Visiting Israel is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Whether you’re visiting Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, or the Dead Sea, you’ll never run out of things to do in this beautiful country. But what if you run out of internet? Having an internet connection is essential for any modern traveler. Buying an eSIM for Israel is a cheap and efficient way of accessing the internet abroad.
The eSIM (short for “embedded SIM“) is a virtual SIM card taking the tech world by storm! With an eSIM for your trip to Israel, you can enjoy cheap and fast internet on multiple devices.
So if you want to stay connected when you’re in Israel, we recommend buying an eSIM designed especially for travelers – this will save you from paying expensive data roaming charges.
We’ll explain how eSIMs work and compare the different deals you can get from mobile providers, so you get the best value for money.
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What you should know about the Israel eSIM card
eSIM technology is still relatively new, so not all phones are compatible. Here’s everything you need to check before you buy:
- Your cell phone must be compatible with an eSIM card. Also, check that your cell phone is supported by the carrier or eSIM card provider. The iPhone XR and later models are compatible with most providers.
- You need an email address to receive your eSIM.
- You need an internet connection to activate your eSIM. Your eSIM profile will be downloaded from the provider after scanning the QR code or after using an installation code.
- Some providers will ask you to install their app to download the eSIM.
If you can’t buy an eSIM, you can purchase a physical SIM card for travelers instead.
(You may be interested in Best eSIM for the USA)
Mobile eSIM card providers for Israel
If you have a compatible phone, you will be able to purchase and activate an Israel eSIM card. If your phone is not compatible, we recommend a traditional physical SIM card to Israel, which you can buy once you arrive in Israel.
Take a look at the companies that sell international eSIM cards:
Rates and data plans from eSIM providers for Israel
Take a look at the different packages offered to access the internet in Israel. Pay close attention to the benefits and prices of each provider, so you can choose the deal that suits you best.
Holafly
First of all, an excellent provider with which you can easily acquire an eSIM for Israel is undoubtedly Holafly. This is an online store specialized specifically in International eSIMs for travelers, so they offer this service with coverage in more than 160 countries worldwide, including, of course, Israel.
Holafly currently offers five different packages for its Israel eSIM, All with unlimited data and range from $19 to $54 for five to 20 days of use. As for the process of purchasing the service, it is very simple and will only take a few minutes. In general, you need to visit Holafly’s website, search for your travel destination, choose the plan you prefer, and make the payment.
You can pay with different payment methods such as credit cards, Paypal, or GooglePay. On the other hand, at the end of the purchase, your eSIM will arrive immediately in your email with all the explanatory information on how to activate it.
Pros of Holafly’s eSIM for Israel:
- High-speed connection in Israel.
- Unlimited data plans
- Recharge your service through top-ups.
- Easy to set up and activate.
- You’ll be able to share data with other devices.
- Keep your WhatsApp number on your cellphone.
- Enjoy 24/7 customer service.
Cons of Holafly’s eSIM for Israel:
- You won’t be able to make or receive analog calls.
- No messages included.
(You may be interested in Best eSIM for Europe)
TravelSIM
Now, let’s discuss about TravelSIM. This is a provider based in Estonia that provides internet connectivity services. They mostly offer physical SIM cards as part of their services. They do, however, also provide eSIMs for a great number of countries. It should be mentioned that you must acquire an international plan if you wish to buy an eSIM for Israel. since they don’t offer eSIM plans for specific countries.
In this case, TravelSIM’s eSIM International has different zones. If you want to have internet in Israel, you can do it with both Zone A and Zone B plans. Each type of zone will offer you plans with different features, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. The purchase process is very similar to that of Holafly. You only need to visit the TravelSIM website and choose if you want an International or Asia plan. In this case, it must be the International one. Choose between zone A and B, and then proceed to purchase the plan you prefer.
Pros of TravelSIM eSIM for Israel:
- You can make top-ups.
- You can share data with other devices.
- It offers a wide variety of plans.
Cons of TravelSIM eSIM for Israel:
- It does not offer an exclusive eSIM for Israel so the service cost is higher.
- Internet connectivity may be reduced in certain locations.
- You will have to pay for the eSIM and the data plan’s price.
Truphone
Finally, we will talk about Truphone. This is a telecommunications company very recognized worldwide, and it is because its focus is mainly on offering the internet to businesses. However, with this provider, you will also have the opportunity to purchase eSIMs for your travels.
