Best Options for Tourists, Expats, and Students
If you’re visiting Israel or living here temporarily, there’s a good chance you’ll need to make international calls — to family, friends, or even for work or studies. While most people use WhatsApp or Zoom, sometimes you just need to call a landline or someone who isn’t online.
Luckily, several Israeli phone plans include free or discounted international calling, and in this post, we’ll break down the best options for 2025.
Do Israeli Plans Really Offer Free International Calling?
Yes — many Israeli mobile carriers include a set number of international minutes in their prepaid or monthly packages. These minutes usually apply to a list of countries (like the U.S., Canada, UK, France, and others).
You won’t pay extra — they’re included in the base price of the plan.
Top Israeli Phone Plans With Free International Calls (2025)
1. Golan Telecom – Best All-Around Option
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| International Calls | Included (to 55+ countries) |
| Local Calls & Texts | Unlimited |
| Data | 100 GB |
| Price | ₪49 (~$13 USD) |
| Validity | 30 days |
Highlights:
- Great for calling the U.S., Canada, Europe, and more
- Affordable and available to tourists without Israeli ID
2. HOT Mobile – Best for Heavy Data & International Combo
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| International Minutes | 100 mins (select countries) |
| Local Calls & Texts | Unlimited |
| Data | 70 GB |
| Price | ₪55 (~$15 USD) |
| Validity | 30 days |
Highlights:
- Balanced plan with high-speed data and international calling
- Easy top-up and broad availability
3. Partner – Best for Tourists with eSIM Option
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| International Minutes | 100 mins |
| Local Calls & Texts | Unlimited |
| Data | 70 GB |
| Price | ₪69 (~$18 USD) |
| Validity | 30 days |
Highlights:
- Strong network
- English-speaking support
- Available at Ben Gurion Airport and online
- Supports eSIM
4. Pelephone Talk&Go – Best for Rural Coverage + Intl. Calls
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| International Minutes | 100 mins |
| Local Calls & Texts | Unlimited |
| Data | 50 GB |
| Price | ₪59 (~$16 USD) |
| Validity | 30 days |
Highlights:
- Great for travel across the country
- Reliable international call connection quality
Which Countries Are Usually Included?
Most Israeli carriers include international minutes to:
- United States
- Canada
- United Kingdom
- France
- Germany
- Russia
- Ukraine
- South Africa
- Australia
- Various European and South American countries
Check the exact list on the provider’s website before purchasing.
Alternatives: Apps vs. Carrier Calling
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Carrier Intl. Minutes | High-quality calls to landlines | Limited to listed countries |
| WhatsApp/Zoom/FaceTime | Free over WiFi/data | Requires both parties online |
| Google Voice / Skype | Flexible options, works globally | Requires account setup |
If you’re calling someone who doesn’t use WhatsApp or isn’t tech-savvy, included international minutes can be a lifesaver.
Quick Comparison Table
| Provider | Intl. Minutes | Countries Included | Price (₪) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golan Telecom | Unlimited (to 55+) | U.S., Europe, etc. | ₪49 | Cheapest overall |
| HOT Mobile | 100 mins | U.S., EU, others | ₪55 | Data + intl. mix |
| Partner | 100 mins | U.S., EU, others | ₪69 | Tourist-friendly + eSIM |
| Pelephone | 100 mins | U.S., EU, others | ₪59 | Coverage across Israel |
Conclusion: Best Plans for International Calling
| If you want… | Choose… |
|---|---|
| The cheapest plan with intl. calls | Golan Telecom |
| The most reliable connection | Partner |
| Best balance of data + intl. minutes | HOT Mobile |
| Best coverage across rural Israel | Pelephone |
All four carriers offer strong value for travelers and expats needing to stay in touch overseas.
