Best eSIM for Israel in 2025 | Comparison

Planning your trip to Israel and thinking about staying connected with an eSIM? This is a complete guide with everything you need to know about using an eSIM when traveling to Israel including a comparison of the best Israel eSIMs for 2025.

Don't waste money on high roaming charges, read my recommendations below and order an eSIM for Israel on the internet. Below you will find up to date prices as per January 2025, including all tourist eSIM specifications.

Find out how eSIMs work, where and when to order an eSIM for Israel, FAQ about eSIMs and more about the network coverage and 4G/5G data speed.

Table of Contents

My recommendation
1. 1. SIM to Israel - 150 GB for $25 USD
2. 2. Airalo eSIM for Israel - 10 GB for $13.5 USD
Israel eSIM comparison
What is the cheapest eSIM for Israel?
Why buying an eSIM for traveling in Israel
1. Overseas data roaming plans
Where to buy an eSIM for Israel?
1. Online
2. On arrival in Israel
When to order/activate an eSIM for Israel?
How to activate an eSIM
Things to know before ordering an eSIM for Israel
Are eSIMs the best way to stay connected when traveling to Israel?
eSIMs vs. local prepaid sim cards
1. Price difference
2. Data speed

Since 2012 I am already traveling the world full time and throughout the years I turned my passion for traveling into a lifestyle and became a full time nomadic travel blogger. That is why I constantly get to a different country and pretty much every week I need to look for a new sim card to stay connected.

In the past I used to buy a local prepaid sim card on arrival in every country, nowadays I mostly use eSIMs to stay connected when traveling abroad.

Traveltomtom also wrote a complete guide on how to buy a prepaid sim card in Israel and a guide for buying a sim card at Tel Aviv Airport.

Some links in this article about the best eSIMs for Israel are affiliate links. If you buy any product after clicking on an affiliate link I will earn a small commission. Don't worry this is at absolutely no extra cost to you!

My recommendation

Before showing you the two best eSIMs for Israel read the following carefully:

Make sure your phone is unlocked and eSIM compatible. If not, an eSIM won't work on your phone!

1. SIM to Israel - 150 GB for $25 USD

150 GB data
unlimited calls & sms
valid in Israel
5G ready
unlimited calls & sms to USA and Canada
local US/Canada phone number
valid for 7 days

Click here to order an eSIM for Israel from SIM to Israel.

SIM to Israel has 8 different eSIM plans from 7 days to 90 days. A lot of data, unlimited calls/sms in Israel and unlimited calls to and from the USA/Canada. SIM to Israel is definitely the best-buy eSIM for Israel in 2025.

2. Airalo eSIM for Israel - 10 GB for $13.5 USD

10 GB data-only eSIM
Valid in all of Europe
5G ready
Valid for 30 days
$1.35 USD per Gigabyte

Click here to order an Airalo eSIM for Israel.

Get an extra discount of $3 USD on your first Airalo eSIM with the code: TOMTOM3.

The Airalo has 12 different eSIM plans for Israel, 6 data-only and 6 plans with data & voice.

Is Israel one of your stops on a trip around the world then you can also look into getting an eSIM for traveling the world. There are a bunch of eSIMs that cover multiple countries, some up to 141 countries around the world.

Israel eSIM comparison

There are 4 mobile internet providers in Israel: Partner, Cellcom, HOT Mobile and Pelephone. There are also a couple MVNO's like 019 Mobile, etc. In phone stores in Israel you can now also get eSIM for tourists.

But let me tell you that ordering an eSIM for Israel on the internet is cheaper and faster and as soon as the plane lands you are online.

Traveltomtom recommends ordering an eSIM for traveling in Israel from one of the well-known eSIM providers that have proven to be reliable operators: Jetpac, Holafly, SimOptions, Nomad, Airalo, GigSky, Airhub, aloSIM, Saily, Roamless, Firsty, Yesim, Sim Local, Ubigi, etc.

The competition is fierce... so before you buy an eSIM first read my tips below!

SIM to Israel

The Traveltomtom Team has tested the SIM to Israel eSIMs and was very happy with the outcome. SIM to Israel has the best-buy eSIMs for Israel and are by far the most recommended eSIM for traveling to Israel in 2025.

