Affordable SIM Options for Tourists and Travelers
Visiting Israel soon and want to avoid international roaming charges? You’re not alone. Many tourists choose to get a local SIM card during their trip — and the good news is, Israel offers several cheap and flexible phone plan options, even if you’re staying just a week or two.
In this guide, we’ll cover the 5 cheapest Israeli cell phone plans for short-term visitors in 2025, breaking down what you get, how much you’ll pay, and where to get them.
Why Choose a Local Israeli Plan as a Visitor?
- Save on roaming fees from your home carrier
- Stay connected for maps, WhatsApp, and calls
- No contracts or hidden fees
- Affordable prepaid plans starting from ₪49 (~$13 USD)
- Easy airport pickup or in-city activation
1. Golan Telecom – Best Overall Budget Plan
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Data | 100 GB 4G/5G |
| Local Calls & Texts | Unlimited |
| International Minutes | Included (to select countries) |
| Price | ₪49 (~$13 USD) |
| Validity | 30 days |
Why It’s Great:
This is one of the cheapest full-featured plans available in Israel. Ideal for tourists staying 1–4 weeks.
2. HOT Mobile – Best Data-Heavy Budget Plan
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Data | 70 GB |
| Local Calls & Texts | Unlimited |
| International Minutes | 100 mins |
| Price | ₪55 (~$15 USD) |
| Validity | 30 days |
Why It’s Great:
More data for just a few shekels more. Great if you’re planning to use a hotspot or stream video on the go.
3. Pelephone Talk&Go – Best Coverage for Rural Travel
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Data | 50 GB |
| Local Calls & Texts | Unlimited |
| International Minutes | 100 mins |
| Price | ₪59 (~$16 USD) |
| Validity | 30 days |
Why It’s Great:
Pelephone has strong signal even in the desert, mountains, and northern regions. Ideal for travelers exploring beyond major cities.
4. Partner – Best Tourist Support and eSIM Option
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Data | 70 GB |
| Local Calls & Texts | Unlimited |
| International Minutes | 100 mins |
| Price | ₪69 (~$18 USD) |
| Validity | 30 days |
Why It’s Great:
Strong support for English speakers and easy-to-use eSIM options. Available right at Ben Gurion Airport.
5. 019 Mobile – Cheapest Weekly Plan
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Data | 10 GB |
| Local Calls & Texts | Unlimited |
| Price | ₪29 (~$8 USD) |
| Validity | 7 days |
Why It’s Great:
Only staying for a week? This is a super cheap way to stay connected without overpaying.
Quick Comparison Table
| Carrier | Price (₪) | Data | Intl. Calls | Validity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golan Telecom | ₪49 | 100 GB | Included | 30 days | Budget & value |
| HOT Mobile | ₪55 | 70 GB | 100 mins | 30 days | Data-heavy usage |
| Pelephone | ₪59 | 50 GB | 100 mins | 30 days | Travel to rural areas |
| Partner | ₪69 | 70 GB | 100 mins | 30 days | English support & eSIM |
| 019 Mobile | ₪29 | 10 GB | Local only | 7 days | Short-term visits (1 week) |
Where Can You Buy These Plans?
- Ben Gurion Airport kiosks: Instant setup after landing
- Carrier stores: Found in all major cities and tourist areas
- Online pre-order: Have it delivered to your hotel or pickup at airport
- Convenience stores/malls: Especially for HOT Mobile, 019, and Golan
What You Need to Buy a SIM in Israel
- Passport (required by Israeli law for SIM registration)
- Unlocked phone
- Credit card or cash for payment
Tips for Short-Term Travelers
- WhatsApp will still work with your original number even if you use an Israeli SIM
- Most plans include enough data for Google Maps, social media, and video calls
- Top-ups are easy via websites or in-store if you run out of data early
- Check if your phone supports eSIM to avoid swapping physical SIMs
Conclusion: Which Cheap Plan Should You Choose?
| If you want… | Choose… |
|---|---|
| The cheapest full 30-day plan | Golan Telecom |
| The cheapest short-term weekly option | 019 Mobile |
| The best rural coverage | Pelephone |
| Best eSIM and airport pickup | Partner |
| Heavy data at a budget price | HOT Mobile |