But, it is important to mention that in order to purchase the eSIM from this company, you will need to download their mobile application, which is called “My truphone”. Since their official website is for informational purposes only. By downloading the app, you will be able to search for the country you are visiting and choose the plan that best suits your trip. You can purchase plans for Israel from 1GB to 10GB. However, all of their plans are for 30 days, so it will not be a good option for those who will be traveling for a shorter amount of time.
Pros of Truphone eSIM:
- 4G and 5G speeds in most available destinations.
- Coverage in more than 130 countries.
- You can use the Truphone eSIM with your home country’s SIM Card.
Cons of Truphone eSIM:
- Only offers plans with a duration of 30 days.
- Customer service is somewhat slow.
- You can not purchase through their website, only through their APP; you need to register.
- The app is not available in many countries in the world.
Comparison of eSIM providers for Israel
| Provider | Data plan | Days | Price (USD) | Support available in | Sales channels |
| Holafly | Unlimted data | 5 | $19 | English, Spanish, French & German | Web |
| Holafly | Unlimted data | 7 | $27 | English, Spanish, French & German | Web |
| Holafly | Unlimted data | 10 | $34 | English, Spanish, French & German | Web |
| Holafly | Unlimted data | 15 | $47 | English, Spanish, French & German | Web |
| Holafly | Unlimted data | 20 | $54 | English, Spanish, French & German | Web |
| TravelSIM | 500MB | 30 | $13 | English | Web |
| TravelSIM | 2GB | 30 | $35 | English | Web |
| TravelSIM | 5GB | 30 | $87 | English | Web |
| Truphone | 5GB | 30 | $20 | English | Play store, App Store |
| Truphone | 3GB | 30 | $11 | English | Play store, App Store |
| Truphone | 1GB | 30 | $5 | English | Play store, App Store |
Features of an eSIM for Israel
To get the most out of your eSIM card, we’ve prepared some important information to bear in mind so that your trip to Jerusalem or any other city in Israel will be the best. We’ll also explain the differences between virtual eSIM cards and traditional physical cards.
- Most eSIM cards do not offer mobile calls, only data. You can use apps like WhatsApp or Skype instead.
- eSIMs can only be installed once, so if you’re experiencing problems with your eSIM card do not remove it from your cellphone and contact your eSIM provider instead.
- Some eSIMs set up automatic APNs.
- You can add several data plans on your iPhone, although it is only possible to use one at a time.
- Some eSIMs allow you to share data between devices.
- With your dual SIM iPhone, you can keep your local SIM when you travel to Israel.
Mobile Internet coverage map for travel to Israel
It’s important to consider your eSIM’s coverage. And remember that sometimes cheap eSIM cards have poor coverage, possibly leaving you without internet when you need it most. The main providers in Israel are:
- Cellcom
- Golan Telecom
- HOT Mobile
- Socio
- Pelephone
- Xfone 018
Below you will find the coverage map of each of these operators so that you can get an idea of the extension of each of these servers in Israel.
4G coverage map of Cellcom carrier in Israel
4G coverage map of Golan Telecom carrier in Israel
4G coverage map of HOT Mobile carrier in Israel
4G coverage map of Partner carrier in Israel
4G coverage map of Pelephone carrier in Israel
LITE coverage map of the carrier Xfone 018 in Israel
Local mobile carriers offering eSIM in Israel
Once you arrive in Israel, you can also inquire about mobile phone services. However, it is much more common to get prepaid SIM cards for tourists rather than prepaid eSIMs. However, below we will tell you about some of the mobile operators in Israel that offer this type of service:
eSIM Annatel for Israel.
This company was founded in 2004 with the aim of reaching French and English-speaking customers in Israel. Despite being a smaller operator than the traditional ones in the country, it has been positioning itself as one of the most accessible for foreign and local customers. Today Annatel is the only operator that offers eSIM compatible with mobile phones such as iPhone XR/XS onwards, Google Pixel 3, 3XL, 4A, 4A, 4A 5G, 4XL and 5, Huawei Mate 40pro, P40, and P40 pro, Motorola RAZR and Samsung Galaxy in all versions of Note 20, S20, S21 and Z Flip.
