatel) eSIM from Airalo.

You have these five options:

• Israel/Annatel 1 GB eSIM for 7 days – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
• Israel/Annatel 3 GB eSIM for 30 days
• Israel/Annatel 5 GB eSIM for 30 days
• Israel/Annatel 10 GB eSIM for 30 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
• Israel/Annatel 20 GB eSIM for 30 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in March based on data up to the 13^th of March (2023 data only)

The Airalo links above will automatically get you the available Phone Travel Wiz exclusive offers – a code is unnecessary.

You can also get Israel eSIMs from SimCorner (6 GB/15 days), which can also be used in neighboring Middle East countries.

Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for extra savings, although the link above will do the same automatically.

Finally, you can get Israel eSIMs from Holafly:

• Israel 3 GB eSIM for 8 days
• Israel 5 GB eSIM for 15 days

Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!

Airalo recently introduced an eSIM for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA): Menalink. The Menalink eSIM follows the popular Eurolink eSIM for 39 European countries, the fairly new Asialink eSIM for 14 Asian countries & the super new Latamlink eSIM for 19 Latin American countries.

The Menalink eSIM comes in three variants: 1 GB/7 days – most popular with PTW readers, 2 GB/15 days & 3 GB/30 days – very popular with PTW readers, to be used in Israel and 14 other Middle Eastern and Northern African countries:

TIP: check out my Best Israel eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Israel, including ones not mentioned above.

Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Bigtalk by Partner

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Bigtalk by Partner

Bigtalk by Partner has five data-featured prepaid plans:

• Bigtalk Unlimited (combo)
• Bonus (combo)
• Bigtalk 5G (combo with 5G NR access)
• Data Packages for Devices of 2.5G or Higher (data at slow(er) speeds)
• Data Packages for Modems and Advanced Devices of 3G or Higher (data at fast(er) speeds)

Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.

Bigtalk Unlimited – Bigtalk by Partner

The Bigtalk Unlimited plans are combo bundles with credit, data, minutes & SMS.

The following Bigtalk Unlimited Plans are available:

Price	Credit	Data	Social Media Data 1	Local Minutes	Local SMS	Validity
29 ILS	N/A	1 GB	N/A	“Unlimited”, 3000 minutes	“Unlimited”, 3000 SMS	2 days
50 ILS	N/A	10 GB	N/A	“Unlimited”, 5000 minutes	“Unlimited”, 5000 SMS	7 days
59 ILS	N/A	70 GB	Unlimited	“Unlimited”, 3000 minutes	“Unlimited”, 3000 SMS	30 days
99 ILS	40 ILS	100 GB	Unlimited	“Unlimited”, 5000 minutes	“Unlimited”, 5000 SMS	30 days
140 ILS	N/A	150 GB	Unlimited	“Unlimited”, 5000 minutes	“Unlimited”, 5000 SMS	30 days
145 ILS	N/A	200 GB	Unlimited	“Unlimited”, 5000 minutes	“Unlimited”, 5000 SMS	30 days
159 ILS	110 ILS	200 GB	Unlimited	“Unlimited”, 5000 minutes	“Unlimited”, 5000 SMS	30 days

¹ Facebook, Instagram, Waze & WhatsApp

Bonus – Bigtalk by Partner

The Bonus plans are combo plans with credit, data, minutes & SMS.

The following Bonus plans are available:

Price	Credit	Data	Social Media Data 1	Local Minutes	Local SMS	Validity
70 ILS	N/A	5 GB	N/A	1000 minutes	1000 SMS	30 days
75 ILS	40 ILS	5 GB	N/A	500 minutes	500 SMS	30 days
79 ILS	30 ILS	80 GB	Unlimited	“Unlimited”, 3000 minutes	“Unlimited”, 3000 SMS	30 days
80 ILS	N/A	10 GB	N/A	1200 minutes	1200 SMS	30 days
85 ILS	50 ILS	10 GB	N/A	600 minutes	600 SMS	30 days
150 ILS	300 ILS 2/100 ILS 3	200 GB	Unlimited	“Unlimited”, 5000 minutes	“Unlimited”, 5000 SMS	30 days

