Use cell phone in Israel: How to do it?

Traveling has become one of the main passions for many people. Not only will you have the opportunity to get to know a new country or city, but you can also learn about its culture, history, and people. However, something essential for many travelers nowadays is to know if they can use their cellphones while traveling. So today, we will explain to you how to use your cellphone in Israel, so you can always remain connected.

Throughout this article, we will be answering many common questions that people ask themselves before travelling. From whether you will be able to use your cellphone during your trip to which are the main cellular services you can use to connect to the internet abroad. So if you are interested in knowing more, we invite you to keep reading. 

Will my phone work in Israel?

When traveling, you will likely be able to use your cellphone. In the case of Israel, there are many local operators in this country that you will be able to connect to. However, there are a few things you will need to make sure to verify that you will be able to use your phone during your trip to Israel. 

You will first need to verify that your phone has open bands. This is necessary so that you can connect to other internet networks abroad. On the other hand, it is also important that you check the network frequencies of your phone and the country you will be visiting. That way, you will know how fast the internet will be. Currently, the network frequencies in Israel are the following: 

• 5G bands: n28a (700), n78 (3500)
• 4G bands: B1 (2100), B3 (1800), B5 (850), B7 (2600), B28a (700), B32 (1500)
• 3G bands: B1 (2100), B3 (1800), B5 (850), B8 (900)
• 2G bands: B3 (1800), B8 (900)

Do I need an international plan in Israel?

If you are looking for our opinion, we would say that you absolutely do need an international plan to visit Israel. However, this depends on your preferences and the specific needs for your trip. 

However, international plans will be one of the best options available you can have to connect to the internet during your trip. This way, you can avoid the high costs of international roaming with your local operator. 

That is why later, we will discuss the different options of international plans that you can purchase and with which you can stay connected to the internet with your cellphone in Israel. 

What are the International plans options for using my cellphone in Israel?

Various providers will allow you to travel with an international plan to Israel and use your cellphone while connected to the internet. While we have already mentioned that one of the best options is to take an international plan with you, we have not talked much about any other options yet. 

That is why below, we will be talking in much more detail about the different options you can purchase for your trip, from the common SIM cards and new eSIMs. As the widely used Pocket WiFi and, of course, the free WiFi that everyone is constantly looking for. 

eSIM for Israel

When talking about new and innovative options, we have to talk about eSIM. This is a digital service that works very similar to SIM cards, with the big difference being that eSIMs are completely virtual. They work thanks to the fact that they are embedded in many of the latest generation cellphones, and you only have to activate the plan you purchase by scanning a QR code. 

The best way to purchase an eSIM is through online stores like Holafly. This online store offers you an eSIM with plenty of benefits. You will be able to share data with other devices, as well as have 24-hour technical support and many other benefits. 

Also, the process of buying an eSIM is very simple and will only take a few minutes. In addition, you can do the whole process from anywhere in the world! Currently, Holafly offers the following eSIM data plans for Israel: 

• 3 GB for 7 days at $34
• 6 GB for 15 days at $44

International SIM Card for Israel

As a second option, there’s a much more popular cellular product on the market: prepaid SIM cards for travelers. This is one of the most sought after options, as they work on any cellphone, and besides, you will have different alternatives to purchase one, either in local operator stores once you arrive in Israel or virtual stores before you start your trip. 

Holafly offers a SIM card for Israel, which is very easy to purchase, receive and install! Additionally, you will be able to connect to one of the best operators in the country at a reasonable price. With this SIM card, you can enjoy benefits such as a phone number where you can receive calls, as well as share data with other devices, and round-the-clock service from the Holafly team. 

On the other hand, if you are concerned about shipping fees, Holafly offers a free delivery service for the SIM card, which will arrive at your location within 72 business hours. Holafly has the following SIM card plans available for Israel: 

• 8 GB for 30 days at $34
• 12 GB for 30 days at $44

Pocket WiFi for Israel

We continue with the list and will now talk about Pocket WiFi. This is a very popular service among people traveling in groups. The main advantage of this service is that you can connect several devices to the Pocket WiFi, usually between 5 and 10 devices such as cellphones, laptops, tablets, and more.

However, one of the big disadvantages of this service is that it is very expensive. This is because not only will you have to pay to rent the Pocket WiFi, but you will also have to pay for a shipping, as well as extra accessories and, in numerous instances, insurance for the device, which could run your bill up to well over $300! 

Currently, several companies offer Pocket WiFi rentals. For example, Cello Mobile is a company from the USA, with which you can rent this type of service for Israel, which, if you rent for a week, will cost you a little over $100, not counting delivery costs, and accessories, among others. 

Free WiFi in Israel

Finally, we can’t leave out the free WiFi spots, as people very commonly look for places with free WiFi to stay connected to the internet and save data on their plan, among others. 

When you are in Israel, you will be able to find many places with free WiFi and with which you will be able to connect. However, keep in mind that this option is not the most secure or stable of all. 

If you are interested in where to find free WiFi in Israel, you can search for maps on the internet that will tell you where to find free WiFi hotspots in Israel, such as wiman.me.

Will my local Internet work in Israel?

If you are interested in using the services of your domestic operator while traveling to Israel, then you will most likely be able to use it, as most operators offer this type of service to their customers. 

However, we recommend that you check with your operator to see if you will be able to use international roaming to Israel, as well as the rates they charge. Since using this service can be quite expensive. Below we will tell you about two famous operators that offer international roaming. 

Use cell phone in Israel with AT&T.

AT&T is one of the most renowned phone companies in the USA. So if you are a customer of this company, then you can use international roaming for Israel. Foremost, you can opt for the International Travel Pass, with which you can use your services for $10 per day. 

On the other hand, if you prefer to use the pay-per-use option, you can do so. That way, you will only be paying for your consumption, which will be priced at $2.05/MB and $3 per minute of call. As you can see, these are rather high prices, so if you decide to use them, you will have to pay close attention to your consumption. 

Use cell phone in Israel with Vodafone.

On the other hand, if you are a current user of Vodafone, a very well-known company in Europe, you can also use international roaming during your trip to Israel. In this case, the cost of using this service is $8 per day, with which you will be able to use your telephone services. Usually, this company offers lower prices. However, as Israel is an Asian country, the price is slightly higher. 

What is the best option for using a cell phone in Israel?

We have already told you about the different options for using your cell phone in Israel. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, and we believe that depending on your travel needs, you can choose the best one. 

However, we consider that Holafly’s eSIM and SIM card are the best options, as this complements all the options. Since these have very affordable costs, you will be able to share data with other devices, and best of all, you will have a technical support available whenever you need it.