How to Buy a SIM Card at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) for Tourists: Where and Price.

Purchasing an Israel SIM Card when traveling internationally is often the most convenient and cost-effective option. This guide provides all the tips you need for buying a local SIM card at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV).

Ben Gurion Airport is the busiest international airport of Israel, serving as the arrival destination for millions of tourists visiting this country each year. For travelers, staying connected while traveling is crucial, and getting a local Israel SIM card upon arrival at this airport is the practical first step.

This article will discuss all about Israel SIM cards at Ben Gurion Airport, including best SIM card plans for tourists, which providers offer affordable prepaid options, where to buy SIM cards at Ben Gurion Airport, and up-to-date information. 

I. How to Get a SIM Card at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)?

Travelers can choose one of the following two ways to get an Israel SIM Card at Ben Gurion Airport: 

• Buying an Israel SIM Card online before departure and collect it at Ben Gurion Airport.

• Buying directly at the Ben Gurion airport.

1. Buying SIM Card online before departure

Buying an Israel SIM card online before departure and pickup at Ben Gurion Airport allows you to set up your SIM prior to landing. You will have Internet access right from the moment you touch down without waiting.

If you are interested in this option, you can refer to Israel SIM Cards from SIM to Israel. Packages will range from $25 to $120 and you will have an Israel phone number, unlimited data, outcome and income calls. 

However, this option is not always available and will depend on the policy of each Israel network operator. 

2. Buying at the Ben Gurion Airport 

Getting an Israel SIM card upon arrival is a great idea. This allows you compare options in-person and choose the perfect plan for your trip. However, be aware that the prices of Israel SIM card at airports tend to be higher than other options.

Keep in mind that buying a SIM card at Ben Gurion airport often requires presenting personal document, which can be inconvenient for some tourists. Additionally, if you arrive during peak hours or late at night, you may encounter long queues or find that the SIM card kiosks are closed.

II. Where to Buy a SIM Card at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)?

Travelers can buy a SIM card at Ben Gurion Airport in 2 places: 019 Mobile store and Steimatzky bookstores.

You can see them right after walking into arrival halls and they are on your left.

While there is only one store of 019 Mobile at this airport, Steimatzky bookstores has three stores located at Terminal 1, 3 and Duty Free Zone.

1. Buy Israel SIM cards in 019 Mobile at Ben Gurion Airport

This operators offers packages at the airport starting at $45 for 8 days with 10GB, going up to $109 for unlimited data over 35 days.

One great thing about 019 Mobile is that it offers packages with unlimited calls, all over the world.

• $45 USD= 8 days – 10 GB
• $54 USD = 8 days – unlimited data
• $49 USD = 20 days – 2 GB
• $69 USD = 20 days – 20 GB
• $75 USD = 20 days – unlimited data
• $69 USD = 35 days – 5 GB
• $99 USD = 35 days – 30 GB
• $109 USD = 35 days – unlimited data

2. Buy in Steimatzsky bookstores at Ben Gurion Airport

If you already have an Israel SIM, you can buy SIM card packages from Steimatzky for a more affordable price. 

Israel sim card for 7 days:

• $50 USD = 500 minutes + 500 sms + $11 USD international calling credit + 15 GB data valid for 7 days.
• $52USD = unlimited minutes & sms + $8 USD international calling credit + 50 GB data valid for 7 days.
• $48 USD = 1500 minutes + 1500 sms + 30 GB data valid for 7 days.

Israel sim card for 10 days:

• $51USD = 1500 minutes + 1500 sms + 30 GB data valid for 10 days.
• $65 USD = unlimited minutes & sms + 150 GB data valid for 10 days.

Israel sim card for 30 days:

• $67 USD = unlimited minutes & sms + 200 GB data valid for 30 days.
• $77 USD = unlimited minutes & sms + $31USD international calling credit + 200 GB data valid for 30 days.

Data only Israel sim card:

• $48 USD= 25 GB valid for 30 days

Prepaid SIM Card:

• From $24,7 USD to $81 USD = no time limit for all users

III. Do SIM Card shops at Ben Gurion airport (TLV) open after midnight?

Yes, of course. These stores are open overnight to serve the SIM buying needs of all tourists

019 mobile is open 24/7 and 6 days a week (from Sunday to Friday)

Steimatzky is at Duty Free Sport and Terminal 3 is open 24/7. The store at Terminal 1 will be open from 11PM to 3AM (according to Israeli time)

IV. Ben Gurion Airport SIM card Price

Israeli SIM cards sold at the airport usually start at $45. Israel has a reputation for high costs, and unfortunately SIM cards at the airport are no exception. 

V. Registration Process on Buying a SIM card at Ben Gurion Airport

Although this process is quite simple, travelers still need some mandatory documents listed below to buy Israel SIM Card at Ben Gurion Airport: 

• Passport: Valid passport is needed for identification. 

• Passport photos: A few passport photos may also be requested for registration purposes, so keep some on hand just in case. 

• Activation fee: Maybe travelers need to pay for activation.

VI. eSIM at Ben Gurion Airport – Alternative to Ben Gurion Airport SIM Card

As you can see, Israel SIM card prices will be expensive when purchased at the airport. That’s why tourists should choose to buy eSIM from Gigago before departing to this country. 

Israel eSIM can offer various advantages for tourists:

• Convenience and Flexibility: With an eSIM, you can switch between different operators and plans with just a few taps.

• Cost-effectiveness: Israel prepaid eSIMs often offer competitive pricing compared to roaming or purchasing physical SIM cards. 

• Easy Activation and Setup: You can usually purchase and download the eSIM profile directly from the provider’s website.

Gigago eSIM is a reputable provider that offers excellent prepaid eSIM options for travelers to Israel. Here are a few reasons why Gigago eSIM stands out:

• Diverse Plan Options with Affordable Prices

• Reliable Network Coverage

• User-Friendly Experience

For Israel, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 500 MB 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 . 

VII. FAQs