Student & Yeshiva Phone Plans in Israel

Israel is home to thousands of students from around the world — university students at Hebrew University, Technion, or Tel Aviv University; yeshiva bochurim in Jerusalem, Bnei Brak, and beyond; seminary girls on gap-year programs; and international students on short-term study programs. No matter what brings you to Israel, having a reliable and affordable phone plan is essential for staying connected with family, navigating with Waze, and coordinating with classmates.

Best Budget Plans for Students

As a student, your top priorities are likely low cost and enough data for messaging, maps, and occasional video calls home. Here are the best options:

Golan Telecom — Best Overall for Students

Golan Telecom is the go-to carrier for budget-conscious students. Their entry-level plan includes unlimited calls and SMS with 50GB+ of data for around ₪30/month. No long-term contract is required, so you can cancel when your program ends. Their website and app work in English, which is a major advantage for international students.

Rami Levy — Cheapest Postpaid Plans

Rami Levy consistently offers some of the lowest-priced plans in Israel. Plans start around ₪20/month with unlimited calls and 50GB data. You can sign up at any Rami Levy supermarket — they are found in most Israeli cities. Rami Levy also offers kosher plan options for yeshiva students.

Home Cellular — Aggressive Pricing

Home Cellular (formerly Alon Cellular) is an MVNO that frequently offers promotional pricing for new subscribers. Their plans are straightforward with no hidden fees, making them a solid choice for students who want simplicity.

019 Mobile — Best for International Students

If you regularly call family abroad, 019 Mobile includes generous international calling minutes in many of their plans. This can save you money compared to using a separate international calling app or service.

Kosher Phone Plans for Yeshiva & Seminary Students

Many yeshivos and seminaries require students to use kosher phones — devices that provide calls and SMS but block internet access, social media, and apps. Several Israeli carriers offer dedicated kosher plans:

What is a Kosher Phone Plan?

A kosher phone plan is specifically designed for users who want or need a phone without internet access. These plans:

• Block all mobile data and web browsing
• Provide unlimited or generous call minutes and SMS
• Work with approved kosher handsets (basic phones with no browser or app store)
• Are significantly cheaper than regular plans since there is no data component
• Carry a "kosher certification" from the Rabbinical Committee for Communications

Carriers Offering Kosher Plans

• Rami Levy Kosher — Offers one of the cheapest kosher plans, starting around ₪15-20/month with unlimited calls. Available at Rami Levy stores nationwide.
• Golan Telecom Kosher — Provides a kosher option on the Cellcom network with strong coverage. Simple signup process.
• Pelephone Kosher — As a major network operator, Pelephone offers reliable kosher plans with excellent coverage even in rural areas.
• Cellcom Kosher — Israel's largest carrier has dedicated kosher plans and a wide network of stores for in-person support.

Gap Year & Short-Term Program Students

If you are in Israel for a gap year (typically 10 months), a semester abroad, or a summer program, your needs are different from a long-term student:

Short Programs (1-3 Months)

For summer programs, Birthright extensions, or short courses, a tourist SIM card or eSIM may be the best option. These do not require an Israeli ID and offer flexibility:

• SIMtoIsrael — Plans from 7 days to 1 year with unlimited calls and 150GB data. Includes international calling to the US and Canada.
• eSIM Card — Data-only eSIM plans starting at ₪16. Use WhatsApp for calls. No physical SIM needed.
• Cellcom Prepaid Tourist — 120GB data with unlimited calls for ₪99/month. Available at Ben Gurion Airport.

Full Year Programs (9-12 Months)

For a full gap year or academic year, signing up for a regular Israeli plan is more economical. You will need a temporary Israeli ID (which most year-long programs help you obtain). Benefits of a regular plan:

• Monthly cost of ₪20-40 vs. ₪90-130 for tourist plans
• Much more data (100GB+ or unlimited vs. 10-20GB on tourist eSIMs)
• An Israeli phone number for local communication
• Ability to port your number if you switch carriers

What Documents Do Students Need?

The documents required depend on your status in Israel:

Student Discounts on Phone Plans

While Israeli carriers do not typically have official "student discount" categories like in some other countries, there are several ways to save:

• Program group deals: Many university programs, yeshivos, and seminaries negotiate bulk rates with carriers. Always check with your institution first.
• Haggle at the store: Israeli retail culture encourages negotiation. Ask for a better price, mention competitor offers, or ask about unadvertised promotions.
• MVNOs over MNOs: Virtual carriers like Golan Telecom, Rami Levy, and 019 Mobile are consistently 30-50% cheaper than the big three (Cellcom, Partner, Pelephone) for similar service.
• Prepaid flexibility: If you do not use much data, a prepaid plan lets you control spending with no surprise bills.
• Family plans: If you are studying with siblings or a spouse, family plan bundles from Rami Levy or Golan Telecom offer per-line savings.

Tips for Students Choosing a Phone Plan

• Check WiFi availability: Most dorms, yeshivos, and campuses have WiFi. If you spend most of your time on campus, you may not need a lot of mobile data.
• Consider eSIM: If your phone supports eSIM, you can keep your home country SIM in one slot and use an Israeli eSIM in the other. This lets you receive messages and calls on your home number while using Israeli data.
• Avoid airport purchases: Airport SIM cards are convenient but overpriced. If possible, wait until you reach your campus or a carrier store in the city.
• Month-to-month is best: Do not lock into a 12-24 month contract unless you are certain you will be in Israel that long. Most budget carriers offer month-to-month plans.
• International calling: Use WhatsApp, Zoom, or Google Meet for calls home instead of paying for international minutes. Data is cheap; international call minutes are not.
• Keep your home number alive: Before leaving your home country, consider porting your number to Google Voice or a similar service so you do not lose it.

Frequently Asked Questions