Best Tourist Sim Cards in Israel in 2024
Choosing a sim card is hard. We've analysed the best tourist sim cards in Israel across pricing, coverage and data. Find out the best pick!
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When traveling to Israel, having access to the internet is essential for navigating new cities and making the most of your trip. Whether you want to discover the best restaurants, find directions to your accommodation, book a taxi, or share photos with your family, being connected on the go is a game-changer.
While roaming is an option, international fees can quickly accumulate. That’s why we recommend either getting an eSIM or a local SIM card to enjoy local phone rates without breaking the bank. Luckily, acquiring either option in Israel is a breeze, but understanding which one suits you best is crucial.
In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with all the information you need to know about purchasing a SIM card in Israel. We will cover everything from current pricing to the ultimate SIM card that meets your needs perfectly.
The best Israel sim card is from Pelephone which offers the best 5G network across Israel. The Pelephone prepaid sim cards are competitively priced at 59 NIS for 100GB of data making it undoubtedly the best option for travellers.
eSims are the most convenient way to access the internet when travelling, however, they are not competitively priced in Israel when compared to local sim cards. If you are after the easiest option, then consider an Airalo eSim for Israel. The Airalo eSim will work great, but until the packages improve, I can’t recommend it over the Pelephone sim card above.
A Tourist Sim Card in Israel costs 59 NIS in October 2024, however, the exact price will often depend on the store you visit and the plan you choose.
Alternatively, an eSim in Israel will cost between $5.50 USD and $22 USD. This, again, depends on how much data you require and which eSim provider you choose.
I generally recommend this Airalo plan for most tourists visiting Israel which includes 5GB of data which is valid for 30 days and costs $13.50 USD.
In Israel, the main SIM card providers are Pelephone, Partner, and Golan Telecom. Pelephone, established in 1986, is one of the oldest and most established cellular providers in Israel. They offer a variety of plans, including prepaid and postpaid options, with nationwide coverage and high-speed internet.
Partner, another prominent provider, is known for its extensive network coverage and competitive prices. They provide a range of plans and services, catering to different customer needs.
Golan Telecom, a relatively newer player in the market, has quickly gained popularity for its affordable plans and unlimited usage options. They provide flexible plans and attractive data packages, attracting a younger demographic.
All three providers offer good network coverage, reliable service, and convenient options for customers in Israel.
Pelephone is a leading telecommunications company in Israel that offers tourist SIM cards for visitors. These SIM cards provide affordable calling, texting, data, and internet services. With coverage throughout Israel, tourists can stay connected and easily navigate the country. Pelephone’s tourist SIM cards also come with multilingual customer support and are compatible with most phones. Their reliable service and competitive prices make them a popular choice for travelers exploring Israel.
The price of a Pelephone tourist sim card in Israel is 59 NIS.
The plan offered by Pelephone stores includes 100GB + unlimited social media valid for 30 days.
Partner Telecommunications is a leading provider of tourist sim cards in Israel. Their sim cards offer seamless connectivity and unlimited data usage, making them ideal for travelers looking to stay connected throughout their journey. With nationwide coverage and reliable service, customers can easily navigate through attractions, access maps, and share their experiences. Partner’s tourist sim cards are a convenient and affordable option for travelers who want to explore Israel without worrying about internet connectivity.
The price of a Partner tourist sim card in Israel is 100 NIS.
The plan offered by Partner stores offers 35GB data + unlimited calls and texts valid for 30 days.
Golan Telecom is a leading provider of tourist sim cards in Israel. Their sim cards offer unlimited calling, texting, and data, allowing tourists to stay connected throughout their trip. With excellent coverage and competitive prices, Golan Telecom ensures a hassle-free experience for visitors. Whether exploring ancient ruins or floating in the Dead Sea, having a Golan sim card ensures seamless communication, making it an essential companion for tourists in Israel.
The price of a Golan tourist sim card in Israel is 34.90 NIS.
The plan offered by Golan stores includes 300GB data + unlimited calls & SMS + 240 minutes international calls valid for 1 month.
Identify mobile providers: Pelephone, Partner and Golan are your best options in Israel.
Find your nearest store: Locate a store or retailer by searching on Google Maps for your nearest store or asking at your hotel reception. I’ve never had issues finding a store as they can usually be found in major cities, shopping centers, or tourist areas. If possible, I always recommend to to avoid airports and head in to an official store in the city.
Bring the necessary documents: It is always a good idea to carry your passport or identification documents for sim card registration purposes. We’ve found most providers will need to confirm your identity to provide a sim card and it can be a major hassle to head to a store only to have to come back again later with your passport.
