Tourist SIM Card for Israel
Skip the airport kiosk. A SabraConnect eSIM gives you 5G data, a local Israeli number and calls — installed at home before you fly, connected the moment you land.
The short answer
Most visitors no longer need a physical tourist SIM. If your phone supports eSIM, buy a SabraConnect eSIM online, install it on Wi-Fi before your trip and land with data already working. Your home SIM stays in the phone, so WhatsApp and bank codes keep reaching your usual number.
What you get
- 30-day plan — $25: 350GB of 5G data, 3,000 local minutes, 1,500 SMS, Israeli +972 number
- 14-day plan — $20: 50GB of 5G data, 50 local minutes, 50 SMS, Israeli +972 number
Both plans run on the Pelephone 5G network and activate automatically at midnight Israel time on the date you choose.
Airport SIM card vs eSIM
A physical SIM from a Ben Gurion kiosk still works, but it costs you time on arrival. Here is how the two compare.
| Airport SIM card | SabraConnect eSIM | |
|---|---|---|
| Where you buy it | Kiosk or shop in Israel | Online, before your trip |
| When you are online | After the queue and setup | As you land |
| Paperwork | Passport and forms | None — QR by email |
| Your home SIM | Removed and stored | Stays in the phone |
| Opening hours | Limited | 24/7 |
| Price | Walk-up pricing, varies | $25 for 30 days, $20 for 14 days |
A physical SIM only makes sense if your phone cannot use eSIM — see below.
How it works
- Order online: Choose a 14- or 30-day plan and your activation date. Your QR code arrives by email within minutes.
- Install at home: On Wi-Fi, open Settings → Cellular (or SIMs) → Add eSIM and scan the QR. It takes about two minutes and nothing is charged until your start date.
- Land and connect: Turn off Airplane Mode, select the line with your Israeli number for mobile data and switch on Data Roaming for that line.
- No signal? Restart: If you do not see service within a few minutes, restart your phone. This solves most first-connection issues.
Is your phone ready?
- Your phone supports eSIM — most iPhones from XS onward, Google Pixel 3 and later, and recent Samsung Galaxy models.
- Your phone is carrier-unlocked. On iPhone: Settings → General → About → Carrier Lock should read “No SIM restrictions”.
- It is not a mainland-China iPhone model — those have no eSIM hardware.
See the full list of compatible phones
Coverage across Israel
SabraConnect is an authorized Pelephone reseller, running on the Pelephone network, one of Israel’s three national networks, with 5G in the cities and 4G elsewhere. Tel Aviv · Jerusalem · Haifa · Eilat · Dead Sea · Negev · Galilee · Ben Gurion Airport
When a physical SIM still makes sense
If your phone does not support eSIM — for example a mainland-China iPhone or an older Android — buy a prepaid tourist SIM from Partner, HOT Mobile or Cellcom at Ben Gurion Airport. Note that US iPhone 14 and later have no SIM tray, so they can only use eSIM.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I buy a tourist SIM card for Israel?
Physical SIMs are sold at Ben Gurion Airport kiosks and city phone shops. The faster option is an eSIM bought online before you travel: SabraConnect emails your QR code instantly, so you skip the airport queue and land connected.
How much does a tourist SIM cost in Israel?
Airport and shop prices vary. SabraConnect costs $25 for 30 days (350GB of 5G data, 3,000 local minutes, 1,500 SMS and an Israeli number) or $20 for 14 days (50GB).
Will I keep my WhatsApp number?
Yes. Your home SIM stays in the phone, so WhatsApp keeps your usual number. The eSIM handles mobile data and gives you an extra Israeli number for local calls.
When does my plan start?
Automatically at midnight Israel time on the start date you choose at checkout — pick the day you land in Israel. You can install the eSIM any time before that.
I installed the eSIM but have no internet. What should I do?
Restart your phone first. Then check that Data Roaming is on for the line with your Israeli number and that this line is selected for mobile data. If needed, choose Pelephone manually under network selection.
Can I get a refund?
Yes — a full refund within 30 days of purchase, as long as the eSIM has not been activated.