Best Ways to Get Internet in Israel as a Tourist

Whether you’re booking a ride, checking schedules, scanning QR code menus in Tel Aviv, or translating signs, reliable mobile data makes it all possible. Staying connected makes it easier to get around Israel and enjoy your trip with less hassle.

Finding reliable internet in Israel as a tourist is straightforward once you know your options.

For most travelers, setting up a pre-departure eSIM or picking up a physical travel SIM before flying is considered the best option. Getting a SIM from the local kiosks or using Wi-Fi is also a good alternative.

Internet in Israel as a Tourist: Ground Options & Local Realities

Your options for getting internet in Israel come down to a travel eSIM, a physical SIM, public Wi-Fi, or roaming.

Buying a local prepaid SIM in Israel requires passport verification under the country’s telecom regulations. Airport packages can cost $30–$50 or more, and many shops close for Shabbat from Friday afternoon until Saturday evening.

Pre-Departure Travel eSIMs and Physical SIM Cards

Set up your data before arrival to skip queues and Shabbat closures. This way you can organize your data as soon as you land and enjoy a hassle-free start.

Digital eSIMs

Digital eSIMs are ideal if you have an unlocked, eSIM-compatible smartphone. You can install your Israel eSIM before arrival using a QR code and connect when you land at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV). This helps you avoid airport queues and get online sooner.

Physical Travel SIM Cards

Israel travel SIM cards are a good option if your phone doesn't support eSIMs or you prefer a traditional physical SIM card. Pre-departure delivery is available to residents of Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and Canada. If you live in other countries, a digital eSIM may be a more convenient choice.

International Roaming Passes

International roaming keeps your primary mobile number active, but daily roaming fees can add up quickly during a multi-day trip to Israel.

• Australia (Telstra, Optus, Vodafone AU): Daily international roaming passes typically cost AU$5 to AU$10 per day, depending on your provider and plan.
• New Zealand (One NZ, Spark, 2degrees): Daily roaming add-ons generally cost NZ$8 to NZ$10 per day, depending on your plan and destination.
• United States (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile): International roaming passes commonly cost US$10 to US$15 per day, depending on your carrier and plan.
• United Kingdom (EE, O2, Vodafone UK): Daily roaming charges typically range from £2 to £7, depending on your provider, plan, and available travel add-ons.
• Canada (Bell, Rogers, TELUS): Daily roaming passes can cost around C$12 to C$16 per day, depending on your carrier and plan.

Roaming lets you keep receiving bank alerts and security SMS codes on your usual number.

Public Wi-Fi Networks & Hardware Rentals

Public Wi-Fi is easy to find in major Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv’s beachfront and central areas. You can also connect to free Wi-Fi at Ben Gurion Airport and on Israel Railways.

However, Wi-Fi coverage can be unreliable outside busy areas, making it harder to navigate while travelling through places like the Negev Desert, the Galilee, or the Dead Sea. Open networks can also pose security risks, so avoid accessing sensitive accounts unless you use a secure VPN.

You can also rent a portable Wi-Fi device for around 7–12 per day. Keep in mind that you’ll need to carry an extra device, keep it charged, and return it before you leave.

Choosing the Right Internet Option for Israel

Staying connected in Israel is easier when you choose an internet option that fits your travel plans, budget, and phone.

• Best Overall: Choose a travel eSIM before your flight so you can get online when you arrive in Israel, without waiting in airport queues. You can connect to 4G/5G networks through Pelephone and Hot Mobile.
• Older Smartphones: Order a physical travel SIM before your trip if you live in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, or Canada, so you have it ready before you fly.
• Local Israeli phone number: Buy a local tourist SIM from a kisok to get a +972 number for calling local businesses. Just remember that many shops close during Shabbat, so plan your visit accordingly.
• Short-term connection: Use hotel or public Wi-Fi for occasional browsing, or rent a portable Wi-Fi device to keep multiple devices connected.

Top Plans to Get Internet in Israel as a Tourist

Tourist SIM Card Israel Data Plans

Quick Facts

• Hardware Requirement: Physical SIM slot on an unlocked device.
• Delivery: Mailed to your home address before departure.

Plan	Data	Validity	Networks	Plan Link
Essential	12GB	30 days	Multi-network	Israel SIM Card
Lite	20GB	31 days	Multi-network	Israel Data SIM Card
Flexi	5–30GB	30 days	Partner, Cellcom, Hot Mobile & Pelephone	Israel Flexi Data SIM Card

Note: Physical delivery is exclusively available to addresses in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and Canada.
More details: Shipping & Delivery.

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