If you want to stay online all the time, you might want to get a SIM card in Israel. In this article, we will talk about how you will get your SIM card in Israel, and the options you have.
Where Can You Buy a SIM card in Israel?
You can find SIM cards being sold at grocery stores… like this one in Tel Aviv. Or in any store that sells mobile phone accessories. Yes, in this country, that’s how you buy a SIM card. Very loosely regulated. And no passport is needed.
If you are in Jerusalem, this shop is recommended by a local (but there are plenty of shops like this one around).
Your Options of SIM Cards Packages
As of 2019, the main competitors are Pelefone or 019.
Before 2016, Golan popular. In 2016, Hot Talk became popular. In 2018, Pelefone was popular. And in 2019, 019 is getting popular.
1.Pelefone
The price was 85 shekels ($24), and you get a 4G SIM card with 7 GB data! And calling any number in Israel is free! The validity of this package is for 1 month!
Tips: Try not to lose this number, because it is valid for 1 year.
You can sell this card to someone else or keep it for your next trip! The value of this card is ₪25, which means if you are ever coming back to Israel, just load ₪60 and you will have 20GB of 4G internet again! (or 50NIS for 10GB)
My receipt for reloading internet package in 2019
When you receive this text…. it means success 😀 Mazel Tov! (Congratulations in Hebrew)
2.019
Available for purchase in Ben Gurion airport for $29.
However, if you purchase in the city, you can get it for a much cheaper price. The price for the number is 20NIS, and the 20GB package is for 50NIS! Very cheap!
3.Hot Talk
For a slightly cheaper price, you can get 5GB data (3G SIM) with Hotmobile at ₪70, validity is for 14 days or ₪80 for 30 days. It includes 5000 minutes free call to Hot Mobile number and 3000 SMS. So you might want to go for Pelefone.
Who is Snapir?
On the TA forum many people have had good experiences with Snapir. If you want to buy a SIM card in advance (just don’t forget to bring it!), you can order online from his website. https://www.simtoisrael.com
The price is starting from $25 for 20GB data + unlimited international calls to USA/Canada. Yup! The price is reasonable, so if you are based in that part of the world, this is a good choice.
Is it Expensive to Buy a SIM card in the Airport?
You can order a SIM card at Ben Gurion Airport’s newly opened 019 mobile shop. Note that the store opens 24/6 as they close from Friday 4pm to Saturday 9pm for Shabbat. You can order from their website: https://019mobile.com
The price is starting from $29 for 10GB data + unlimited calls and texts in Israel + unlimited international calls to landline numbers of 40 countries (click here). So the price is very competitive as well. (Comparing to Pelefone’s $24 plan for 7GB but without free international calls)
If you want to buy from them, make sure you order online first! There’s a different price at the counter. (In that case, forget about getting a SIM card at the airport, just go to the city!)
Do I Need to Unlock My Phone?
Please remember to unlock your phone. Call T-Mobile, make sure you get this sorted out. Once you get to Israel, you’ll be so busy to get this sorted out. So yes, you do need to unlock your phone. Or the other option is to buy an international roaming package for $50 or something. In this way, you don’t need to change your SIM card. Ask your connection provider.
Conclusion
I’ve tried Pelefone, hot talk and even bringing my own SIM card from Europe. But I’d recommend 019 mobile’s SIM card at the airport if you arrive on a day that’s not Shabbat. If you are an experienced traveler, just wait till you get to the city! You’ll save roughly $10! 🙂
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