¹ Facebook, Instagram, Waze & WhatsApp
² for local use
³ for local and international use

Bigtalk 5G – Bigtalk by Partner

Price	Credit	Data	Social Media Data 1	Local Minutes	Local SMS	Validity
79 ILS	40 ILS	200 GB	Unlimited	5000 minutes	5000 minutes	30 days
99 ILS	50 ILS	500 GB	Unlimited	5000 minutes	5000 minutes	30 days
149 ILS	N/A	1000 GB	N/A	N/A	N/A	30 days
150 ILS	300 ILS 2/100 ILS 3	1000 GB	Unlimited	5000 minutes	5000 minutes	30 days
159 ILS	110 ILS	1000 GB	Unlimited	5000 minutes	5000 minutes	30 days

¹ Facebook, Instagram, Waze & WhatsApp
² for local use
³ for local and international use

Data Packages for Devices of 2.5G or Higher – Bigtalk by Partner

The Data Packages for Devices of 2.5G or Higher are data-only plans at slow speeds.

Unless your phone does not support 3G, 4G/LTE, or 5G NR, you should avoid any of these plans.

Price	Data	Validity
26.95 ILS	25 MB	1 month
34.95 ILS	200 MB	1 month

Data Packages for Modems and Advanced Devices of 3G or Higher – Bigtalk by Partner

The Data Packages for Modems and Advanced Devices of 3G or Higher are data-only plans.

The following Data Packages for Modems and Advanced Devices of 3G or Higher are available:

Price	Data	Validity
26.95 ILS	100 MB	30 days
59 ILS	2 GB	30 days
79 ILS	4 GB	30 days
99 ILS	8 GB	30 days
149 ILS	“Unlimited”, 25 GB	30 days
149 ILS	200 GB 1	30 days
189 ILS	500 GB	30 days

¹ +unlimited social media data Facebook, Instagram, Waze & WhatsApp

APN/Internet Settings – Bigtalk by Partner

• Name: Partner
• APN: uinternet

Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.

Jump back to the Table of Contents.

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Pelephone (פלאפון)

Pelephone, also known as פלאפון, is the third-largest mobile operator. It is also the last mobile operator part of the Big Three.

Pelephone is the oldest mobile operator in the Israeli market. It is so old that Pelephone is synonymous with the word telephone in Israel.

It was also the first mobile operator to host a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) called Rami Levy, a supermarket chain in Israel.

Rami Levy used to be included in this guide. However, it got removed because it stopped offering prepaid services.

Pelephone mobile operator is the one with the best video streaming experiences and the fastest speeds.

Pelephone uses the following frequencies:

• 2G: N/A (used to be CDMA)
• 3G: 850 MHz & 2100 MHz
• 4G/LTE: 1800 MHz (Band 3)
• 5G NR: 700 MHz (n28) & 3500 MHz (n78)

This is what you will learn about Pelephone:

* Coverage
* How to Get a Pelephone SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings

Coverage – Pelephone

Pelephone has extensive coverage throughout Israel.

Coverage in the south, however, is primarily on 2G or 3G.

But this applies to all mobile operators in Israel.

Below is Pelephone's coverage map produced by Speedtest:

SIM Card Price – Pelephone

You can buy a Pelephone SIM card for 40 ILS in Pelephone stores or services centers and many other establishments, such as grocery stores, convenience stores & electronic shops.

Pelephone has no eSIMs.

Note that the Israeli mobile operators require your identification (passport) for (future) eSIMs and physical SIM cards.

Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Israel (without personal detail capturing), you can get the Israel (Annatel) eSIM from Airalo.

You have these five options:

• Israel/Annatel 1 GB eSIM for 7 days – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
• Israel/Annatel 3 GB eSIM for 30 days
• Israel/Annatel 5 GB eSIM for 30 days
• Israel/Annatel 10 GB eSIM for 30 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
• Israel/Annatel 20 GB eSIM for 30 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in March based on data up to the 13^th of March (2023 data only)

The Airalo links above will automatically get you the available Phone Travel Wiz exclusive offers – a code is unnecessary.

You can also get Israel eSIMs from SimCorner (6 GB/15 days), which can also be used in neighboring Middle East countries.

Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for extra savings, although the link above will do the same automatically.

Finally, you can get Israel eSIMs from Holafly:

• Israel 3 GB eSIM for 8 days
• Israel 5 GB eSIM for 15 days

Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!

Airalo recently introduced an eSIM for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA): Menalink. The Menalink eSIM follows the popular Eurolink eSIM for 39 European countries, the fairly new Asialink eSIM for 14 Asian countries & the super new Latamlink eSIM for 19 Latin American countries.

The Menalink eSIM comes in three variants: 1 GB/7 days – most popular with PTW readers, 2 GB/15 days & 3 GB/30 days – very popular with PTW readers, to be used in Israel and 14 other Middle Eastern and Northern African countries:

TIP: check out my Best Israel eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Israel, including ones not mentioned above.

Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Pelephone

Pelephone top-up vouchers are sold in Pelephone stores and many other stores, including grocery stores, kiosks & gas stations throughout Israel.

To top up your Pelephone SIM card, dial *151 and follow the instructions.

Dial *142 to check your Pelephone balance.

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Pelephone

Pelephone has one data-featured prepaid plan, which is a combo plan with credit, data, minutes & SMS.

The following options are available:

Price	Credit	Data	Social Media Data 2	Local Minutes	Local SMS	Validity
59 ILS	N/A	70 GB	Unlimited	“Unlimited”, 3000 minutes	“Unlimited”, 3000 SMS	30 days
70 ILS	N/A	50 GB	Unlimited	N/A	N/A	30 days
70 ILS	N/A	70 GB	Unlimited	“Unlimited”, 3000 minutes	“Unlimited”, 3000 SMS	90 days
76 ILS	30 ILS	60 GB	Unlimited	“Unlimited”, 3000 minutes	“Unlimited”, 3000 SMS	30 days
79 ILS	N/A	80 GB	Unlimited	“Unlimited”, 3000 minutes	“Unlimited”, 3000 SMS	30 days
99 ILS	N/A	500 GB 1	Unlimited	“Unlimited”, 3000 minutes	“Unlimited”, 3000 SMS	30 days
140 ILS	70 ILS	1000 GB 1	Unlimited	“Unlimited”, 3000 minutes	“Unlimited”, 3000 SMS	30 days
150 ILS	N/A	200 GB	Unlimited	N/A	N/A	30 days
658 ILS	N/A	70 GB	Unlimited	“Unlimited”, 3000 minutes	“Unlimited”, 3000 SMS	365 days

¹ 5G NR access
² Facebook, Google Maps, Instagram, Netflix, Snapchat, TripAdvisor, Waze, WhatsApp & YouTube

APN/Internet Settings – Pelephone

• Name: Pelephone
• APN: internet.pelephone.net.il
• Username: pcl@3g
• Password: pcl

Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.

Jump back to the Table of Contents.

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HOTALK by HOT Mobile (הוט מובייל)

HOT Mobile, also known as הוט מובייל, is the last Main Operator offering prepaid services in Israel.

Its prepaid brand is called HOTALK.

HOT Mobile has the best online game streaming experience, voice app (VoIP) experience & the best 4G/LTE availability.

HOT Mobile used to have, or perhaps still has, a domestic roaming agreement with Partner (2G & 3G) in locations where HOT Mobile's coverage was still spotty.

This agreement would stay in effect until HOT Mobile had built up its own (2G & 3G) network.

Right now, HOT Mobile's nationwide coverage is on par with the Big Three's, so I do not think this agreement is still effective.

HOT Mobile uses the following frequencies:

• 2G: N/A
• 3G: 2100 MHz
• 4G/LTE: 1800 MHz (Band 3)
• 5G NR: 700 MHz (n28), 2600 MHz (n7) & 3500 MHz (n78)

This is what you will learn about HOT Mobile:

* Coverage
* How to Get a HOT Mobile SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings

Coverage – HOTALK by HOT Mobile

HOT Mobile has the best 4G/LTE availability throughout Israel.

Coverage in the south, however, is primarily on 2G or 3G.

But this applies to all mobile operators in Israel.

