Israel – the only Jewish country in the world. It is known for its many religious sites, museums & beaches.
While there is plenty to be said about the political situation in the country, it is irrelevant (for this guide) ;)
Despite the fact that some nations in the Middle East are crazy cheap (for travel – that is), Israel is, surprisingly, not so cheap.
Sure, it is much cheaper than many Western or Northern European nations.
Still, many neighboring countries have lower living costs, especially for travelers.
So, any way to save some money in Israel is always appreciated.
One way to keep costs contained is by using a local SIM card – an Israeli one.
International roaming can be expensive. And in most cases, it is not worth it.
With a local SIM card, however, you can enjoy local rates.
So, how expensive are SIM cards in Israel?
You can buy an Israeli SIM card for between 38.60 ILS (19.95 USD) to 90 ILS (23.20 USD) in the stores of the mobile operator (Cellcom/Golan Telecom, Partner, Pelephone & HOT Mobile), or other stores, such as grocery stores.
Yeah, those SIM cards are not cheap at all.
However, Israel has the lowest mobile data rates worldwide.
The average cost of 1 GB of data is just 0.05 USD!
That is mostly because the mobile operators are GENEROUS with their data allowances.
So, expensive SIM cards but dirty-cheap mobile data rates. Worth the trade-off? You decide.
In this guide, I will go over everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in Israel. Let’s go.
Original publication: 23rd of December 2019. Last updated: 2nd of March 2024.
Table of Contents
What is the Best SIM Card in Israel?
If you want to buy the best SIM card in Israel, I recommend going with Pelephone or HOT Mobile. Pelephone has generous data allowances, 5G NR for prepaid customers, extensive nationwide coverage & the fastest speeds. HOT Mobile has the best 4G/LTE availability.
So, which other SIM cards are available in Israel?
Israel has four/five mobile operators and two Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) offering prepaid options easily accessible to travelers:
- Cellcom Israel/Golan Telecom
- Partner
- Pelephone
- HOT Mobile
- 012mobile (MVNO)
- 019 Mobile (MVNO)
This guide sticks to the mobile operators only and the most popular MVNOs (bolded above) to prevent information overload (at least, that is the aim – this guide is still in-depth!).
If you want to buy a SIM card from one of the unbolded MVNOs, you must do the research independently. I do not actively use MVNOs anymore because I test travel eSIMs instead, like the ones for Israel.
Anyone living in or visiting Israel can buy an Israeli SIM card with no restrictions.
But you do have to comply with the SIM card registration regulations, which include showing your passport at the point of sale.
- Find out which countries have SIM card registration regulations and what is required from you (lookup tool)
Where Can You Buy an Israeli SIM Card (+Costs)?
You can get an Israeli SIM card in Cellcom/Golan Telecom, Partner, Pelephone & HOT Mobile stores or other retailers, including grocery stores, electronic stores & convenience stores (for the mobile operators or MVNOs). Tel Aviv-Ben Gurion Airport sells SIM cards too.
You can expect to pay for the following Israeli SIM cards:
- Cellcom Israel/Golan Telecom: 9.80 ILS (4.90 ILS for the SIM card + 4.90 ILS activation fee)
- Partner: 60 ILS & 90 ILS
- Pelephone: 29.9 ILS
- HOT Mobile: 49 ILS
If you plan to buy a SIM card at an airport, the prices can be higher than those listed above – be aware of this.
Use the Wise Currency Converter tool (free) for up-to-date ILS (Israeli Shekel) to your currency (let's say INR – Indian Rupee) exchange rates.
For your convenience, below are some exchange rates between ILS and USD (US Dollars):
- 1 ILS = 0.25 USD
- 10 ILS = 2.60 USD
- 100 ILS = 25.80 USD
- 1000 ILS = 227.80 USD
But for any other currency, the Wise Currency Converter tool.
(Travel) eSIMs for Israel
(Travel) eSIMs have become extremely popular in recent years.
Especially after Apple made iPhones (14- & 15 series) sold in the United States eSIM-only, forcing its users to use eSIMs – even when abroad.