Here are all the SIM to Israel eSIM plans for 2025:

150 GB data + unlimited calls/sms + unlimited calls to USA & Canada for 7 days = $25 USD
150 GB data + unlimited calls/sms + unlimited calls to USA & Canada for 10 days = $29 USD
150 GB data + unlimited calls/sms + unlimited calls to USA & Canada for 14 days = $35 USD
150 GB data + unlimited calls/sms + unlimited calls to USA & Canada for 21 days = $39 USD
150 GB data + unlimited calls/sms + unlimited calls to USA & Canada for 30 days = $45 USD
150 GB data + unlimited calls/sms + unlimited calls to USA & Canada for 45 days = $79 USD
150 GB data + unlimited calls/sms + unlimited calls to USA & Canada for 60 days = $89 USD
150 GB data + unlimited calls/sms + unlimited calls to USA & Canada for 90 days = $120 USD

Click here to order an SIM to Israel eSIM.

SIM to Israel does not exactly specify on which mobile network they operate, but all eSIMs are 5G ready!

Airalo

Airalo is a very reliable eSIM provider and Traveltomtom has used Airalo uncountable times in more than 50 countries around the world. I can totally recommend using Airalo for ordering an eSIM.

Airalo is one of the eSIM market leaders, but has not innovated much over the last years and prices have not changed either. But Airalo is rock solid and Traveltomtom has never faced an issue using Airalo eSIMs.

Airalo has data-only eSIM plans for Israel as well as eSIM plans that include data & voice.

Here are the Airalo eSIM plans for Israel for 2025:

1 GB data for 7 days = $4.5 USD
2 GB data for 15 days = $5.5 USD
3 GB data for 30 days = $7 USD
5 GB data for 30 days = $9.5 USD
10 GB data for 30 days = $13.50 USD
20 GB data for 30 days = $17 USD

Click here to order an Airalo data-only eSIM for Israel.

Airalo also has eSIM plans that include data, voice and text.

airalo esim plans for israel with calls sms

1 GB data + 10 minutes + 10 sms for 7 days = $5.5 USD
2 GB data + 20 minutes + 20 sms for 15 days = $7.5 USD
3 GB data + 30 minutes + 30 sms for 30 days = $9.5 USD
5 GB data + 50 minutes + 50 sms for 30 days = $13.5 USD
10 GB data + 100 minutes + 100 sms for 30 days = $22 USD
20 GB data + 200 minutes + 200 sms for 30 days = $34 USD

Click here to order an Airalo eSIM for Israel with data & voice.

Get an extra discount of $3 USD on your first Airalo eSIM with the code: TOMTOM3.

All the Airalo eSIMs for Israel require an ID verification before you are able to purchase an Airalo eSIM for Israel. You have to scan your passport and wait about 1 minute for verification.

The Airalo eSIM plans for Israel are called Annatel+. According to the Airalo website they operate on the Annatel 5G network. Annatel is an MVNO in Israel, meaning they either use the Partner, Cellcom, HOT Mobile or Pelephone network.

Research on the internet didn't get me any more info so it is unclear on which mobile network Airalo eSIMs operate in Israel.

The data-only eSIMs from Airalo do not support incoming or outgoing calls/sms and do not come with a phone number.

An Airalo eSIM has to be installed within 30 days and after activation the credit validity starts when it connects the first time to a supported network.

Saily

Saily is a no-frills eSIM provider. Nothing special apart from that they are a product of NordVPN. They are a fairly new service and the Traveltomtom Team tested Saily extensively before adding to this Israel eSIM comparison.

Here are the Saily eSIM plans for Israel in 2025:

1 GB data for 7 days = $3.99 USD
3 GB data for 30 days = $5.99 USD
5 GB data for 30 days = $7.99 USD
10 GB data for 30 days = $11.99 USD
20 GB data for 30 days = $16.99 USD

Click here to order a Saily eSIM for Israel.

The Saily eSIMs are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls or sms are not supported. Saily is very similar to Airalo but then a dollar or so cheaper.

Saily doesn't provide much info about their eSIM plans. It is unclear if the Saily eSIMs are 5G ready and neither on which network they operate in Israel.

But because some essential info is missing we are hesitant ranking Sialy higher in this Israel eSIM comparison.

Jetpac

Jetpac quickly made name in the eSIM world by not only offering very affordable eSIM solutions, but also by adding a couple benefits for travelers who order an eSIM via Jetpac. Check out our extensive Jetpac eSIM review with all pros and cons.

