Cell Phones
There are many different cell phone options.
Tip
It is worth comparing prices before signing on a plan. The law states that a customer is allowed to discontinue a company’s service at any time at no charge. Be on top of specials and promotions; however, note that many promotional offers are only for limited periods of time after which the company may continue the service at the current, more expensive rate.
Note
When canceling a phone plan, it is critical to ensure that the company provides written confirmation of the cancellation, or they may continue to charge for the service, leading to interest, high fees and other penalties.
All carriers offer “kosher” and “non-kosher” plans. A “kosher” phone has only telephone capabilities and does not permit texting or internet access. “Non-kosher” phones include regular and filtered smartphones, including smartphones that have only app capabilities without browsing.
Consider whether a long-distance calling option is required. Some phone companies offer to link an overseas number to an Israeli cell phone, so that distant contacts are charged for a local call when dialing. Some plans offer a set amount of international minutes per month.
Tip
Speak to people who live in your area or frequent the same places you do about which companies provide the best service there.
Cell Phone Companies Include:
Partner
*054 or 1-800-800-054
Cellcom
*3123 or 1-800-013-013
Hot Mobile
*053 or 1-800-800-053
Golan
*0058 or 1-800-071-058
Pelephone: *166 for customers
1-800-050-166
Email:
contact@pelephone.co.il
Landlines
Before installing an Israeli telephone line the company will check if the apartment previously had a phone line installed. If so, the line can simply be reprogrammed with a new number. Otherwise, the company will send a technician to install a new line.
Note
When installing a phone line in an apartment that is not new, the telephone technician will only connect one telephone jack. An additional fee is charged for every additional jack.
When someone moves, their phone number may be transferred anywhere in the country for a minimal fee.
Tip
There are many phone services and promotions available, and it is worth comparing prices before settling on a plan. Additionally, many promotional offers are only for limited periods of time, after which the company may continue the service at the current, more expensive rate.
Phone Companies
Bezeq:
New customers: 1-800-800-199
199 – Customer Service
166 – Technical Support Line
Tip
When calling a company, one will always need the mispar zehut/passport number of the line’s owner and the last four digits of the payment method (credit card/bank account). One can also use the mispar lako’ach (customer number), which is written at the top of each bill, as a way of identifying oneself.
Hot: 1-800-077-077/*6988
Cellcom: 1-800-013-013/*3123
Partner: 1-800-800-054/: *5474
International Calls
Plans for international calls can generally be set up on a regular landline, a VoIP line (DSL) or a cell phone.
International Calls From a Landline
An international option on an Israeli landline can be convenient in a case when the VoIP line (see below) is down, or to send international faxes, as faxing through a VoIP line is often problematic.
Tip
To make international calls from an Israeli landline, sign up through an international carrier.
Companies that offer this option include 012, 013, 014, 017 and 018.
International Calls From a VoIP/DSL
A VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) line, also called DSL, allows one to make phone calls over the internet. One also receives a U.S., U.K., Canadian or other foreign phone number that rings in Israel.
To set up a VoIP line, one will need:
- An internet line
- A modem/router/ netstick or MIFI
- A phone adaptor from the VoIP company
See our guide to internet service for more details.
VoiP options include: Jivetel, Vonage, MagicJack, Ooma Box and Google Voice.
Purchase a router, netstick or mifi, plug it in, set up a number, and pay a monthly fee, if applicable.
The device and number can be taken anywhere in the world.
International Calls From a Cell Phone
One can purchase a cell phone plan that includes cheaper rates for international calls and/or an international phone number that people from another country can call using a local number. Be sure to verify which countries are included in your plan. Also, be sure to dial the correct exit code when dialing abroad (e.g. 017, 013). Using the code of a different carrier other than the one registered can generate high phone rates and a very inflated phone bill.
General Dialing Information
144: Directory Assistance
One can request only one number at a time. There is a fee for this call.
1-800: Toll-free call
1-700: There is a fee for this call which is split between caller and line holder
1-599: Business line, same price as local call
1-900: Pay per minute in addition to regular service fees; price varies and can be expensive. Often this is used for inappropriate content. One can request that their line be blocked from calling such numbers.