This forced mobile operators to adopt eSIM technology faster than they had planned (for the benefit of anyone wishing to use eSIMs instead of swapping SIM cards).
At the moment, no Israeli mobile operator offers eSIMs to prepaid customers.
But if the Israeli mobile operators did have eSIMs and you wanted to purchase an eSIM, you would need to comply with Israel's SIM card registration regulations.
Suppose you do not wish to do so for whatever reason. In that case, you may consider getting a travel eSIM for Israel.
My Israel eSIM buying guide analyzes various eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide (even in Israel).
You can even get eSIMs covering Israel and other countries in the Middle East, allowing you to use one eSIM in multiple destinations with just one purchase.
Or you can even get a global eSIM, which can be used in at least 100 countries worldwide.
While the Israel eSIM buying guide goes much more in-depth about your options, I do want to introduce some quickly here:
- Airalo: Annatel (Israel only), Menalink (15 countries in the Middle East and Northern Africa) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + up to 200 worldwide minutes & 200 worldwide SMS)
- Alosim: Israel
- Holafly: Israel (unlimited data)
- Nomad: Israel, Middle East (seven countries) & Global (109 or 139 countries, depending on the variant)
Here are some discount codes to sweeten the deal:
- Airalo: APR15 for 15% off (if you have never bought an Airalo eSIM before). Otherwise, APR10 for 10% off (for existing users) – only the first 3000 users can redeem either discount code)
- Alosim: PTW for 5% off (as many times as you wish for as many eSIMs as you want)
- Holafly: PHONETRAVELWIZ for 5% off (as many times as you wish for as many eSIMs as you want)
- Nomad: ADU123 for 3 USD off (on your first-ever Nomad order only)
For information about these eSIMs, such as how much the eSIMs cost and how much data you get, check out the Israel eSIM buying guide.
Israeli Prepaid SIM Cards Explored
Below, I will guide you through Cellcom Israel/Golan Telecom, Partner, Pelephone & HOT Mobile and go through:
- Background information
- Mobile coverage
- SIM card types, prices & availability
- Recharge/top-up information
- Combo plans, data plans & special packs (such as social media packs)
Let's see what Israel offers us.
Cellcom Israel & Golan Telecom (סלקום & גולן טלקום)
Cellcom Israel, also known as סלקום and not to be confused with Cellcom in Canada, Guinea, or the United States, or Celcom, with one L, in Malaysia, is the largest mobile operator in Israel.
In 2020, Cellcom purchased Golan Telecom (גולן טלקום), one of its competitors.
It is expected that both brands will operate separately, with Golan Telecom becoming a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO).
However, they could also be merged, with the Golan Telecom brand vanishing from the market.
Nevertheless, it looks like Cellcom dropped its prepaid line, Talkman, after purchasing Golan Telecom.
Golan Telecom still offers prepaid services with its prepaid brand called GOLANtalk.
As a result, you have to get a GOLANtalk SIM card by Golan Telecom if you wish to be on the Cellcom network.
Cellcom and Golan Telecom have the best voice app (VoIP) experience.
Golan Telecom also has the best online games experience and has one of the best upload speeds.
Cellcom and Golan Telecom use the following frequencies:
- 2G: 1800 MHz
- 3G: 850 MHz & 2100 MHz
- 4G: 1800 MHz (Band 3)
- 5G NR: 700 MHz (n28), 2600 MHz (n7) & 3500 MHz (n78) – all for Cellcom only
This is what you will learn about Golan Telecom:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Golan Telecom SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Cellcom Israel & GOLANtalk by Golan Telecom
Cellcom and Golan Telecom have extensive coverage throughout Israel.
Coverage in the south, however, is primarily on 2G or 3G.
But this applies to all mobile operators in Israel.
Below is Cellcom and Golan Telecom's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – Cellcom Israel & GOLANtalk by Golan Telecom
You can buy a GOLANtalk by Golan Telecom SIM card for 19 ILS in Golan Telecom stores and many other establishments, such as grocery stores, convenience stores & electronic shops. A 30 ILS activation fee applies too, meaning the total cost of a SIM card is 49 ILS.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
Cellcom & GOLAN has no eSIMs.
