Installing a Landline
The first step to installing an Israeli telephone line is choosing a telephone company. See below for a listing of telephone companies in Israel. There are so many new phone services and promotions that it is worthwhile to compare prices. Once you decide which you want to use, the company will begin by ascertaining whether there was previously a different phone number on your apartment’s line. If there was, the line can simply be reprogrammed with your new number; if not, the company will send a technician to your apartment to install a new line. Be sure to inquire about current special offers and package deals.
When installing a new phone line in a previously occupied apartment, the telephone technician will only connect one telephone jack. An additional fee is charged for every additional jack, so determine which, if any, you really need.
When moving anywhere in the country, you may transfer a previous telephone number to the new apartment for a minimal fee.
Note: Many promotional offers are only for limited periods of time. If you are not careful to watch out for the expiration date, companies may automatically continue your service at the current (often expensive) rate. It is now against the law to bind a customer into a contract for a certain period of time.
Phone Companies
- Bezeq: 1-800-800-199
199 – Customer Service
166 – Technical Support Line
In dealing with Bezeq, you will always need the teudat zehut / passport number of the line’s owner and the last four digits of the payment method (credit card/bank account). You can also use the mispar lako’ach (customer number), which is written at the top of each bill, as a way of identifying yourself. - Hot: 1-800-077-077/*6900
- Cellcom: 1-800-052-052/*3123
- Partner: 1-800-800-054/: *5474
International Calls
Generally, you can set up the capability to make international calls on your regular landline, a VoIP line (DSL), or a cell phone.
Landline:
To make international calls from an Israeli landline, sign up through an international carrier; it costs far less that way. Having an international option on your Israeli landline can be convenient in a case when your VoIP line (see below) is down, or if you want to send international faxes; faxing through a VoIP line is often problematic. Companies that offer this option include 012, 013, 014, 017 and 018.
You can set up US, Canadian or UK calls on a landline or cell phone through various companies.
VOIP/DSL
A VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) line, also called DSL, allows you to make phone calls over the Internet. You receive a U.S., UK, Canadian or other foreign phone number that rings in your home in Israel. This way, you could call your country of origin as if it’s a local call, and people from there could contact you via a local call. There are three things you need to have in order set up a VoIP line:
- An Internet line
- A modem from your phone service company
- A phone adaptor from the VoIP company
See our “Obtaining an Internet Line/Internet Access” information guide for more details.
Companies such as Jivetel, Vonage, MagicJack, Ooma Box, and Google Voice. Purchase a router Plug-in and set up your number, then pay a monthly fee, if applicable. You can bring the device and your number with you no matter where in the world you go!
Cell phone
You can purchase a cell phone plan that includes cheaper rates for international calls. Be sure to verify which countries are included in your plan. Also, be sure to dial the correct exit code when dialing abroad (i.e. 017, 013). Using the code of a different carrier other than the one you are registered with can generate high phone rates and a very inflated phone bill.
General Phone Information
144: Information Center
You can request only one number at a time. There is a fee for this call.
1-800: Toll free call
1-700: Fee is split between caller and line holder
1-599: Business line, same price as local call
1-900: Pay per minute, price varies and can be expensive. Often this is used for inappropriate matters, as well. You can request that your line be blocked from calling such numbers.