Check out the Jetpac eSIM plans for Israel in 2025:

1 GB data for 4 days = $1 USD
3 GB data for 7 days = $16 USD
10 GB data for 30 days = $28 USD
15 GB data for 30 days = $35 USD
30 GB data for 30 days = $65 USD
40 GB data for 30 days = $140 USD

Click here to order a Jetpac eSIM for Israel.

Traveltomtom readers now get an extra 10% off on all Jetpac eSIMs when using the promo code: TOMTOM10 at check out!

The Jetpac eSIMs for Israel are valid in all 96 countries around the world and are part of the Jetpac Global eSIMs. These eSIMs are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls are not supported.

The Jetpac eSIMs operate on the 4G/5G network of Pelephone in Israel.

You can instal your Jetpac eSIM before your trip to Israel, but it only activates from the moment it connects to a supported network in Israel. That moment your days also start counting. The Jetpac eSIMs have to be installed within 1 year.

An extra advantage of using a Jetpac eSIM is that you get a free VPN subscription, 50% discount on airport lounges and Fast Track passes. And Jetpac also provides free airport lounge access if your flight is delayed. However, you will have to register your flight before you travel to Israel and in case of a delayed or canceled flight a LoungeKey voucher will automatically be provided.

These are all complimentary services that no other eSIM provider offers. For more info check the Jetpac website.

Firsty

Firsty is a new eSIM provider that has a complete different approach than the original eSIM providers. Firsty gives away free data by watching ads. This sound very tempting, but this data speed is just good enough for messaging, email, internet calls and basic navigation.

Find out more in our extensive Firsty review, tested by the Traveltomtom Team.

But Firsty also has 2 daily plans with unlimited data.

There are 2 different plans with unlimited data per day:

unlimited data per day at 5 Mbps = €1 EUR per day
unlimited data per day at 5G speed = €2.5 EUR per day

Click here to order a Firsty eSIM for Israel.

There is very little extra info available. I found out what the data speeds are exactly after contacting the Firsty support. It is unsure on which network they operate in Israel.

To use a Firsty eSIM it is mandatory to download their app.

SimOptions

SimOptions is a very reliable eSIM provider and Traveltomtom has used SimOptions uncountable times in more than 50 countries around the world. I can totally recommend using SimOptions for ordering your Israel eSIM.

The Traveltomtom Team wrote down all pros and cons about SimOptions in our independent SimOptions Review.

SimOptions also has data-only eSIMs for Israel:

1 GB data for 7 days = $4.50 USD
3 GB data for 30 days = $5.90 USD
5 GB data for 30 days = $6.90 USD
10 GB data for 30 days = $12.90 USD
20 GB data for 30 days = $24.90 USD
30 GB data for 30 days = $31.90 USD
50 GB data for 30 days = $49.90 USD

Click here to order an eSIM for Israel from SimOptions.

If you download the SimOptions app and use the coupon code TOM10 you get an extra 10% discount on all SimOptions eSIMs.

These data-only eSIMs are only valid in Israel. SimOptions doesn't specify on which network they operate, but 5G is supported. These eSIMs do NOT come with a phone number and they do not offer incoming/outgoing calls or sms services.

All the SimOptions eSIMs for Israel are valid for 1 year, but the credit validity starts only when the eSIM connects the first time to a supported network. So you can instal the eSIM even when you are not in Europe yet and the credit validity won't start only on arrival.

Nomad

Nomad is another trusted eSIM provider that offers eSIM plans for Israel. The Nomad eSIMs for Israel are rather expensive compared to other eSIM providers.

Here are the Nomad eSIM plans for Israel:

1 GB data for 7 days = $4.5 USD
3 GB data for 30 days = $12 USD
5 GB data for 30 days = $15 USD
10 GB data for 30 days = $22 USD
20 GB data for 30 days = $35 USD
50 GB data for 30 days = $65 USD

Click here to order an eSIM for Israel from Nomad.

All the Nomad eSIMs are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls and sms are NOT supported. The Nomad Israel eSIMs are only valid in Israel and operate on the 4G/5G networks of Hot Mobile, Pelephone and Partner.

The Nomad Israel eSIMs have to be installed on your phone within 60 days and after installation its validity starts when it connects for the first time to a supported network in Israel. Basically when the plane lands.