Below is HOT Mobile's coverage map produced by Speedtest:

SIM Card Price – HOTALK by HOT Mobile

You can buy a HOTALK by HOT Mobile SIM card for 49 ILS in HOT Mobile stores and many other establishments, such as grocery stores, convenience stores & electronic shops.

HOTALK has no eSIMs.

Note that the Israeli mobile operators require your identification (passport) for (future) eSIMs and physical SIM cards.

Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Israel (without personal detail capturing), you can get the Israel (Annatel) eSIM from Airalo.

You have these five options:

• Israel/Annatel 1 GB eSIM for 7 days – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
• Israel/Annatel 3 GB eSIM for 30 days
• Israel/Annatel 5 GB eSIM for 30 days
• Israel/Annatel 10 GB eSIM for 30 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
• Israel/Annatel 20 GB eSIM for 30 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in March based on data up to the 13^th of March (2023 data only)

The Airalo links above will automatically get you the available Phone Travel Wiz exclusive offers – a code is unnecessary.

You can also get Israel eSIMs from SimCorner (6 GB/15 days), which can also be used in neighboring Middle East countries.

Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for extra savings, although the link above will do the same automatically.

Finally, you can get Israel eSIMs from Holafly:

• Israel 3 GB eSIM for 8 days
• Israel 5 GB eSIM for 15 days

Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!

Airalo recently introduced an eSIM for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA): Menalink. The Menalink eSIM follows the popular Eurolink eSIM for 39 European countries, the fairly new Asialink eSIM for 14 Asian countries & the super new Latamlink eSIM for 19 Latin American countries.

The Menalink eSIM comes in three variants: 1 GB/7 days – most popular with PTW readers, 2 GB/15 days & 3 GB/30 days – very popular with PTW readers, to be used in Israel and 14 other Middle Eastern and Northern African countries:

TIP: check out my Best Israel eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Israel, including ones not mentioned above.

Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – HOTALK by HOT Mobile

HOTALK by HOT Mobile top-up vouchers are sold in HOT Mobile stores and many other stores, including grocery stores, kiosks & gas stations throughout Israel.

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – HOTALK by HOT Mobile

HOTALK by Hot Mobile has one type of data-featured prepaid plan, which are combo plans with credit, data, minutes & SMS.

The following plans are available:

Price	Plan	Credit	Data	Local Minutes	Local SMS	Validity
59 ILS	Hotalk	30 ILS	100 GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	1 month
79 ILS	Hotalk 5G	40 ILS	1000 GB 1	Unlimited	Unlimited	1 month
99 ILS	Hotalk משולב	50 ILS	500 GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	1 month

¹ 5G NR access
² Includes NEXT TV+

APN/Internet Settings – HOTALK by HOT Mobile

• Name: HOT Mobile
• APN: net.hotm

Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.

Jump back to the Table of Contents.

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012talk by 012mobile

012mobile is a prepaid-focused sub-brand by Partner. It offers cheaper prepaid rates than Partner itself.

It could be considered a budget brand.

012mobile's prepaid brand is called 012talk.

This is what you will learn about 012mobile:

* Coverage
* How to Get a 012mobile SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings

Coverage – 012talk by 012mobile

012mobile is a Partner MVNO, meaning 012mobile uses the Partner network and does not have its own mobile infrastructure.

To find out what to expect in terms of coverage with 012mobile, jump to the Partner Coverage section.

012mobile customers have access to Partners's 5G NR network. However, that only applies to postpaid customers (for now).

SIM Card Price – 012talk by 012mobile

You can buy a 012talk by 012mobile SIM card for 38.60 ILS in Yellow supermarkets or BestMobile stores.

Dial *678# to access the 012mobile menu.

Dial *678 to change the system language (1 for Hebrew, 2 for Russian, 3 for Arabic & 4 for English).

012talk has no eSIMs.

Note that the Israeli mobile operators require your identification (passport) for (future) eSIMs and physical SIM cards.

Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Israel (without personal detail capturing), you can get the Israel (Annatel) eSIM from Airalo.

