Your Complete Guide to Staying Connected in Israel
Planning a trip to Israel in 2025? One of the first things you’ll want to sort out is how you’ll stay connected — for maps, WhatsApp, social media, or booking that next tour. Good news: Israel has some of the fastest, most affordable cell phone plans in the world, and getting a local SIM card is quick and easy.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best Israeli SIM cards for tourists in 2025, how to get one, and which plan is right for you.
Why Buy an Israeli SIM Card?
- Save on Roaming Fees: International roaming from your home provider can be extremely expensive.
- Local Rates: Israeli SIM cards offer better call, text, and data rates within Israel.
- Reliable Coverage: Israel has strong nationwide coverage, even in remote areas.
- Stay Connected on WhatsApp: Keeping your number connected to WhatsApp is simple with a local SIM.
Top Israeli SIM Card Providers for Tourists
1. Golan Telecom
Why Choose Golan Telecom:
- Competitive prices, even for short-term visitors.
- Easy online sign-up process (some options in English).
- Often includes generous data packages, local minutes, and even free international calls.
Popular Tourist Plan Example (2025):
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Data | 100 GB 4G/5G |
| Local Calls & Texts | Unlimited |
| International Calls | Included to select countries |
| Price | ₪49-₪69 (~$13-$18 USD) |
| Validity | 30 days |
2. Pelephone (Talk & Go)
Why Choose Pelephone:
- Wide coverage, especially in rural areas.
- English-speaking customer service available.
- SIM cards easily available at airports, kiosks, and malls.
Tourist Plan Example:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Data | 50 GB |
| Local Calls & Texts | Unlimited |
| International Minutes | 100 mins |
| Price | ₪59 (~$16 USD) |
| Validity | 30 days |
3. HOT Mobile
Why Choose HOT Mobile:
- Affordable prepaid plans.
- Good network coverage nationwide.
- Can be purchased easily in HOT Mobile stores or online.
Popular Plan Example:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Data | 70 GB |
| Local Calls & Texts | Unlimited |
| International Minutes | 100 mins |
| Price | ₪55 (~$15 USD) |
| Validity | 30 days |
4. Partner (Orange Israel)
Why Choose Partner:
- Strong network performance and high-speed internet.
- Convenient stores in most Israeli cities and at Ben Gurion Airport.
- Offers eSIM support.
Tourist Plan Example:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Data | 70 GB |
| Local Calls & Texts | Unlimited |
| International Minutes | 100 mins |
| Price | ₪69 (~$18 USD) |
| Validity | 30 days |
Where Can You Buy an Israeli SIM Card?
- Ben Gurion Airport:
Most carriers have kiosks at the airport arrivals hall. Super convenient after landing. - Mobile Carrier Stores:
Pelephone, Partner, HOT Mobile, and Golan all have branches in major cities like Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, and Eilat. - Online Pre-Order:
Some companies allow you to pre-order a SIM to be delivered to your hotel or pickup point. - Convenience Stores & Malls:
Look for SIM cards at chain stores like AM:PM or electronics shops in malls.
What Documents Do You Need?
In Israel, you typically need:
- Passport: Required for SIM card registration (Israeli law).
- Credit Card or Cash: Most plans are prepaid, so you’ll pay upfront.
What About eSIM in Israel (2025)?
Many Israeli carriers now offer eSIM options — great if you don’t want to physically swap SIM cards.
Golan Telecom, Partner, and Pelephone all support eSIM activation.
Just ensure your phone is unlocked and eSIM-compatible before traveling.
Can You Keep Your WhatsApp Number?
Yes!
When you insert your Israeli SIM card, WhatsApp will ask if you want to keep your old number. Simply choose to keep it, and your WhatsApp stays connected to your home number while using the local data plan.
Conclusion: Which SIM Card is Best for You?
| Best For | Recommended Provider |
|---|---|
| Budget Travelers | Golan Telecom |
| Rural Coverage | Pelephone |
| Short-Term, Easy Setup | Partner (Airport Kiosks) |
| eSIM Users | Partner or Pelephone |
| Heavy Data Users | Golan or HOT Mobile |
Bonus Tip: Don’t Forget to Unlock Your Phone!
Before leaving your home country, make sure your phone is unlocked.
Locked phones won’t accept Israeli SIM cards!
Looking for more info or help choosing a plan?
Check out our comparison tool and latest Israeli cell phone deals!