You should consider getting a travel eSIM for Israel because they can sometimes be cheaper than getting a SIM card from Cellcom & GOLAN.
Especially if you get a Middle East-wide eSIM or a global eSIM.
I discuss various eSIM options of eSIM providers for Israel in my Israel eSIM buying guide, which are:
- Airalo: Annatel (Israel only), Menalink (15 countries in the Middle East and Northern Africa) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + minutes and SMS) – use code APR15 (15% off – first-time users only) or APR10 (10% off)
- Alosim: Israel – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
- Holafly: Israel (unlimited data eSIMs) – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
- Nomad: Israel, Middle East (seven countries) & Global (up to 139 countries) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)
As I said, check out my Israel eSIM buying guide for more information, as I have to continue with Cellcom & GOLAN for now.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Cellcom Israel & GOLANtalk by Golan Telecom
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Cellcom Israel & GOLANtalk by Golan Telecom
GOLANtalk by Golan Telecom/Cellcom has two data-featured prepaid plans: Packages (combo) & Add-On.
I will list all the prices in ILS (Israeli Shekel).
To convert ILS to your currency (let's say USD) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Packages – Cellcom Israel & GOLANtalk by Golan Telecom
The Packages are combo plans with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
These Packages are available:
| Price | Data | Local Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 39 ILS | 10 GB | N/A | N/A | 30 days |
| 49 ILS | 50 GB | 3000 minutes | 1000 SMS | 30 days |
| 59 ILS | 100 GB | 3000 minutes | 1000 SMS | 30 days |
| 79 ILS | 200 GB | 3000 minutes | 1000 SMS | 30 days |
| 99 ILS | 500 GB | 3000 minutes | 1000 SMS | 30 days |
| 139 ILS | 1000 GB | 3000 minutes | 1000 SMS | 30 days |
Add-Ons – Cellcom Israel & GOLANtalk by Golan Telecom
The Add-Ons are data add-ons. They cannot be purchased as standalone plans.
These Add-Ons are available:
| Price | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 3.90 ILS | 1 GB | Until plan expires |
| 5.90 ILS | 2 GB | 1 month, auto-renews |
| 6.90 ILS | 2 GB | Until plan expires |
| 9.90 ILS | 5 GB | 1 month, auto-renews |
| 10.90 ILS | 5 GB | Until plan expires |
APN/Internet Settings – Cellcom Israel & GOLANtalk by Golan Telecom
- Name: Golan Telecom
- APN: internet.golantelecom.net.il
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Bigtalk by Partner (פרטנר)
Partner, also known as פרטנר, is the second-largest mobile operator in Israel.
It used to be known as Orange until 2016.
Its prepaid brand is called Bigtalk.
Partner uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
- 3G: 900 MHz & 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 1800 MHz (Band 3) & 2100 MHz (Band 1)
- 5G NR: 3500 MHz (n78)
This is what you will learn about Partner:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Partner SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Bigtalk by Partner
Partner has the best 4G/LTE coverage throughout Israel.
Coverage in the south, however, is primarily on 2G or 3G.
But this applies to all mobile operators in Israel.
Below is Partner's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – Bigtalk by Partner
You can buy a Bigtalk by Partner SIM Card for 60 ILS with 53 ILS credit or 90 ILS with 83 ILS credit in Partner stores and many other establishments, such as grocery stores, convenience stores & electronic shops. It is also possible to get SIM cards at Tel Aviv-Ben Gurion Airport.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
Bigtalk has no eSIMs.
You can consider getting a travel eSIM for Israel, which can, in specific scenarios, be cheaper than getting a SIM card from Bigtalk.
Especially if you get a Middle East eSIM (for when you visit at least two or more supported Middle Eastern countries) or a global eSIM (for frequent travelers visiting multiple continents).
In my Israel eSIM buying guide, I analyze various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.
But I will introduce them here quickly:
- Airalo: Annatel (Israel only), Menalink (15 countries in the Middle East and Northern Africa) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + up to 200 worldwide minutes & 200 worldwide SMS) – use code APR15 (15% off – first-time users only) or APR10 (10% off)
- Alosim: Israel – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
- Holafly: Israel (unlimited data) – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
- Nomad: Israel, Middle East (seven countries) & Global (109 or 139 countries, depending on the variant) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)
Once again, check out my Israel eSIM buying guide to learn more about these eSIM options.