You have these five options:

• Israel/Annatel 1 GB eSIM for 7 days – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
• Israel/Annatel 3 GB eSIM for 30 days
• Israel/Annatel 5 GB eSIM for 30 days
• Israel/Annatel 10 GB eSIM for 30 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
• Israel/Annatel 20 GB eSIM for 30 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in March based on data up to the 13^th of March (2023 data only)

The Airalo links above will automatically get you the available Phone Travel Wiz exclusive offers – a code is unnecessary.

You can also get Israel eSIMs from SimCorner (6 GB/15 days), which can also be used in neighboring Middle East countries.

Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for extra savings, although the link above will do the same automatically.

Finally, you can get Israel eSIMs from Holafly:

• Israel 3 GB eSIM for 8 days
• Israel 5 GB eSIM for 15 days

Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!

Airalo recently introduced an eSIM for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA): Menalink. The Menalink eSIM follows the popular Eurolink eSIM for 39 European countries, the fairly new Asialink eSIM for 14 Asian countries & the super new Latamlink eSIM for 19 Latin American countries.

The Menalink eSIM comes in three variants: 1 GB/7 days – most popular with PTW readers, 2 GB/15 days & 3 GB/30 days – very popular with PTW readers, to be used in Israel and 14 other Middle Eastern and Northern African countries:

TIP: check out my Best Israel eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Israel, including ones not mentioned above.

Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – 012talk by 012mobile

012talk by 012mobile top-up vouchers are sold in various stores, including grocery stores, kiosks & gas stations throughout Israel.

To top up your 012talk by 012mobile SIM card, dial *678*VoucherCode#.

For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *678*123456#.

Dial *678# to check your 012talk by 012mobile Mobile balance.

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – 012talk by 012mobile

012talk by 012mobile has one data-featured prepaid plan, which is a combo plan with data, minutes & SMS.

The following plans are available:

Price	Data	Social Media Data 1	Local Minutes	Local SMS	Validity
7.90 ILS	3 GB	N/A	N/A	N/A	30 days
9.90 ILS	4 GB	N/A	N/A	N/A	30 days
19.90 ILS	12 GB	N/A	N/A	N/A	30 days
29.90 ILS	20 GB	N/A	N/A	N/A	30 days
45 ILS	10 GB	N/A	“Unlimited”, 3000 minutes	“Unlimited”, 3000 SMS	30 days
50 ILS	50 GB	Unlimited	“Unlimited”, 3000 minutes	“Unlimited”, 3000 SMS	30 days
65 ILS	150 GB	Unlimited	“Unlimited”, 3000 minutes	“Unlimited”, 3000 SMS	30 days
75 ILS	75 GB	Unlimited	“Unlimited”, 3000 minutes 2	“Unlimited”, 3000 SMS	30 days

¹ Facebook, Instagram, Waze & WhatsApp
² +50 ILS call credit for calls to Palestine

APN/Internet Settings – 012talk by 012mobile

• Name: 012mobile
• APN: uinternet

Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.

Jump back to the Table of Contents.

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019 Mobile

019 Mobile is a Partner MVNO.

It is also the only mobile operator to sell tourist SIM cards (at inflated prices) at Tel Aviv-Ben Gurion Airport.

This is what you will learn about 019 Mobile:

* Coverage
* How to Get a 019 Mobile SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings

Coverage – 019 Mobile

019 Mobile is a Partner MVNO, meaning 019 Mobile uses the Partner network and does not have its own mobile infrastructure.

To find out what to expect in terms of coverage with 019 Mobile, jump to the Partner Coverage section.

019 Mobile customers do not have access to Partner's 5G NR network.

SIM Card Price – 019 Mobile

You can buy a 019 Mobile SIM card for around 50 ILS in various stores, such as grocery stores, convenience stores, and electronic shops. It is also possible to get tourist SIM cards at Tel Aviv-Ben Gurion Airport (at heavily inflated prices).

The following tourist SIM cards are available, priced in USD instead of ILS:

Price 1	Data	Local Minutes	International Minutes 2, 3	Local SMS	Validity
29 USD	10 GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	10 days
49 USD	30 GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	30 days
59 USD	100 GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	30 days

¹ Online booking prices. On-location prices are higher
² to fixed and mobile numbers to Canada, India & United States
³ to fixed numbers to 40 countries:

Dial *725 to see your 019 Mobile phone number.