Choose your plan: Either request the plan you are after or consult with the staff in the store to select the right plan for you. My recommendations at the beginning of this guide are a good starting point, but the staff will usually be able to suggest the best option.
Pay and activate your card: Pay for the SIM card and plan, and the staff will activate it for you.
Test: It’s always a good idea to check that you can access the internet before you leave the store. I always search for something on Google then refresh my Instagram feed to check it’s working fine.
Buying a prepaid sim card for Israel at the airport is usually considered the most convenient option for travellers arriving by plane.
However, airport stores selling sim cards are almost guaranteed to charge inflated prices, so if you are a cost-conscious traveller then you should definitely buy your sim card from a store in the city center.
In addition to this, we would argue that buying physical sim cards at all aren’t particularly convenient now that most people use esim compatible phones. If you are looking for the most convenient option, then buying an esim before you arrive or with the airport wifi is much easier and will save you having to queue up or communicate with staff.
If you must purchase a sim card at the airport in Israel then you will be in luck. All major international airports in Israel have stores selling sim cards. Despite the prices being higher than normal, the staff are knowledgable and will be able to get you set up with the correct sim card relatively quickly.
If you want to avoid the inflated sim card prices you’ll find at the airport and your phone isn’t esim compatible, then you’re going to need to head in to a store to buy your sim card.
I recommend visiting one of the official retail stores of the mobile internet operators such as Pelephone, Partner and Golan. Your best option is to enter their names into Google Maps and find the branch closest to your hotel or accommodation. Typically the staff in the official stores in Israel are knowledgable and helpful which means you can ensure you’ll walk away with a functioning sim card.
Despite this, it’s always a good idea to check your internet is working before you leave the store by loading a Google search results page and your preferred social media app. You should also ensure you always bring your passport with you when purchasing a sim card in case they need to register it.
If you like to be prepared and would prefer to arrive in Israel with your sim card all sorted and your phone ready to connect to the internet immediately then you should look into purchasing a sim card online.
The first option is to buy your sim card in advance via SimOptions, which is a company that will prepare and ship a sim card directly to your door. It’s a reliable and effective service, but with the invention of eSims it’s becoming obsolete.
The better option is to purchase an eSim online. We’ve written more on that below!
An eSim is a digital version of a traditional sim card and is most likely the future of connectivity for mobile devices. The convenience of no longer visiting a store, handing over your passport and purchasing a physical sim card is quickly making physical sim cards obsolete in favour of eSims.
We recommend Airalo’s eSim when travelling to Israel. The Airalo Israel eSim offers fast internet speeds, wide coverage and extremely competitive prices making it a far more compelling option than purchasing a physical sim card from any of the local sim card providers.
In order to get set up with an Airalo eSim, all you need to do is visit Airalo here and purchase the eSim online (the $13.50 USD plan is suitable for most travellers). Once you’ve purchased the sim card Airalo will email you instructions and a QR code. Following these instructions should take just a couple of minutes, then you’ll have a sim card in Israel without having to venture outside.
Our preferred eSim provider in Israel is Airalo. We used them, alongside a local sim card on another device, for our most recent trip to Israel and found the service to be equal to the local sim card but without the hassle of acquiring a sim card in a store.
Airalo’s Israel eSim uses the Annatel network to provide data and connect users to the internet. You can expect very good coverage and reliability with the Annatel networknetwork as they are amongst the best mobile internet operators in Israel.
Here are the plans and prices for Airalo’s Israel eSim:
1GB data valid for 7 days – Price: $5.50 USD
3GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $11 USD
5GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $13.50 USD
10GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $18 USD
20GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $22 USD
For most travellers we recommend the 5GB data plan for $13.50 USD which is valid for 30 days. Some travellers may prefer a larger plan, whilst travellers visiting for just a couple of days may be fine with a smaller plan.
An alternative eSim provider we can recommend is Holafly.
Holafly’s eSim is a suitable option for travellers who require large amounts of data, such as digital nomads and people who work online while they travel. All of Holafly’s Israel eSims offer unlimited data.
Holafly’s Israel eSim uses the Partner Communications Company Ltd./Hot Mobile Ltd./Pelephone Communication Ltd.network to provide data and connect users to the internet. This network will provide reliable speeds and coverage while in Israel
Here are the plans and prices for Holafly’s Israel eSim:
3GB data valid for 7 days – Price: $34 USD
6GB data valid for 15 days – Price: $44 USD
An eSIM, also known as an embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card that is permanently embedded within a device, like a smartphone or tablet. Unlike regular SIM cards, it doesn’t need to be physically inserted or removed.