For now, I will continue with Bigtalk.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Bigtalk by Partner
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Bigtalk by Partner
Bigtalk by Partner has five data-featured prepaid plans:
- Bigtalk Unlimited (combo)
- Bonus (combo)
- Bigtalk 5G (combo with 5G NR access)
- Data Packages for Devices of 2.5G or Higher (data at slow(er) speeds)
- Data Packages for Modems and Advanced Devices of 3G or Higher (data at fast(er) speeds)
I will list all the prices in ILS (Israeli Shekel).
To convert ILS to your currency (let's say USD) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
Bigtalk Unlimited – Bigtalk by Partner
The Bigtalk Unlimited plans are combo bundles with credit, data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
The following Bigtalk Unlimited Plans are available:
| Price | Credit | Data | Social Media Data 1 | Local Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 ILS | N/A | 10 GB | N/A | “Unlimited”, 5000 minutes | “Unlimited”, 5000 SMS | 7 days |
| 59 ILS | N/A | 70 GB | Unlimited | “Unlimited”, 3000 minutes | “Unlimited”, 3000 SMS | 30 days |
| 99 ILS | 40 ILS | 100 GB | Unlimited | “Unlimited”, 5000 minutes | “Unlimited”, 5000 SMS | 30 days |
| 140 ILS | N/A | 150 GB | Unlimited | “Unlimited”, 5000 minutes | “Unlimited”, 5000 SMS | 30 days |
| 145 ILS | N/A | 200 GB | Unlimited | “Unlimited”, 5000 minutes | “Unlimited”, 5000 SMS | 30 days |
| 159 ILS | 110 ILS | 200 GB | Unlimited | “Unlimited”, 5000 minutes | “Unlimited”, 5000 SMS | 30 days |
1 Facebook, Instagram, Waze & WhatsApp
Bonus – Bigtalk by Partner
The Bonus plans are combo plans with credit, data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
The following Bonus plans are available:
| Price | Credit | Data | Social Media Data 1 | Local Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70 ILS | N/A | 5 GB | N/A | 1000 minutes | 1000 SMS | 30 days |
| 75 ILS | 40 ILS | 5 GB | N/A | 500 minutes | 500 SMS | 30 days |
| 79 ILS | 30 ILS | 80 GB | Unlimited | “Unlimited”, 3000 minutes | “Unlimited”, 3000 SMS | 30 days |
| 80 ILS | N/A | 10 GB | N/A | 1200 minutes | 1200 SMS | 30 days |
| 85 ILS | 50 ILS | 10 GB | N/A | 600 minutes | 600 SMS | 30 days |
| 150 ILS | 300 ILS 2/100 ILS 3 | 200 GB | Unlimited | “Unlimited”, 5000 minutes | “Unlimited”, 5000 SMS | 30 days |
1 Facebook, Instagram, Waze & WhatsApp
2 for local use
3 for local and international use
Bigtalk 5G – Bigtalk by Partner
The Bigtalk 5G plans are combo plans with credit, data (with 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
The following Bigtalk 5G plans are available:
| Price | Credit | Data | Social Media 1 | Local Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 79 ILS | 40 ILS | 200 GB | Unlimited | 5000 minutes | 5000 SMS | 30 days |
| 69 ILS | 30 ILS | 150 GB | N/A | 5000 minutes | 5000 SMS | 30 days |
| 99 ILS | 50 ILS | 500 GB | Unlimited | 5000 minutes | 5000 SMS | 30 days |
| 149 ILS | N/A | 1000 GB | Unlimited | N/A | N/A | 30 days |
| 150 ILS | 300 ILS 2/100 ILS 3 | 1000 GB | Unlimited | 5000 minutes | 5000 SMS | 30 days |
| 159 ILS | 110 ILS | 1000 GB | Unlimited | 5000 minutes | 5000 SMS | 30 days |
1 Facebook, Instagram, Waze & WhatsApp
2 for local use
3 for local and international use
Data Packages for Devices of 2.5G or Higher – Bigtalk by Partner
The Data Packages for Devices of 2.5G or Higher are data plans (without 5G NR access) at slow speeds.
