Prepaid Israel SIM Cards for Tourists: A-Z Guide

Israel SIM cards offer a convenient solution for tourists looking to stay connected throughout their journey.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about Israel SIM cards, from the best tourist options to where to purchase them and how much they cost. You’ll also discover alternatives like eSIMs and practical tips for activating your SIM card, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your trip to Israel.

I. What are the Best Israel SIM Cards for Tourists?

There are 04 mobile carriers in Israel:

• Cellcom 
• Hot Mobile
• Partner
• Pelephone

Here are the best SIM card options for tourists in Israel:

1. Cellcom Israel SIM Cards

Plan Name	Data Allowance	Validity	Calling & Texting	Price (ILS)	Price (USD)
7 Days Unlimited Calls & SMS	3 GB	7 Days	Unlimited Calls & SMS in Israel	91.57	$25.00
30 Days Unlimited Calls & SMS – 120 GB	120 GB	30 Days	Unlimited Calls, SMS in Israel & Unlimited WhatsApp, Waze, Facebook, Instagram	124.54	$34.00
30 Days Unlimited Calls & SMS – 250 GB	250 GB	30 Days	Unlimited Calls, SMS in Israel & Unlimited WhatsApp, Waze, Facebook, Instagram + 25 Shekel Credit for International Calls	157.36	$43.00
30 Days Unlimited Calls & SMS – 500 GB	500 GB	30 Days	Unlimited Calls, SMS in Israel & Unlimited WhatsApp, Waze, Facebook, Instagram + 40 Shekel ↓it for International Calls	179.49	$49.00

2. Hot Mobile Israel SIM Cards

Plan Name	Data Allowance	Calls & SMS	Validity	Price (ILS)	Price (USD)
Basic Plan	20 GB	1000 Minutes & SMS	10 Days	30 ILS	$8.19
Standard Plan	100 GB	Unlimited Calls & SMS	30 Days	55 ILS	$15.02
Family Plan	155 GB	Unlimited Calls & SMS + 30 NIS Intl. Calls	30 Days	59 ILS	$16.10
Heavy Data Plan	200 GB	Unlimited Calls & SMS	30 Days	69 ILS	$18.84
Extra Data Plan	300 GB	Unlimited Calls & SMS + 40 NIS Intl. Calls	30 Days	79 ILS	$21.56
Ultra Data Plan	500 GB	Unlimited Calls & SMS + 50 NIS Intl. Calls	30 Days	99 ILS	$27.02
Mega Data Plan	750 GB	Unlimited Calls & SMS + 100 NIS Intl. Calls	30 Days	139 ILS	$37.97

3. Partner Israel SIM Cards

Plan Type	Data Volume	Validity	Calls & Texts	Price (ILS)	Price (USD)
Basic Plan	10 GB	7 days	5000 mins & 5000 SMS within Israel	50 ILS	13.65 USD
Standard Plan	70 GB	30 days	3000 mins & 3000 SMS within Israel	60 ILS	16.38 USD
Enhanced Plan	100 GB	30 days	5000 mins & 5000 SMS within Israel	99 ILS	27.03 USD
Premium Plan	150 GB	30 days	Unlimited calls & SMS within Israel	139 ILS	37.97 USD
Ultimate Plan	200 GB	30 days	Unlimited calls & SMS within Israel	149 ILS	40.67 USD

4. Pelephone Israel SIM Cards

Plan Price (ILS)	Plan Price (USD)	Data Allowance	Calls & SMS	Validity	Additional Benefits
59 ILS	$16.11	125 GB	Unlimited	30 days	Unlimited data use for Facebook, Snapchat, Waze, WhatsApp, and Instagram
79 ILS	$21.57	250 GB	Unlimited	30 days	30 NIS for international calls + Unlimited data use for social media apps
99 ILS	$27.03	500 GB	Unlimited	30 days	Unlimited data use for social media apps
140 ILS	$38.22	1000 GB	Unlimited	30 days	70 NIS for international calls + Unlimited data use for social media apps

II. Where to Buy SIM Cards in Israel for Tourists?

There are three main options:

1. Buy Israel SIM Card Online

Where? You can buy an Israel SIM card online from local carriers’ websites.

How? Order the SIM card online, deliver it to your address, or pick it up at the airport. This option is suitable for those who want to be connected as soon as they land.

Pros:

• Convenient – no need to search for a SIM card after landing.
• Often comes with pre-activated plans.
• You can choose your plan in advance.

Cons:

• May be more expensive than buying in Israel.
• Delivery times can vary, and delays might occur.

2. Buy SIM Card at Israel Airports

Where? SIM cards are usually sold at kiosks, duty-free shops, and mobile service provider stands in Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv (Terminal 3 and Terminal 1 Arrivals Hall), and Eilat’s Ramon Airport.

Procedures: You must usually present your passport or take a portrait photo. This process can be time-consuming.

Pros:

• Immediate access to mobile services upon arrival.
• Staff may assist with setup.

Cons:

• More expensive than in cities.
• Limited choices compared to stores in the city.
• Registration can be complicated and time-consuming.

3. Buy SIM Card in Israel’s Cities

Which Cities? Major cities like Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, and Eilat have many stores where you can buy a SIM card.

Where to Buy?

• Tel Aviv: Dizengoff Center, Azrieli Mall, local mobile service providers’ stores like Partner, Pelephone, and Cellcom.
• Jerusalem: Malha Mall, Mamilla Mall, and nearby convenience stores.
• Haifa: Grand Canyon Mall, Horev Center.
• Eilat: BIG Eilat shopping center, local kiosks.