Instead, the eSIM is already integrated into the device’s internal hardware and can be remotely activated and programmed by a mobile network operator. This allows users to effortlessly switch between different mobile networks or plans without having to physically swap SIM cards.
The significant advantage of eSIM technology lies in its convenience, flexibility, and user-friendliness, particularly for frequent travelers or individuals who frequently switch between mobile networks or travel internationally. This eliminates the need to buy and insert physical SIM cards, making it much simpler to manage multiple mobile connections on a single device.
To activate an eSIM, users simply scan a QR code provided by their mobile network operator or manually input the activation details. Once activated, the device can connect to the chosen mobile network and enjoy the full range of voice, data, and messaging services, just like with a regular SIM card.
Using an eSIM instead of a physical SIM card provides several benefits. First, it offers convenience by eliminating the need to insert or remove SIM cards when switching networks or plans. This is especially helpful for frequent travelers who switch between networks or use local SIM cards in different countries. Second, eSIM allows for dual SIM functionality, meaning you can have two active mobile numbers on one device. This is useful for separating personal and work numbers or managing multiple phone lines. Third, eSIMs are embedded within the device, saving space by eliminating the need for a physical SIM card slot. This allows manufacturers to make devices smaller or utilize the extra space for other components. Fourth, eSIMs can be activated and managed remotely over the air, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card or store visit. This offers greater flexibility and convenience for managing your mobile connectivity. Lastly, using an eSIM-compatible device ensures you can take advantage of new services and offerings as mobile networks and providers continue to support eSIM technology. Overall, eSIM provides flexibility, convenience, and future-proofing for mobile connectivity.
eSIM technology is becoming increasingly popular and is supported by a growing number of smartphones and other devices. Here are some examples of eSIM-compatible phones:
Apple iPhone series (iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, etc.): Apple was one of the early adopters of eSIM technology and offers support for eSIM on various iPhone models.
Google Pixel series (Pixel 3, Pixel 4, Pixel 5, etc.): Google’s Pixel smartphones also support eSIM functionality, allowing users to activate and use eSIMs.
Samsung Galaxy series (Galaxy S22, Galaxy Note 20, etc.): Many of Samsung’s flagship devices now come with eSIM support, enabling users to utilize eSIM technology.
OnePlus devices (OnePlus 7, OnePlus 8, etc.): OnePlus has included eSIM support in some of its smartphone models, offering users the flexibility of using eSIMs.
Motorola Razr (2020): The latest iteration of the iconic Motorola Razr features eSIM compatibility, enabling users to use eSIMs for cellular connectivity.
These are just a few examples, and the list of eSIM-compatible phones continues to expand as more manufacturers embrace this technology. There’s a very strong chance your phone supports eSims so if you’re unsure we recommend looking it up on our list of eSim supported phones.
Using an eSim is new for many travellers, however, the good news is it’s surprisingly easy to get set up – even for the technologically challenged!
Here’s a general guide on how to use an eSIM:
Check eSIM Compatibility: Ensure that your device supports eSIM functionality. Many newer smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, and other devices are eSIM compatible including all iPhones produced since 2018.
Obtain an eSIM: There are multiple ways to acquire an eSIM. You can purchase an eSIM online from a provider like Airalo (which we recommend) or directly from a mobile network operator. Some devices also allow you to scan a QR code provided by your carrier to download the eSIM profile.
Activate the eSIM: Your eSim provider will send you instructions to activate the sim. This will usually involve scanning a QR code, entering an activation code, or downloading the eSIM profile directly onto your device.
Set up the eSIM: Once activated, your device will guide you through the eSIM setup process. This typically involves selecting the eSIM as your preferred mobile plan, configuring settings like data roaming, and entering any necessary authentication details.
Enjoy the Connection: Once the eSIM is set up, you can use it as you would with a physical SIM card. Make calls, send messages, browse the internet, and use data services as needed. You can also switch between eSIM profiles if you have multiple eSIMs installed on your device.
Hi, I’m Mitchell. I’m a full-time traveller, explorer and travel blogger. I've travelled all around the world, using and testing countless travel sim cards along the way. I'm the founder of and writer for Travel Sim Expert where I write guides to help travellers stay connected all around the world.
Hi, I’m Mitchell. I’m a full-time traveller, explorer and travel blogger. Travel Sim Expert is a blog dedicated to helping you find the best sim card for you, no matter where you are or what your budget is.
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