019 Mobile has no eSIMs.

Note that the Israeli mobile operators require your identification (passport) for (future) eSIMs and physical SIM cards.

Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Israel (without personal detail capturing), you can get the Israel (Annatel) eSIM from Airalo.

You have these five options:

• Israel/Annatel 1 GB eSIM for 7 days – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
• Israel/Annatel 3 GB eSIM for 30 days
• Israel/Annatel 5 GB eSIM for 30 days
• Israel/Annatel 10 GB eSIM for 30 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
• Israel/Annatel 20 GB eSIM for 30 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in March based on data up to the 13^th of March (2023 data only)

The Airalo links above will automatically get you the available Phone Travel Wiz exclusive offers – a code is unnecessary.

You can also get Israel eSIMs from SimCorner (6 GB/15 days), which can also be used in neighboring Middle East countries.

Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for extra savings, although the link above will do the same automatically.

Finally, you can get Israel eSIMs from Holafly:

• Israel 3 GB eSIM for 8 days
• Israel 5 GB eSIM for 15 days

Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!

Airalo recently introduced an eSIM for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA): Menalink. The Menalink eSIM follows the popular Eurolink eSIM for 39 European countries, the fairly new Asialink eSIM for 14 Asian countries & the super new Latamlink eSIM for 19 Latin American countries.

The Menalink eSIM comes in three variants: 1 GB/7 days – most popular with PTW readers, 2 GB/15 days & 3 GB/30 days – very popular with PTW readers, to be used in Israel and 14 other Middle Eastern and Northern African countries:

TIP: check out my Best Israel eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Israel, including ones not mentioned above.

Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – 019 Mobile

019 Mobile top-up vouchers are sold in various stores, including grocery stores, kiosks & gas stations throughout Israel.

To top up your 019 Mobile SIM card, dial *019 and follow the instructions

You can also recharge online with debit and credit cards.

Dial *019 to check your 019 Mobile balance.

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – 019 Mobile

019 Mobile has three data-featured prepaid plans:

• Packages (combo)
• Netflix Packages (as the name implies)
• Tourist Plans (combo for tourist SIM cards)

None of 019 Mobile plans have access to Partner's 5G NR network.

Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.

Packages – 019 Mobile

The Packages are combo plans with data, minutes & SMS.

The following Packages are available:

Price	Plan	Data	Local Minutes	Local SMS	Validity
10 ILS	חבילת עשר	100 MB	100 minutes	100 SMS	30 days
12 ILS	SIM Data	2 GB	N/A	N/A	30 days
19.80 ILS	לכל החיים	12 GB	5000 minutes	5000 SMS	30 days
21.90 ILS	בול בפוני!	30 GB	5000 minutes	5000 SMS	30 days

Netflix Packages – 019 Mobile

The Netflix Packages are, as the name suggests, data plans for Netflix.

The following Netflix Packages are available:

Price	Plan	Netflix Data	Validity
25 ILS	חבילת נטפרי S	10 GB	30 days
42 ILS	חבילת נטפרי M	40 GB	30 days
50 ILS	חבילת נטפרי XL	100 GB	30 days

Tourist Plans – 019 Mobile

The Tourist Plans are combo plans exclusively for the 019 Mobile Tourist SIM cards sold at Tel Aviv-Ben Gurion Airport.

Note that these plans are priced and charged in USD.

The following Tourist Plans are available:

Price	Data	Local Minutes	International Minutes 1, 2	Local SMS	Validity
20 USD	10 GB	N/A	N/A	N/A	30 days
29 USD	10 GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	10 days
30 USD	20 GB	N/A	N/A	N/A	30 days
49 USD	30 GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	30 days
59 USD	100 GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	30 days

¹ to fixed and mobile numbers to Canada, India & United States
² to fixed numbers to 40 countries:

APN/Internet Settings – 019 Mobile

• Name: 019 Mobile
• APN: netazi OR 019

Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.

Jump back to the Table of Contents.

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The Preferred Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in Israel

Getting a SIM card from Pelephone would do you well when considering an Israeli SIM card.