Holafly

Personally Traveltomtom is not a fan of eSIMs with unlimited data that do not explicitly define what is the exact Fair Use Policy.

In fact, unlimited data eSIMs are not really unlimited, they all reduce your data speed and you only get a certain amount of high speed data per day.

Holafly is an eSIM operator that only has eSIMs with unlimited data but does NOT mention what the FUP is. They only say the following:

Speed reduction: if necessary. Some carriers may reserve the right to apply a Fair Usage Policy.

These are the Holafly eSIM plans for Israel:

3 days 'unlimited' data = $12.90 USD
5 days 'unlimited' data = $20.90 USD
7 days 'unlimited' data = $29.90 USD
10 days 'unlimited' data = $36.90 USD
15 days 'unlimited' data = $50.90 USD
20 days 'unlimited' data = $61.90 USD
30 days 'unlimited' data = $74.90 USD

The Holafly eSIMs for Israel are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls/sms are NOT supported. These eSIMs do not come with a phone number. Holafly eSIMs operate on the Partner and Pelephone networks in Israel. The Holafly eSIMs for Israel support 5G.

You can use a hotspot on the Holafly Israel eSIMs, but it is capped at 500 MB per day.

Because of the undefined FUP Traveltomtom is not a fan of Holafly eSIMs but Holafly eSIMs for Israel are also much more expensive than other eSIM providers.

What is the cheapest eSIM for Israel?

No other eSIM provider can beat the Jetpac eSIM plan with 1 GB data for just $1 USD. There are more eSIM plans with 1 GB data. Saily charges $3.99 USD, Nomad, SimOptions and Airalo all charge $4.5 USD for the 1 GB data plan.

But then there is SimOptions with an eSIM for Israel with 3 GB data for just $5.90 USD.

Why buying an eSIM for traveling in Israel

eSIMs are the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Israel in 2025 and you can arrange everything online in just a couple clicks. No more visiting a sim card shop and swapping physical sim cards. Order online, scan the QR code, follow the steps and you are connected in less than 2 minutes.

The most important reason to get an eSIM is because we would like to stay connected on our trip to Israel without wasting money on high roaming costs. Our smartphones are pretty useless without a working data connection. Think about ordering a taxi through an app, finding nearby friends, restaurants and bars. Get directions from Google Maps or simply staying in touch with family back home, check your social media apps on long bus rides or your banking apps when paying contactless.

One of the best things about arriving in Israel with an activated eSIM is that you are online as soon as the plane lands. More about when to instal your eSIM later.

There are so many reasons to stay connected when traveling to Israel, but the most important reason is that it makes your trip to Israel so much more convenient and fun!

At the same time we don't want to waste money on high roaming charges. Many mobile internet operators still charge $3 USD per MB for data roaming, that means just opening the Instagram app will already cost you 20 MB * $3 USD = $60 USD! Not kidding… it still is very common in 2025.

eSIMs are the easiest way to avoid high roaming charges!

Helping other travelers to save money while traveling the world is one of the reasons I started this travel blog. Providing essential travel tips is what made me start writing sim card guides from every country I visited and now on Traveltomtom you can already find more than 200 sim card guides from all over the world: Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Poland, Ireland, Netherlands, Peru, Nepal, Bali, South Africa, Namibia, USA, Turkey, Egypt, Dubai, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, Europe, United Kingdom, Spain, international eSIMs and many more.

So next time you are planning your adventure abroad come check out Traveltomtom for the latest prepaid sim card and eSIM advice for your holiday destination.

Overseas data roaming plans

So what about overseas data roaming plans? Well, not recommended! Why? Did you read the small letters at what data speed you can use data roaming? Pretty much all mobile internet operators limit the data speed for overseas data roaming plans, which means you end up with 3G data speed. Do you have the patience to handle 3G? It is frustrating when all around you at pretty much every amazing tourist destinations in Israel there is 4G/LTE available.

And price-wise it should be a no brainer since you have seen how cheap the eSIMs for Israel are.

Uncountable times travel friends have asked me: "Tom, can I use your hotspot? My data roaming plan is so slow, it is barely working!". Trust me, get yourself an eSIM or an international prepaid sim card for traveling to Israel. Spend a couple dollars extra and be connected all the time instead of begging for WiFi or a hotspot from friends.