Pros:

• Lower prices than at airports.
• Wider variety of plans and providers.
• Local help available if issues arise.

Cons:

• May require more effort to find a store.
• Some stores may not have English-speaking staff.

III. How Much is a Tourist Israel SIM Card?

Tourist SIM cards in Israel generally cost between $15 to $50 USD, depending on the provider and the plan you choose. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

• Cellcom: Prices from $14 to $29 USD. A popular plan has 500 GB data, 500 call minutes, and 5,000 SMS for 30 days.
• Hot Mobile: Tourist SIMs cost $24 to $35 USD. For $24, you get 50 GB data and unlimited calls to Israel, the US, and Canada for 30 days.
• Partner: SIM cards range from $20 to $30 USD with good data and unlimited calls and texts.
• Pelephone: Tourist SIMs are $30 to $50 USD. A popular plan offers 15 GB data, unlimited local calls and texts, plus some international minutes.

Note: Prices may change over time, and options vary based on your data and calling needs. Always check the latest details before buying your SIM card.

IV. What types of Israel SIM cards are available for tourists?

There are two main types of SIM cards available for tourists in Israel:

• Prepaid SIM 
• Tourist eSIM

Comparison Table

Criteria	Prepaid SIM	Tourist eSIM
Convenience	Available at stores and airports	Buy online, no physical card needed
Compatibility	Unlocked phones	eSIM-compatible phones
How to Use	Insert SIM, activate in store	Scan QR code, instant activation

In conclusion, while prepaid SIM cards are super easy to get and cost-effective, eSIMs bring way more convenience and are simpler to set up. For tourists looking for a smooth experience, an eSIM could be the better choice.

V. Do I need a SIM card to travel to Israel?

Yes, you should have a SIM card when traveling to Israel. Here are the key reasons why:

• Reliable communication: SIM ensures you can make calls and send texts easily.
• Internet access: Stay connected for navigation, research, and sharing experiences.
• Cost-effective: SIMs are often cheaper than international roaming.
• Emergency services: Easily contact help if needed.
• Local number: Convenient for booking services or contacting local businesses.

VI. What to prepare when buying a SIM card in Israel?

When buying a SIM card in Israel, there are a few unique requirements to keep in mind:

• Unlocked Phone: Ensure your phone is unlocked for any SIM card. If necessary, contact your carrier to unlock it before you travel. 
• Passport: A valid passport is usually needed to register your SIM card in Israel, so keep it handy to save time. 
• Local Currency or Credit Card: While many places accept cards, having some Israeli Shekels (NIS) is smart for smaller shops that may not take foreign cards. 
• eSIM Compatibility: If your phone supports eSIM, consider using it to skip registering physical SIM cards. Major providers like Cellcom and Partner offer eSIMs that can be activated remotely.

VII. Israel eSIM – Alternative to Tourist SIM cards

Gigago is one of the most trustworthy and largest eSIM sellers. We provide plans for 200+ countries, including Israel.

For Israel, Gigago’s eSIM includes these main features:

• Get your eSIM right away through email
• Simple installation using a QR code
• No registration or documents needed
• Customer support available 24/7
• Works on Israel’s top 4G LTE network
• No unexpected bills or hidden charger

For Israel, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 500MB/day for 3 days with $3.50 . What is great about Gigago’s Israel eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $3.50 – $128.00 .

Thus, it does not matter how many Internet users you are or how long your trip in Israel is; with Gigago, there is always an option for you.

VIII. How long does a tourist SIM card last in Israel?

A tourist SIM card in Israel typically lasts 7 to 30 days, depending on your chosen plan and the provider. Here’s a breakdown:

• Cellcom: Validity ranges from 7 to 30 days. Most common plans offer 30-day validity.
• Hot Mobile: Options are available for 10 to 30 days.
• Partner: Plans generally last 7 to 30 days.
• Pelephone: Typically provides plans that last 30 days.

These durations are designed to fit the needs of most travelers visiting Israel, allowing flexibility based on the length of your stay

IX. How to activate a SIM card in Israel?

Activating a SIM card in Israel is a simple process. Here are the steps you need to follow:

Step 1: Insert the SIM Card:

• Locate the SIM card slot on your device (usually on the side or back).
• Power off your phone before inserting the SIM card.
• Insert the SIM card carefully, ensuring it’s correctly oriented (gold contacts facing down).

Step 2: Power On Your Device:

• Turn on your phone after inserting the SIM card.
• Wait for your device to recognize the SIM card.

Step 3: Activate the SIM Card:

• In most cases, Israeli SIM cards are pre-activated and should start working automatically.
• If activation doesn’t occur automatically, you may need to dial a specific number or follow instructions provided by the carrier.

Step 4: Set Up APN Settings:

If mobile data doesn’t work immediately, you might need to configure APN (Access Point Name) settings. These settings are available on the carrier’s website or customer support.

Step 5: Check Services:

Ensure you can make calls, send texts, and use mobile data. If everything works, your SIM card is activated.

X. FAQs

XI. Conclusion

I hope you find this post helpful for getting the scoop on Israel SIM cards! Whether you choose a prepaid SIM or an eSIM, staying connected is a breeze. For a quick and easy setup, try Gigago’s Israel eSIM, and you’ll be using mobile data in no time. And hey, don’t forget to check out Gigago’s plans to stay connected during your trip!