Before traveling to Israel, it is important to know what the available prepaid phone operators are in the country. Especially to those who wish to use their prepaid phones during their stay. Israel has three GSM and 3G prepaid phone operators and one mobile virtual network operator. The three prepaid phone operators are: Partner Communications Company Ltd (Orange), Cellcom Israel Ltd and Pelephone Communications Ltd. While the mobile virtual network operator in Israel is called Rami Levy.
The mobile prefix for Israel is +972. Their currency, 1 Israeli New Shekel = 0.17727 Euro. The available electricity in Israel is 230 Volts in 50 Hertz. Time Zone is GMT +2.00.
The first available prepaid phone operator in Israel is the Partner Communications Company Ltd. that is operating under the brand name Orange. The mobile communications company was founded in 1999. Orange was the first telecommunications company to offer GSM cellular network in Israel, that allowed its customers to use their mobile phones in other locations with similar network. Currently, the company offers postpaid and prepaid phone plans, internet WiFi and fixed telephony in Israel.
The prepaid phone card name for Orange is called “BigTalk.” The activation fee for this prepaid phone card is NIS 100 with 10 free credits and NIS 170 with 50 free credits. BigTalk is valid for 12 months upon its activation. The net frequency for Orange are GSM 900/1800 and WCDMA 2100. The logo for this prepaid phone card is Orange IL while its net code is 425 01. BigTalk offers calls from Sunday to Thursday: calls to Orange plus land line from 6AM – 6PM is for NIS 0.94, Orange plus land line from 6PM – 6AM Fridays 4PM – 12AM and Sundays is for NIS 0.64, other mobile nets from 6AM – 6PM and Fridays 7:30 AM – 4 PM for NIS 1.21 and other mobile nets from 6PM- 6AM Fridays 4PM – 12AM and Sundays for NIS 0.91.
Additional Services and Costs:
Messaging: National SMS – NIS 0.42; International SMS – NIS 0.42
International Roaming: International roaming is available only for receiving calls outside Israel. To activate the roaming service, call the customer service at +972 3 905 4033.
Debiting Method: 60/12
Recharge/Credit:
- NIS 80/73
- NIS 100/93
- NIS 150/143
Orange Prefix: 054
The second prepaid phone operator available in Israel is the Cellcom Israel Ltd. The company is considered as one of the major leading mobile communications company in Israel, that was founded in 1994. Cellcom was the first to introduce mobile phones with Hebrew language menus. The telecommunications company operated a TDMA network nationwide in the 850 MHz band, GSM 1800 and UMTS services in the 850 MHz band. They also offer 3G wireless networks that started the first video call in Israel. As of 2010, Cellcom has an approximately 3.4 million customers, and considered as the largest prepaid phone operator in Israel in terms of customers.
The prepaid phone card for Cellcom is called “TalkMan.” The activations for this prepaid phone card is NIS 97 with 55 free credits. The validity of the card is 12 months upon its activation. The net frequency for Cellcom are GSM 1800 and WCDMA 2100. The logo for it is Cellcom while it net code is 425 02. Talkman offers calls from Sunday to Thursday: calls to Cellcom from 6AM – 6PM for NIS 0.77 and all call for NIS 0.99.
Additional Services and Costs:
Messaging: National SMS – NIS 0.45; International SMS – NIS 0.78; MMS – NIS 0.64
Data Calls: GPRS is available, however the rates are unknown.
International Roaming: International roaming service available, see here.
Debiting Method: 60/12
Recharge/Credit:
- NIS 50/45
- NIS 75/70
- NIS 125/120
- NIS 200/195
- NIS 305/300
The third available prepaid phone operator in Israel is the Pelephone Communications Ltd or Pelephone. Pelephone is an Israeli based telecommunications company that was founded in 1986 as a joint business venture with Motorola and Tadiran. Today, Pelephone is owned by Bezeq. They are the first telecommunications company to offer mobile phone services in Israel. Pelephone network started in AMPS or NAMPS in the 800/850 MHz band then converted to IS-95 CDMA and later added CDMA 2000/EV-DO. They also launched the UMTS network in the 850/2100 MHz bands in 2009. And in 2010, they introduced HSPA+ network. Currently, the company has 2.4 million subscribers.
The prepaid phone card name for Pelephone is called “Izi.” The activation fee and validity for this prepaid phone card is available upon request. The net frequency for Pelephone is WCDMA 2100. Its logo is Pelephone while its net code is 425 03. Izi offers calls from Monday to Sunday: calls to Pelephone for NIS 0.49 and all other calls for NIS 0.79.
Additional Services and Costs:
Messaging: SMS to Pelephone – NIS 0.35; Other national and international SMS – NIS 0.6611
Voicemail: Same rate as the voice calls
Data Calls: Tourists can surf on Pelephone ‘ZOOM’ portal on 3G at NIS 0.49 per minute
Debiting Method: 60/12; Touristss can get 12/12 billing by dialing *166 and paying NIS 39.90
Recharge/Credit:
- NIS 25/20
- NIS 55/48
- NIS 85/78
- NIS 100/93
- NIS 200/193
One mobile “virtual” network operator in Israel is called Rami Levy. Rami Levy works under the Pelephone network and the prepaid phone card name for Rami is called “Rami-Levy.” The activation for this prepaid phone card is 39.90. The card is valid for 12 months upon its activation. The net frequency for Rami Levy is MVNO on WCDMA 850/2100. Its logo is Rami-levy with a net code of 425 03. Rami Levy offers calls from Monday to Sunday: all calls for NIS 0.39 and a monthly fee of NIS 4.90.
Additional Costs and Services:
Messaging: National SMS – NIS 0.29; International SMS – NIS 1.50
Data Calls: NIS 0.29 per MB
Recharge/Credit/Validity: NIS 50 for 50 credits that is valid for one year