Where to buy an eSIM for Israel?

Online

You can buy an eSIM for Israel on the internet through an eSIM provider. There are multiple eSIM providers for Israel. Traveltomtom compared multiple providers and concluded that the above mentioned ones are the best eSIM providers in 2025.

When buying an eSIM for Israel through one of the above recommended eSIM providers you only need your email address and the eSIM is instantly ready to use after installation. There is no ID registration needed.

However, as per 2025 when buying an Airalo eSIM for Israel, you need an ID verification. Airalo requires you to scan your passport before you are able to buy an Israel eSIM.

On arrival in Israel

There are 4 mobile internet providers in Israel: Partner, Cellcom, Pelephone and HOT Mobile and as per 2025 they also provide eSIMs for tourists. You can buy them in any of the phone stores in Israel.

For more info about buying a prepaid sim card for tourists in Israel in 2025 click on the link to read my complete guide and comparison of all the mobile internet providers in Israel, including a comparison of the 4G/5G network.

When to order/activate an eSIM for Israel?

You can order an eSIM for Israel pretty much any time you want. Most eSIMs have to be installed on a phone within 1 month after purchasing, some even within 1 year, so you have time.

More important therefore is when do you instal/activate the eSIM. The validity of some eSIMs start straight after the installation, other eSIMs only start their validity when they connect the first time to a supported network.

Traveltomtom advices to instal your eSIM on the day of departure to Israel or before. When in Israel you will need an internet connection to instal your eSIM. All the international airports in Israel has free WiFi so you could use that to install your eSIM. Just make sure it is a stable internet connection and therefore Traveltomtom advices you to install/activate your eSIM in your home country.

My personal advice is to instal your tourist eSIM for Israel before you get into the plane and as soon as the plane lands you will be connected without any problems.

How to activate an eSIM

Installing and activating an eSIM is made as simple as possible. Everyone can activate an eSIM and the instructions on how to are very detailed and will be send to you instantly by email. But wait, it gets even easier. Just scan the QR code.

When you order an eSIM plan for Israel you instantly receive a summery of your order including a QR-code after the payment is processed.

You will see a summary of your eSIM order including a QR code on your screen and at the same time you will also receive an email with the same QR code. The email contains instructions on how to instal and activate your Israel eSIM.

But installing an activating an eSIM is as easy as scanning the QR code with the same phone where you want to activate the eSIM on. The QR contains all the information about your Israel eSIM.

Once you scan the code you will be guided through a couple simple steps and within less than 1 minute your eSIM is successfully installed.

Very important is that you are connected to the internet when installing your eSIM otherwise you will get an error and issues can occur.

Tip: if you order an eSIM with the same phone where you want to instal the eSIM on then ask a friend or someone nearby to take a photo of the QR code and then you scan the QR code from his/her phone and start the installation.

Things to know before ordering an eSIM for Israel

Here are some general tips for using eSIMs when traveling abroad. These tips do not only apply to Israel eSIMs, but are general things you have to know before buying an eSIM.

Make sure your phone is unlocked

To make sure you didn't miss this, let me say this again: eSIMs only work in UNLOCKED phones. If your phone is unlocked then you can use any eSIM without any problems.

If your phone is locked then ask your mobile internet provider from your home country to unlock your phone before your trip to Israel. It is likely that your mobile internet provider will charge you a fee for unlocking your smartphone.

If you are unable to unlock your phone you can look into getting a portable WiFi for staying connected when traveling to Israel or better… bring a second unlocked phone on your trip to Israel and use it as a portable WiFi device.

Which smartphones support eSIM?

Another very important thing you have to check before buying an eSIM is if your smartphone supports eSIMs. If you have any of the latest smartphones then there is no need to worry, all new smartphones of the well known brands support eSIMs.

The fastest way to find out if your phone is eSIM compatible is by asking Google the question: is my (your phone model) eSIM compatible? Simple as that!

If your phone is NOT eSIM compatible then there is no other solution and you can NOT use an eSIM for traveling to Israel.

However, you can still order a physical sim card for Israel on the internet before your trip. Check out Traveltomtom's complete guide for buying a prepaid sim card in Israel or find out everything you need to know about international sim cards for traveling abroad in 2025.

Can I trust these eSIM providers?