Unless your phone does not support 3G, 4G/LTE, or 5G NR, you should avoid any of these plans.
| Price | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 26.95 ILS | 25 MB | 1 month |
| 34.95 ILS | 200 MB | 1 month |
Data Packages for Modems and Advanced Devices of 3G or Higher – Bigtalk by Partner
The Data Packages for Modems and Advanced Devices of 3G or Higher are data-only plans.
The following Data Packages for Modems and Advanced Devices of 3G or Higher are available:
| Price | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 26.95 ILS | 100 MB | 30 days |
| 59 ILS | 2 GB | 30 days |
| 79 ILS | 4 GB | 30 days |
| 99 ILS | 8 GB | 30 days |
| 149 ILS | “Unlimited”, 25 GB | 30 days |
| 189 ILS | 500 GB | 30 days |
1 +unlimited social media data Facebook, Instagram, Waze & WhatsApp
APN/Internet Settings – Bigtalk by Partner
- Name: Partner
- APN: uinternet
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Pelephone (פלאפון)
Pelephone, also known as פלאפון, is the third-largest mobile operator. It is also the last mobile operator part of the Big Three.
Pelephone is the oldest mobile operator in the Israeli market. It is so old that Pelephone is synonymous with the word telephone in Israel.
It was also the first mobile operator to host a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) called Rami Levy, a supermarket chain in Israel.
Rami Levy used to be included in this guide. However, it got removed because it stopped offering prepaid services.
Pelephone mobile operator is the one with the best video streaming experiences and the fastest speeds.
Pelephone uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: N/A (used to be CDMA)
- 3G: 850 MHz & 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 1800 MHz (Band 3)
- 5G NR: 700 MHz (n28) & 3500 MHz (n78)
This is what you will learn about Pelephone:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Pelephone SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Pelephone
Pelephone has extensive coverage throughout Israel.
Coverage in the south, however, is primarily on 2G or 3G.
But this applies to all mobile operators in Israel.
Below is Pelephone's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – Pelephone
You can buy a Pelephone SIM card for 29.90 ILS in Pelephone stores or services centers and many other establishments, such as grocery stores, convenience stores & electronic shops.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
Pelephone has no eSIMs.
You may want to get a travel eSIM for Israel, which can be cheaper than getting a SIM card from Pelephone (in some cases).
Especially when getting an eSIM covering popular Middle Eastern destinations if you do not stay in just Israel or a global eSIM valid for up to a year if you want one eSIM to work practically worldwide.
My Israel eSIM buying guide analyzes various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.
Here is a quick introduction to them:
- Airalo: Annatel (Israel only), Menalink (15 countries in the Middle East and Northern Africa) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + call and text feature) – use code APR15 (15% off – first-time users only) or APR10 (10% off)
- Alosim: Israel – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
- Holafly: Israel (these eSIMs have unlimited data) – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
- Nomad: Israel, Middle East (seven countries) & Global (up to 139 countries) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)
For more information, such as the prices and data allowances, check out my Israel eSIM buying guide.
But let's continue with Pelephone for now.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Pelephone
Pelephone top-up vouchers are sold in Pelephone stores and many other stores, including grocery stores, kiosks & gas stations throughout Israel.
To top up your Pelephone SIM card, dial *151 and follow the instructions.
Dial *142 to check your Pelephone balance.
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Pelephone
Pelephone has one data-featured prepaid plan, which is a combo plan with credit, data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
I will list all the prices in ILS (Israeli Shekel).
