Staying connected in Israel is easy and affordable thanks to a wide range of prepaid SIM cards offered by major operators like Partner (Orange), Pelephone, Cellcom, and competitive MVNOs such as 019, Hot Mobile, and Rami Levy. Whether you’re visiting the Holy Land for a short trip or planning a longer stay, this complete guide will help you choose the best prepaid SIM card in Israel based on coverage, speed, price, data plans, and availability.
This article includes everything: frequencies, unlimited data packages, data-only plans, social media bundles, apps, balance check methods, tourist SIMs, digital eSIM providers, and more.
Basics of Prepaid SIM Cards in Israel
Prepaid SIM cards in Israel offer:
- No contracts
- Pay-as-you-go data, calls, and SMS
- Easy activation
- Affordable data bundles
- Options for tourists and long-term users
- Available both as physical SIM and eSIM
All SIM cards must be registered to your passport according to Israeli telecom regulations. Registration is done instantly at the point of purchase.
Phones must be unlocked and support 4G/5G bands used in Israel.
Availability: Where You Can Buy a SIM Card in Israel
Prepaid SIM cards are widely available throughout Israel.
Where to Buy
- Ben Gurion Airport – Tourist SIM counters in Arrivals Hall
- Official carrier stores – Partner, Cellcom, Pelephone
- Authorized resellers – Hot Mobile, Rami Levy, 019
- Mobile shops – in malls, bus stations, city centers
- Supermarkets & convenience shops
- Online – order before your trip and receive it at home
- Travel SIM counters in hotels and tourist zones
Airport prices are usually higher than city-center prices.
Network Frequencies in Israel (Compatibility Table)
| Technology | Partner (Orange) | Cellcom | Pelephone | Hot Mobile | MVNOs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3G | 900 / 2100 MHz | 850 / 2100 | 850 / 2100 | 850 / 2100 (roaming) | Follows host network |
| 4G/LTE | Band 3, 5, 7, 28 | Band 3, 7, 28 | Band 3, 28 | Band 3 | Same as host |
| 5G | n78 (3500 MHz) | n78 | n78 | Limited n78 | Depends on network |
If your smartphone supports LTE Band 3 and Band 28, you will have full 4G coverage across Israel.
Network Coverage & Speed Comparison
| Provider | Coverage | 4G Reliability | 5G Availability | Average Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Partner | Excellent | Excellent | Very strong | Fast |
| Pelephone | Very Good | Very Good | Strong | Very Fast |
| Cellcom | Excellent | Excellent | Wide coverage | Fast |
| Hot Mobile | Good | Good | Limited | Moderate |
| MVNOs | Varies | Depends on host | Depends on host | Same as host |
Overall best network: Partner & Cellcom
Fastest speeds: Pelephone
At-a-Glance SIM Comparison Table
| Feature | Partner | Pelephone | Cellcom | Hot Mobile | 019 | Rami Levy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist SIM | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Unlimited Data | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Social Media Bundles | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | Some | Some |
| Data-only Plans | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| App Support | Excellent | Good | Good | Good | Basic | Basic |
| 5G Support | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | Limited | ✔ | ✔ (via host) |
Biometric & Device Registration
Biometric Registration
Israel does not require biometric data (fingerprints, facial scans) to purchase a SIM.
Only passport verification is required.
Device Registration
No formal registration needed, but your phone must be:
- Unlocked
- 4G/5G compatible
- Using correct APN settings (usually automatic)
SIM Card Price in Israel
Average price of a starter SIM:
- ₪20–₪50 (city stores)
- ₪60–₪100 (airport)
- Online tourist SIMs may cost more, but include preloaded data.
How to Top-Up (Mathude)
You can recharge your SIM using:
- Carrier apps
- USSD codes
- Online recharge portals
- Local kiosks & supermarkets
- Digital vouchers
Funds typically remain valid for 90–180 days, depending on provider.
Partner (Orange) Prepaid SIM
Partner is one of the largest operators with excellent 4G and strong 5G.
(Orange) Prepaid Data Add-Ons
| Add-On | Data | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Data | 10–20 GB | 30 days | Budget |
| Medium Data | 40–80 GB | 30 days | Mid-range |
| Large Data | 120–200 GB | 30 days | Higher |
Unlimited Data Plans Partner
| Plan | Unlimited Speed? | Validity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unlimited Standard | Yes | 30 days | Fair-use applies |
| Unlimited Premium | Yes | 30 days | Faster 5G priority |
| 1000GB Plan | Virtually unlimited | 30 days | Power users |
Partner Feature Packages
| Package | Includes | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Talk + 30GB | Calls + SMS + Data | 30 days |
| International Calls Pack | Minutes to abroad | 30 days |
| Combo Plans | Mixed services | 30 days |
Partner Social Media Packs
| App Bundle | Usage | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| WhatsApp Unlimited | Messaging + media | 30 days |
| Instagram/FB Boost | Extra quota | 30 days |
| Mixed Social Pack | All major apps | 30 days |
Data-Only Partner
Available from 10GB to 550GB.
Pelephone Prepaid SIM
Pelephone is known for strong speeds and excellent reliability.