All the eSIM providers for Israel recommended in this guide are reputable eSIM providers reviewed and tested by Traveltomtom. All of them are licensed third party companies and resellers that partner or work directly with the mobile internet providers in Israel.

Traveltomtom has used Airalo and SimOptions sim cards for more than 5 years and never really faced a major issue.

Check out the pros and cons of SimOptions in our review.

Sim to Israel is an eSIM provider but they also provide physical prepaid sim cards for tourists. The Traveltomtom Team has tested Israel sim cards from SIM to Israel several times in the past and never faced an issue. Traveltomtom has been recommending SIM to Israel sim cards since 2018.

Jetpac is a fairly new eSIM provider, but Traveltomtom has tested and reviewed Jetpac now in more than 15 countries and is very happy with the performance and the extra perks like airport lounge access, etc.

Sim Local has more than 100 sim card shops and kiosks in international airports around the world and has been selling sim cards for tourists for more than 5 years. Read Traveltomtom's honest review about Sim Local eSIM provider.

The Traveltomtom Team has extensively tested and reviewed Nomad and they have proven to be a reliable eSIM provider. However, some mixed reviews have come back from the Traveltomtom Team about connectivity and activation.

Since Traveltomtom is not a fan of eSIMs with unlimited data and an FUP I hardly use Holafly, but when I did I was not happy. So now I let the Traveltomtom Team randomly test Holafly and just like myself, mixed reviews have come back. Some positive, some negative.

Can I keep my phone number from home with an Israel eSIM?

Yes, you can and this is for many people a reason to order an eSIM to stay connected when traveling to Israel. An eSIM can be used next to your physical or eSIM from your home country at the same time. You do not need a dual-sim phone for using an eSIM.

So you can have multiple eSIMs installed on your phone? Yes, no problem at all!

For example: you can turn off the mobile data from your sim card from home but still use it for texting and calling. Your new Israel eSIM you can be used at the same time just for data to ensure you are not wasting money on high roaming costs.

This is also the trick to keep receiving sms for example for OTP (one time password) sms to login to applications.

Switching between physical and eSIMs is a matter of turning them on/off in the settings. Just always make sure your sim card from home is switched off for data roaming.

Can I make phone calls with an Israel eSIM?

All the eSIMs from SIM to Israel offer unlimited calling and texting as well as international calls to the USA and Canada. Airalo also has eSIM plans for Israel including calling and texting, but these are much more expensive.

All other eSIMs are data-only eSIMs and any incoming/outgoing calls/sms are not supported.

If you buy a prepaid eSIM in Israel you get calling and texting included.

Does an Israel eSIM come with a phone number?

All the eSIMs that offer calling and texting also come with a phone number.

Data-only eSIMs do not come with a phone number and can not receive calls or sms.

Can I use 5G on an Israel eSIM?

Yes, as of 2025 most of the eSIMs for Israel are 5G ready.

Are there eSIMs for Israel with unlimited data?

Yes, some eSIM plans for Israel include unlimited data. Holafly and Firsty only sell eSIMs for Israel with unlimited data.

Traveltomtom is in general not a fan of data sim cards with unlimited data. Why? There is mostly a so-called FUP (Fair Use Policy), which is sometimes already after 2 GB data per day. That means that after 2 GB usage your internet will be slowed down to a data speed which is completely useless.

In general, unlimited data is pretty much never unlimited data at max speed. And trust me the reduced data speed will creep you out as it barely works!

So yes, there are eSIMs for Israel with unlimited data but always read the fine print for more details, terms & conditions.

Holafly does not specify what the FUP is and that makes it very tricky. Is it after 1 GB or after 2 GB?

A Holafly Israel eSIM with unlimited data for 7 days = $29.90 USD.

Firsty says their data plans are truly unlimited high speed internet per day and you pay €2.5 EUR per day. So a Firsty eSIM for Israel with truly unlimited data for 7 days = €17.5 EUR - $18 USD

Holafly Israel eSIMs with unlimited data are much more expensive than other Israel eSIMs.

On Holafly eSIMs I experienced a reduce in data speed after using more than 2 GB per day. When I contacted support they explained me that I had to wait the rest of the day until my data speed was restored to normal.

Those hours were a nightmare as my data speed was barely enough to use WhatsApp. Social media apps were not even loading! Imagine being on a 10 hour bus ride and after 2 hours you reached the FUP...

