Phone Plans for Foreign Workers in Israel 2026

Over 100,000 foreign workers live and work in Israel, coming from countries like India, Thailand, the Philippines, China, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and many others. Finding the right phone plan is one of your most important first steps — you need affordable data for daily life and international minutes or data to call family back home. This guide is written specifically for you.

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What Documents Do You Need?

Getting a phone plan in Israel as a foreign worker is straightforward. Here is what you need depending on the plan type:

• Passport — Your valid passport is the primary ID document. This is enough for most prepaid SIM cards.
• B1 Work Visa — Your work visa (אשרת עבודה) may be needed for postpaid plans. Keep a copy on your phone.
• Employer Authorization Letter — Some carriers accept a letter from your employer confirming your employment. This can help if you want a postpaid plan without Israeli bank details.
• Israeli Bank Account — Required for automatic postpaid billing. If you do not have one yet, start with a prepaid plan.
• Credit or Debit Card — An Israeli or international card for payment. Prepaid plans can often be paid in cash at stores.

Best Budget Plans with International Calling

As a foreign worker, you likely need two things: affordable data for WhatsApp and daily use, plus international minutes to call family. Here are the best plans that offer both:

All plans above include thousands of local minutes and SMS. Prices shown are monthly. International minutes can be used to call landlines and mobiles in most countries.

Calling Home: International Calling Options

Staying in touch with family is important. Here are the main ways to call home from Israel:

1. International Minute Packages (Included in Plans)

Many Israeli plans include international minutes at no extra cost. Plans from 019 Mobile, Golan Telecom, and Partner include 100 to 500 international minutes per month. These work just like regular calls — dial the international number and the minutes are deducted from your allowance.

2. WhatsApp, Viber, and Video Calls Over Data

The most popular and often cheapest way to call home. Apps like WhatsApp, Viber, IMO, WeChat, and LINE use your data allowance for voice and video calls. With plans offering 100GB+ for under ₪30, this is very cost-effective. One hour of WhatsApp voice calling uses only about 0.5GB of data. Video calls use about 1.5GB per hour.

3. WiFi Calling

If your employer provides WiFi at your accommodation (many do), you can make calls over WiFi without using any mobile data. Make sure to connect to WiFi whenever possible to save your data allowance for when you are outside.

4. International Calling Cards

Available at convenience stores and supermarkets. These cards give you a local access number and PIN to make international calls. Rates are usually 5-15 agorot per minute depending on the destination country. These are a good backup option.

Prepaid vs. Postpaid: Which is Better for Workers?

Understanding the difference can help you choose the right plan:

Our recommendation: Start with a prepaid SIM card when you first arrive in Israel. This gives you immediate connectivity with just your passport. Once you are settled, have your bank account, and know your data needs, switch to a postpaid plan for better value and international minutes.

Money-Saving Tips for Foreign Workers

• Buy from supermarkets, not the airport. SIM cards at Ben Gurion Airport are 30–50% more expensive. Wait until you reach a Rami Levy, AM:PM, or any carrier store in the city.
• Use your employer's WiFi. If your workplace or accommodation has WiFi, connect to it whenever possible. Save your mobile data for when you are outside.
• Share a group plan with coworkers. Cellcom and other carriers offer family/group plans where each line is cheaper. If you share accommodation with other workers, consider getting a group plan together.
• Call home over WhatsApp, not regular calls. Even if your plan includes international minutes, WhatsApp video calls are free and let you see your family. Save your international minutes for calling landlines or family members without smartphones.
• Compare plans regularly. Israeli carriers update their plans and prices frequently. Use our comparison tool every few months to make sure you are still on the best deal.
• Avoid unnecessary add-ons. Some stores may try to sell you extras like insurance or premium services. If you just need calls and data, stick to the base plan.
• Top up prepaid online. If you use a prepaid plan, many carriers let you top up through their app or website, which is faster than going to a store.

Getting Connected: Step by Step

Follow these steps to get your Israeli phone plan set up quickly:

• Before You Fly: Consider buying an eSIM online before your flight. You will have data the moment you land in Israel. Plans start at around ₪15 for a few days of data.
• First Day in Israel: If you did not get an eSIM, buy a prepaid SIM at any supermarket, post office, or convenience store. Bring your passport. Cost: ₪30–50 for a starter pack with some data included.
• First Week: Use your prepaid SIM for WhatsApp, maps (Moovit or Google Maps are essential for buses), and calling your employer. Test the network coverage at your workplace and accommodation.
• After Settling In: Once you know your needs, visit a carrier store to compare postpaid plans. Bring your passport, work visa, and bank details if you have them. Ask about plans with international calling.
• Choose Your Long-Term Plan: Use our comparison tool to find the best plan for your budget. Focus on three things: enough data (50GB minimum for WhatsApp video), international minutes, and monthly price.

Where to Buy a SIM Card

You can purchase SIM cards and phone plans at these locations throughout Israel:

• Carrier Stores — Golan Telecom, Partner, Hot Mobile, Cellcom, and 019 Mobile have stores in every major city. Staff can help you choose a plan and set up your phone.
• Rami Levy Supermarkets — The telecom counter inside Rami Levy stores offers some of the cheapest plans in Israel. There are locations throughout the country.
• Post Offices (Doar Israel) — Israel Post offices sell prepaid SIM cards. Convenient if there is one near your workplace.
• Convenience Stores — AM:PM, Yellow, and other convenience stores sell prepaid SIM starters and top-up cards.
• Online — Most carriers let you order a SIM card online and have it delivered, or activate an eSIM instantly on supported phones.

Frequently Asked Questions