Phone Plans for New Immigrants (Olim) to Israel

Moving to Israel is an exciting new chapter, and one of the first things you will need is a reliable phone plan. Whether you are making Aliyah through Nefesh B'Nefesh, the Jewish Agency, or independently, this guide walks you through everything you need to get connected in Israel quickly and affordably.

What Documents Do You Need to Get a Phone Plan?

Israeli carriers require identification to set up a postpaid (monthly contract) plan. As a new immigrant, here is what you will need:

• Teudat Zehut (Israeli ID) — This is the standard requirement. You receive this from the Misrad HaPnim (Ministry of Interior) after your Aliyah is processed. Most carriers require this for postpaid plans.
• Teudat Oleh — Your immigration certificate. Some carriers accept this temporarily while you wait for your Teudat Zehut, especially if you also show your passport.
• Passport — Useful as a secondary ID. Some prepaid carriers and eSIM providers accept a passport alone.
• Israeli bank account details — Required for postpaid plans with automatic monthly billing. You can set up a bank account at Bank Hapoalim, Leumi, Discount, or Mizrahi Tefahot.
• Credit card — An Israeli or international credit card. Some carriers accept foreign credit cards for the first few months.

Best Carriers for New Immigrants

Not all Israeli carriers are equal when it comes to serving olim. Here are the top picks based on English support, ease of signup, and value:

1. Golan Telecom — Best Budget Option

Golan Telecom disrupted the Israeli market with low-cost unlimited plans. Their plans start from around ₪30/month and include unlimited calls, SMS, and generous data. Golan's website and customer service are available in English, which is a huge plus for new olim. They operate on the Cellcom network, providing excellent nationwide coverage.

2. Rami Levy — Best Value for Families

If you are moving with family, Rami Levy offers some of the cheapest family plans in Israel. You can sign up at any Rami Levy supermarket, and their staff are often accustomed to helping new immigrants. Plans start around ₪20/month with unlimited calls and data from 50GB.

3. Partner (Orange) — Best Network for English Speakers

Partner is one of Israel's three major network operators and has strong English-language support. Their customer service line has English-speaking representatives, and their app is fully translated. Partner offers both postpaid and prepaid plans across a wide price range.

4. Hot Mobile — Best 5G Coverage

If you want the latest 5G speeds, Hot Mobile has been aggressively expanding their 5G network. Their unlimited plans are competitive, and they offer good deals for new subscribers.

5. 019 Mobile — Best for International Calls

Still calling family abroad regularly? 019 Mobile specializes in international calling packages. Their plans include generous international minutes to the US, UK, France, Russia, and other common destinations for olim.

Special Discounts and Deals for Olim Chadashim

Several organizations negotiate special phone plan deals for new immigrants:

• Nefesh B'Nefesh — Partners with select carriers to offer discounted first-year plans for olim who make Aliyah through their program. Check their website or ask your Aliyah advisor for current deals.
• The Jewish Agency — Occasionally arranges group discounts with Israeli carriers at absorption centers (mercaz klita).
• Sal Klita benefits — While there is no direct phone plan subsidy in the Sal Klita (absorption basket), the monthly stipend can be used to cover your phone bill. Factor this into your budget.
• Carrier promotions — Many carriers run periodic promotions targeting new subscribers. Ask about "oleh chadash" discounts when you sign up — some store representatives have authority to offer better pricing.
• Bundle deals — If you also need home internet or TV, carriers like Partner, Cellcom, and Hot offer bundled packages that can save you 15-25% compared to buying services separately.

Prepaid vs. Postpaid: Which is Better for Olim?

This is one of the most common questions from new immigrants. Here is a quick comparison:

Our recommendation: Start with a prepaid plan when you first arrive. This gives you immediate connectivity without bureaucratic delays. Once you have your Teudat Zehut and bank account set up (usually 2-4 weeks), switch to a postpaid plan for better value and more data.

Number Porting: Keeping Your Israeli Number When Switching

Once you have an Israeli number, you can freely port it between carriers. This means if you start with one carrier and find a better deal later, you can switch without changing your number. The process takes 1-3 business days and is free by law. Read our full number porting guide for step-by-step instructions.

Getting Connected on Day One: Step-by-Step

Here is our recommended timeline for getting set up with a phone plan as a new oleh:

• Before your flight: Purchase an Israeli eSIM or tourist SIM online so you have data the moment you land. Plans from Saily, Breeze eSIM, or eSIM Card start at just ₪15.
• At Ben Gurion Airport: You can also buy a SIM card at the airport, though prices are higher.
• Week 1: Focus on getting your Teudat Zehut from Misrad HaPnim and opening a bank account.
• Week 2-3: Once you have your ID and bank account, visit a carrier store to sign up for a regular postpaid plan. Bring your Teudat Zehut, passport, and bank details.
• Month 2+: After settling in, compare plans on our comparison tool to make sure you are on the best deal. Plans and prices change frequently in Israel.

Tips for Olim on Israeli Phone Plans

• Avoid long-term contracts at first. You may want to switch carriers after learning more about coverage in your specific area. Start with a month-to-month plan.
• Check coverage in your area. Israel is small, but coverage can vary between carriers, especially in the Negev, Galilee, or smaller towns. Ask neighbors which carrier works best locally.
• Consider dual SIM or eSIM. If you want to keep a foreign number active (e.g., for WhatsApp contacts or receiving OTPs from foreign banks), use a phone with dual SIM or eSIM support.
• Ask for the "oleh chadash" price. It is common in Israel to negotiate. Mention that you are a new immigrant and ask if there are any special offers.
• Watch for hidden fees. Some plans advertise low prices but charge extra for caller ID, voicemail, or SMS to other networks. Always ask for the total monthly cost.
• Use WiFi calling. Most Israeli carriers support WiFi calling, which is helpful if you live in an area with weak signal but good internet.

Frequently Asked Questions