Therefore Traveltomtom does not directly recommend eSIMs with unlimited data.

Think about it... if you will not use more than 2 GB per day, then what is the point of having an eSIM with unlimited data?

Are eSIMs the best way to stay connected when traveling to Israel?

eSIMs are the easiest and fastest way to get data on your phone when traveling to Israel, but what is the best way?

There are 3 ways to stay connected when traveling to Israel:

Local prepaid sim cards
International prepaid sim cards
eSIMs

Let's compare eSIMs, local prepaid sim cards and international prepaid sim cards, for you to find out what is your preferred way of staying connected.

Local prepaid sim cards

If you use a lot of data then in general local prepaid sim cards are a cheaper way to stay connected. Buying a sim card in Israel is pretty cheap and you can get tourist eSIMs with a lot of data.

The big difference is that these local prepaid sim card are only available in phone stores in Israel.

More info about the best Israel sim cards for tourists can be found in my complete guide for buying a prepaid sim card in Israel in 2025.

International prepaid sim cards

If your smartphone is not eSIM compatible you can order an international prepaid sim card for traveling to Israel. Some of them are great for Israel as well as in all other countries in for example Europe, Americas and Asia and you can easily order them online.

If after visiting Israel you are traveling onwards in Asia then check Traveltomtom's list of the best sim cards for traveling internationally in 2025.

A pre-activated physical sim card will be delivered to your home address before your trip. You put this physical sim card in your phone and as soon as the plane touches the ground and the sim card connects to a supported network you are online. Plug and play!

Click here to order an international prepaid sim card for Israel directly online.

eSIMs

As explained throughout the article there are two different eSIMs:

eSIMs that you buy on the internet through a third party
eSIMs that you buy in Israel in a mobile internet provider store

The mobile internet operators: Partner, HOT Mobile, Pelephone and Cellcom also sell eSIMs for tourists in phone stores in Israel.

As of January 2025 at Tel Aviv Airport you can NOT get an eSIM. Check out my complete guide for buying a sim card at Tel Aviv Airport.

eSIMs vs. local prepaid sim cards

Getting an eSIM on the internet is the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Israel, no doubt! You arrange everything online within just a couple clicks. Right here, right now and you are all set for your trip to Israel. You arrive prepared and there is no need to visit a sim card shop on arrival in Israel.

As soon as the plane lands, you are online!

Buying a tourist sim card at Tel Aviv Airport is possible, but at tourist prices. There are no eSIMs for tourists available at Tel Aviv Airport, only physical prepaid sim cards.

Buying a local prepaid sim card is only possible in a phone store in Israel.

Price difference

But what is cheaper? An eSIM or a local prepaid sim card for tourists?

In general local prepaid sim cards are cheaper than eSIMs and in phone stores in Israel you can buy prepaid sim cards for tourists with 50 GB data for around $20 USD.

For more info check out my article about the best prepaid sim cards in Israel in 2025.

After a long flight you just want to go to your hotel and it is often a big task to go to a sim card store and get connected. Another reason why Traveltomtom recommends to order an eSIM online.

Data speed

Another difference between a local prepaid sim card and an eSIM is that eSIMs are often through a third party, a so called MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator). These MVNO's operate on the network of one of the main mobile internet operators and basically buy bandwidth.

This may sound a little bit too technical, but what it means is that eSIMs through an MVNO are the last ones in line when the line is busy. Especially during peak times, the performance of an eSIMs is less compared to a local prepaid sim card from a mobile internet operator.

Bottomline: the data speed of eSIMs can be less compared to a local prepaid Israel sim card.

I am sure some of the above tips for finding the best eSIM for your trip to Israel were helpful. I hope that after reading through my comparison, tips and tricks it was easier to make a decision and order your eSIM for Israel right away.

If you still have any questions about eSIMs then please leave me a comment below and I am more than happy to help you out.

Curious what the life of a full time nomadic traveler looks like? Go check out my Instagram account @traveltomtom and follow along with daily updates from around the world about the good, the bad and the ugly about traveling.

Traveltomtom is on the road to 197, meaning I would like to travel to every country in the world. As of January 2025 I have visited more than 155 countries, still about 40 to go, but no rush.

Enjoy your trip to Israel!

Details: Parent Category: Middle East; Category: Israel; Last Updated: 28 January 2025