Currently, you can purchase Annatel’s eSIM in prepaid plans or if you are a resident with contracts and monthly payments through its website or in physical stores. In the case of the prepaid plans, you have two options of data packages of 10GB and 30GB to use in 15 or 30 days, depending on the convenience of your stay. For residents, there are also two plan options called Starter and Original, both with a minimum contract of 90 days and which can be extended, with monthly fees ranging from $ 8 to $ 27 depending on how you configure your service.
Benefits of Annatel eSIM in Israel.
Among the great benefits of Annatel eSIM is that you will have the possibility to use customer support in other languages, such as French and English, and not only in the local language. Both their website and their additional services will also have this possibility. Annatel also takes advantage of the virtuality of the eSIM because you can purchase it through their website and in a few clicks, receive it in your mailbox and configure it on your own without having to visit a physical store.
As Annatel also mentions on their website, their eSIM will allow you to keep your local number if you come from abroad and additionally have your Israeli number even if you are using an iPhone as long as it is compatible with the technology. It should be mentioned that despite these benefits, unfortunately, Annatel’s eSIM is not yet compatible with SmartWatches, so if you want to use them on these devices, we will give you a couple of options later on.
How to activate an Annatel eSIM in Israel.
First of all, you need to select a plan of your convenience. If you purchase through their website, check the “eSIM” option. In case you make the purchase in a physical store, you must request that the plan be associated with an eSIM. In any of the ways you take, after your purchase, you will receive an email with your eSIM and the QR code to activate it.
Activation may vary between phone models. If you are not sure how to activate the eSIM, you can consult our customer service number. If you are already connected to the eSIM, its activation will be only with the QR and the settings of your phone because it does not require an app to manage it, always remember that in the whole process, you will need an internet connection both for the reception of the QR and for the activation of the eSIM.
eSIM Cellcom for Israel.
As mentioned before, if you want to use your eSIM in a smartwatch, Cellcom offers this type of card only for these devices and not for mobile phones. Cellcom’s eSIM service for smartwatches is compatible with Apple and Samsung models and will be available free of charge for 6 months for local customers of the company who already have a SIM card with an associated plan.
Cellcom does not require you to buy your Smartwatch with them. You will be able to associate it with a device you already have on hand. You can only request it through their customer support, who will guide you through the activation process.
eSIM Pelephone for Israel.
Another alternative for eSIM in Smartwatches is the one offered by Pelephone also only compatible with these devices and not with mobile phones. This eSIM service is compatible with the Samsung Galaxy watch and apple watch, and it is not necessary to buy the Smartwatch with them, but it is necessary to be their customer. The eSIM service will cost approximately $5.5 per month and can be requested through the customer service numbers offered by Pelephone or by going to one of their physical branches with the Smartwatch to activate it.
Remember that you will be able to buy an international eSIM card after starting your trip, such as Holafly’s Israel eSIM card.
Frequently asked questions about eSIM in Israel.
We hope you found this article useful. Here are some common questions that customers have when purchasing an eSIM to travel to Israel.
The local eSIMs from Cellcom, Partner and Pelephone are primarily intended for people residing in Israel. The international eSIM for Israel from Holafly is for tourists to connect to the internet during their travels to Israel.
You don’t need to present your passport, but some providers might ask for your address.
Yes, eSIM for Israel will allow you to share your data with other devices. However, we recommend that you check with the provider’s customer service first.
Install the eSIM with a QR code from your email, choose it as the default mobile data medium, turn on mobile data and data roaming, and your virtual SIM will work. Contact the company for more advice.
Yes, just like physical cards, virtual SIM cards also have an expiration date.
The days of your data plan start counting from the moment you activate your eSIM by scanning the QR code on your phone.
The eSIM is the evolution of traditional SIM cards. The eSIM works thanks to a chip inserted inside the cell phone. You do not need to insert a physical SIM card.
Thanks this is a helpful article. I am an iPhone XS owner, resident in the UK and looking for an Israeli e-sim as I spend 1-2 months a year in Israel.
I am currently on a “3” mobile package, which does not levy any additional charges on roaming for data and calls to/from UK. Israel local calls are expensive, however.
One thing you don’t mention is what phone number is then supplied for the e-sim. A BIG issue faced continually in Israel is various services/apps/application forms only accept an Israeli cellphone number (ie one beginning in 05X). If all the above listed e-sim suppliers do not provide an Israeli-style cellphone number, it rather misses the point.
Furthermore, when I enquired locally, the main networks (Pelephone etc) said they provided e-sims for Apple watch only, but not cellphones.