To convert ILS to your currency (let's say USD) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
The following options are available:
| Price | Credit | Data | Social Media Data 2 | Local Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70 ILS | N/A | 50 GB | Unlimited | N/A | N/A | 30 days |
| 76 ILS | 30 ILS | 200 GB | Unlimited | “Unlimited”, 3000 minutes | “Unlimited”, 1500 SMS | 30 days |
| 79 ILS | N/A | 250 GB | Unlimited | “Unlimited”, 3000 minutes | “Unlimited”, 1500 SMS | 30 days |
| 99 ILS | N/A | 500 GB 1 | Unlimited | “Unlimited”, 3000 minutes | “Unlimited”, 1500 SMS | 30 days |
| 140 ILS | 70 ILS | 1000 GB 1 | Unlimited | “Unlimited”, 3000 minutes | “Unlimited”, 1500 SMS | 30 days |
1 5G NR access
2 Facebook, Google Maps, Instagram, Netflix, Snapchat, TripAdvisor, Waze, WhatsApp & YouTube
APN/Internet Settings – Pelephone
- Name: Pelephone
- APN: internet.pelephone.net.il
- Username: pcl@3g
- Password: pcl
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
HOTALK by HOT Mobile (הוט מובייל)
HOT Mobile, also known as הוט מובייל, is the last mobile operator offering prepaid services in Israel.
Its prepaid brand is called HOTALK.
HOT Mobile has the best online game streaming experience, voice app (VoIP) experience & the best 4G/LTE availability.
HOT Mobile used to have, or perhaps still has, a domestic roaming agreement with Partner (2G & 3G) in locations where HOT Mobile's coverage was still spotty.
This agreement would stay in effect until HOT Mobile had built up its own (2G & 3G) network.
Right now, HOT Mobile's nationwide coverage is on par with the Big Three's, so I do not think this agreement is still effective.
HOT Mobile uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: N/A
- 3G: 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 1800 MHz (Band 3)
- 5G NR: 700 MHz (n28), 2600 MHz (n7) & 3500 MHz (n78)
This is what you will learn about HOT Mobile:
* Coverage
* How to Get a HOT Mobile SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – HOTALK by HOT Mobile
HOT Mobile has the best 4G/LTE availability throughout Israel.
Coverage in the south, however, is primarily on 2G or 3G.
But this applies to all mobile operators in Israel.
Below is HOT Mobile's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – HOTALK by HOT Mobile
You can buy a HOTALK by HOT Mobile SIM card for 49 ILS in HOT Mobile stores and many other establishments, such as grocery stores, convenience stores & electronic shops.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
HOTALK has no eSIMs.
You should consider getting a travel eSIM for Israel because they can sometimes be cheaper than getting a SIM card from HOTALK.
Especially if you get a Middle East-wide eSIM or a global eSIM.
I discuss various eSIM options of eSIM providers for Israel in my Israel eSIM buying guide, which are:
- Airalo: Annatel (Israel only), Menalink (15 countries in the Middle East and Northern Africa) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + minutes and SMS) – use code APR15 (15% off – first-time users only) or APR10 (10% off)
- Alosim: Israel – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
- Holafly: Israel (unlimited data eSIMs) – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
- Nomad: Israel, Middle East (seven countries) & Global (up to 139 countries) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)
As I said, check out my Israel eSIM buying guide for more information, as I have to continue with HOTALK for now.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – HOTALK by HOT Mobile
HOTALK by HOT Mobile top-up vouchers are sold in HOT Mobile stores and many other stores, including grocery stores, kiosks & gas stations throughout Israel.
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – HOTALK by HOT Mobile
HOTALK by Hot Mobile has one type of data-featured prepaid plan, which are combo plans with credit, data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
I will list all the prices in ILS (Israeli Shekel).
To convert ILS to your currency (let's say USD) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
The following plans are available:
| Price | Plan | Credit | Data | Local Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 59 ILS | Hotalk | 30 ILS | 100 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1 month |
| 79 ILS | Hotalk 5G | 40 ILS | 1000 GB 1 | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1 month |
| 99 ILS | Hotalk משולב | 50 ILS | 500 GB 1 | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1 month |
1 5G NR access
2 Includes NEXT TV+
APN/Internet Settings – HOTALK by HOT Mobile
- Name: HOT Mobile
- APN: net.hotm
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
The Preferred Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in Israel
Getting a SIM card from Pelephone would do you well when considering an Israeli SIM card.
Going to other places around the world? Then you should also check out my sim card buying guides for other destinations around the world.