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Will my phone work in Israel?
Learn how to keep your phone working in Israel and check the available options to stay connected during your trip, including an eSIM.
Yes, your phone will work in Israel. The main requirements for your phone to work there are to be unlocked and compatible with local frequency bands.
This guide covers everything you need to know about using your phone in Israel and the best options for staying connected while traveling, such as the Holafly eSIM.
Peace of mind before you fly
Set up your eSIM before travel and get unlimited data on arrival.
Can I use my cell phone in Israel?
Your phone will work in Israel if it has unlocked bands and works with local frequency bands. These bands are used by local mobile networks, so it’s good to check this before traveling.
These are the current frequency bands in Israel:
- 2G: GSM 900, GSM 1800
- 3G: UMTS 850, UMTS 900, UMTS 2100
- 4G: LTE 700 (28), LTE 1500 (32), LTE 1800 (3), LTE 2100 (1)
- 5G: 3500 (78)
If your phone works with these frequency bands, you’re good to travel to Israel, as these are the ones used by eSIM and SIM card providers.
Note: If you plan to use an eSIM in Israel, check if your phone is eSIM-compatible.
How can I use my US phone in Israel?
When traveling to Israel from the United States, you’ve got plenty of options to stay connected during your trip.
Here are the available options and what they’re best for:
- eSIM for Israel: Best for flexibility, unlimited plans, and data speeds.
- SIM card: Best for non-eSIM phones.
- Pocket WiFi: Best for groups of travelers, Holafly Plans also works for this.
- Free WiFi: Best to save money, but connectivity is limited.
What international plan options are available for using my cell phone in Israel?
Each service works differently, so travelers need to consider which option is best for getting mobile internet in Israel based on their trip type.
eSIM for Israel
If you have an eSIM-compatible phone, a Holafly eSIM for Israel is a solid option to stay connected during your trip.
With customizable plans for up to 90 days, up to 1 GB of daily hotspot data, 5G data speeds, 24/7 customer support, and an easy activation process, travelers can stay connected from the moment they arrive.
SIM card for Israel
If you have a SIM-only phone, there are different local mobile providers, such as Pelephone, Hot, and 019, offering a variety of prepaid plans.
These carriers require travelers to show their passports and have an unlocked phone when buying in official stores and kiosks.
SIM cards are also available at convenience stores, such as Yellow or Super Yuda, where purchase requirements aren’t that strict.
Pocket WiFi for Israel
A pocket WiFi for Israel is a reliable option for a group of travelers or travelers with many devices, as it easily allows sharing internet access with up to 10 devices.
However, using a pocket WiFi for Israel from companies such as Cello Mobile can cost you over $300 for a week, without adding delivery, insurance, and other add-ons.
Instead, you can use Holafly Plans with unlimited data, starting at $49.90, and an unlimited hotspot data plan costing $64.90.
Free WiFi in Israel
If you want to save money, free WiFi is a great way to do it. But it’s one of the least reliable ways to stay connected during a trip.
Free WiFi is available at malls, restaurants, the airport, and your hotel room. However, this means travelers will be pretty limited to when and where they’ll get internet access.
Plus, when using free WiFi, it’s better to use a VPN and avoid accessing financial or personal information, as these open networks are easy to hack.
Can I use my mobile data in Israel?
If you’re traveling from the US and want to use international roaming in Israel, you can do it with AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon.
These mobile operators offer both pay-as-you-go and daily passes, so let’s see how these work.
AT&T roaming in Israel
AT&T roaming in Israel is available with two plans:
- Daily pass: For $12 daily, travelers get unlimited data, text, and calls.
- Pay-as-you-go: Without a daily pass, travelers pay $4 per minute for calls, $1 per text message, and $2.05 per MB.
T-Mobile roaming in Israel
T-Mobile only works with travel passes, with three currently available for roaming in Israel.
Here’s how these work:
- 1 day: $5 for 512 MB of high-speed data.
- 10 day: $35 for 5 GB of high-speed data.
- 30 day: $50 for 15 GB of high-speed data.
However, these passes don’t include phone calls. If you want to call from Israel, the per-minute rate is $0.25.
Verizon roaming in Israel
Verizon also works with a travel pass and pay-as-you-go rates. Here’s how it works:
- TravelPass: For $12 daily, travelers get unlimited data, text, and calls.
- Pay-as-you-go: Without a daily pass, travelers pay $1.79 per minute for calls, $0.50 per text, and $2.05 per MB.
What is the best option for using a cell phone in Israel?
The best option for using your cell phone in Israel depends on what you need, but there’s an option that covers most of it.
With the Holafly eSIM for Israel, you get unlimited data for up to 90 days, 5G speeds, up to 1 GB of daily hotspot data, 24/7 customer support, and an easy activation process.
Need to share data? Then go for Holafly Plans, which include a monthly eSIM subscription with unlimited data, 5G speeds, and up to unlimited hotspot data, with coverage in over 170 destinations.
What’s more, Holafly always has your back with Always On; a perk included with every Holafly eSIM that provides 1 GB of monthly backup data at no extra cost. Just keep your eSIM installed to enjoy instant internet access for emergencies.
Peace of mind before you fly
Set up your eSIM before travel and get unlimited data on arrival.
For your trip to Israel, you may also want to check how phones work in other nearby countries.
Disclaimer: Information in this article was last reviewed and updated on July 4, 2026.
FAQ
Yes, WhatsApp works in Israel, and it’s pretty popular among locals and businesses.
Most unlocked phones that work with GSM, LTE, and 5G will work in Israel.
Plans that may interest you
I first started my content creation journey as a freelancer in 2019, before connecting with Holafly in 2021. At Holafly, my travel and tech interests come together in one place as I craft high-quality articles about the eSIM and related markets. My content aims to help travelers stay connected, wherever they are.