Data Add-Ons
| Package | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Light | 20GB | 30 days |
| Standard | 50–100GB | 30 days |
| Heavy | 150–250GB | 30 days |
Pelephone Unlimited Data Plans
| Plan | Details |
|---|---|
| Unlimited 4G | 30-day validity |
| Unlimited 5G | Faster speeds |
Pelephone Social Media
| App | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Unlimited | |
| Facebook + Instagram | Extra quota |
Data-Only
Ideal for mobile hotspots & tablets.
Cellcom Prepaid SIM (Talkman)
Cellcom provides excellent nationwide coverage.
Prepaid Data Add-Ons
| Package | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 15–30GB | Small | 30 days |
| 50–100GB | Medium | 30 days |
| 150+GB | Large | 30 days |
Cellcom Unlimited Data
| Plan | Notes |
|---|---|
| Unlimited 4G | Good speeds |
| Unlimited 5G | Best quality |
Social Media Cellcom
| App Pack | Details |
|---|---|
| Unlimited | |
| Social Network Booster | Extra data |
Cellcom Data-Only
Multiple tiers available.
Hot Mobile Prepaid SIM
Hot Mobile is known for affordable prices.
Mobile Data Add-Ons
| Plan | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | 10–20GB | 30 days |
| Medium | 40–60GB | 30 days |
| Heavy | 100–200GB | 30 days |
Hot Mobile Unlimited Data
Budget-friendly unlimited plans.
Social Packs, Feature Packs & Data-only
Available at lower prices than major operators.
MVNOs in Israel (019, Rami Levy, Others)
MVNOs ride on major networks and offer some of the cheapest SIM deals.
Data Add-Ons
| Provider | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 019 | 30–200GB | Affordable |
| Rami Levy | 20–100GB | Low-cost |
| Others | Varies | Varies |
MVNO Unlimited Data
Many MVNOs offer unlimited or high-cap data.
Feature & Social Packs
Popular apps like WhatsApp often included.
Data-Only
Common among online vendors.
019 Mobile – Dedicated Traveller SIM
019 is known for tourist plans.
Prepaid Data Add-Ons
| Data | Validity |
|---|---|
| 10GB | 30 days |
| 40–60GB | 30 days |
| 100GB | 30 days |
019 Unlimited Plans
High-cap or unlimited options.
019 Social & Feature Packs
WhatsApp-friendly packages.
Data-Only
Perfect for data users and hotspot devices.
Rami Levy Prepaid SIM
Rami Levy offers excellent budget SIM cards.
Levy Data Add-Ons
| Data | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Low | 30 days | Cheap |
| Medium | 30 days | Affordable |
| High | 30 days | Low-cost |
Unlimited, Social & Data-Only Plans
Wide selection for price-conscious users.
How to Check Remaining Balance
| Provider | Method |
|---|---|
| Partner | USSD: *111#, App |
| Pelephone | App / SMS |
| Cellcom | *777# |
| Hot Mobile | *6733# |
| 019 | App / USSD |
| Rami Levy | App / Menu |
How to Check Your SIM Number
Typical methods:
- USSD menus
- Carrier app
- Calling a balance line
- Checking in phone settings
Official Websites
- Partner (Orange) – https://www.partner.co.il
- Cellcom – https://www.cellcom.co.il
- Pelephone – https://www.pelephone.co.il
- Hot Mobile – https://www.hotmobile.co.il
- Rami Levy Mobile – https://mobile.rami-levy.co.il
(Visit these sites for current plans and apps.)
Tourist SIM Cards in Israel
Tourist SIMs typically include:
- Unlimited calls within Israel
- Unlimited WhatsApp
- Large data bundles (50–200GB)
- Validity 7, 14, or 30 days
You can buy them:
- At Ben Gurion Airport
- Online (ship to home or hotel)
- At kiosks in major cities
Digital eSIM Providers (Instant Activation)
Local Operators
- Partner eSIM
- Cellcom eSIM
- Pelephone eSIM
- Hot Mobile eSIM
International eSIM Providers
- Airalo
- Holafly
- Nomad
- Simly
These are great for travelers who want instant activation before boarding the plane.
Activation Process
- Insert SIM or activate eSIM
- Provide your passport for registration
- Select a plan or data package
- Configure APN if needed (usually automatic)
- Top-up when required
Activation typically takes under 2 minutes.
Useful Helpline Numbers
- Partner: *054#
- Cellcom: *123#
- Pelephone: *500#
- Hot Mobile: *6733#
- 019: Listed on package
- Rami Levy: Through app or store
Conclusion: Which Israeli SIM Card Is Best?
Choosing the right prepaid SIM card in Israel depends on your usage:
- Best overall network: Partner
- Fastest speeds: Pelephone
- Best budget option: Rami Levy / Hot Mobile
- Best for tourists: 019 Mobile & Partner tourist SIM
- Best value for heavy data users: MVNO high-cap plans
With excellent 4G coverage, expanding 5G networks, easy top-up options, and widely available SIM cards, staying connected in Israel is convenient and affordable for every type of traveler.