Best eSIM for Israel

Revised and Updated – May 2025

Exploring Israel in 2025 — whether wandering Jerusalem’s ancient streets, relaxing on Tel Aviv’s beaches, or marveling at the Dead Sea — requires reliable connectivity. An eSIM is the easiest way for tourists to access mobile data without physical SIM cards or costly roaming fees. This comprehensive guide compares the best eSIM options for Israel, focusing on providers that are known for their ease of use and robust coverage. Local operators such as Partner, Cellcom, and Pelephone are also included for travelers planning extended stays. A comparison table should help you select the right plan for you.

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An eSIM (embedded Subscriber Identity Module) is a digital SIM built into compatible devices, offering instant mobile plan activation. Here’s why eSIMs are perfect for tourists in Israel:

• No Physical SIM Card Required: Activate digitally without visiting a store or swapping SIMs.
• Instant Activation from Anywhere: Purchase and set up plans online before or upon arrival.
• Avoid Expensive International Roaming Fees: Save with affordable prepaid plans compared to home carrier charges.
• Keep Your Home SIM Active for Calls and Texts: Use your home number for calls/SMS via apps like WhatsApp if your phone supports dual SIM.
• Flexible Plans with Various Data Options: Choose plans tailored to your trip length and data needs.

Airalo, Drimsim, and Yesim offer user-friendly apps, quick activation, and reliable 4G/5G coverage for short-term visitors. The following breakdown of their plans will help you choose the best eSIM for Israel.

Overview: Airalo, a global eSIM leader, offers cost-effective data-only and voice plans in over 200 countries. In Israel, it partners with Annatel, using Partner Israel’s infrastructure for dependable connectivity.

• Plan Options: “Israel/Annatel” plans range from 1 GB for 7 days ($5.50) to 20 GB for 30 days ($22). Data + voice plans include 1 GB + 10 minutes + 10 SMS for 7 days ($5.50) or 2 GB + 20 minutes + 20 SMS for 15 days ($7.50).
• Network: 4G/LTE (5G in select areas) via Annatel/Partner.
• Activation: Requires KYC verification (passport scan, biometric check, ~1 minute). Install via QR code in the Airalo app.
• Top-Ups: Add data through the app.
• Customer Support: 24/7 via live chat, email, and knowledge base.

• Affordable small data plans.
• Intuitive app with 2-minute setup.
• Strong coverage in urban centers (Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa).

• Data-only plans lack calls/SMS (voice plans limited).
• KYC verification may be a minor inconvenience.
• Spotty coverage in remote areas (Negev, Golan Heights).

Best For: Budget travelers needing data for maps and light browsing.

👉 Get your Airalo eSIM for Israel here

Overview: Drimsim’s pay-as-you-go model charges per MB, ideal for travelers with unpredictable data needs. It connects to top Israeli networks like Hot Mobile and Pelephone.

• Plan Options: Pay $0.01–$0.02 per MB; 1 GB costs ~$10–$20. No voice/SMS options.
• Network: Switches between Hot Mobile, Pelephone, and Partner for optimal 4G/5G.
• Activation: Instant via QR code in the Drimsim app or website, no KYC needed.
• Top-Ups: Add funds anytime.
• Customer Support: 24/7 via email and app chat (response times vary).
• Hotspot: Supports data sharing.

• Pay only for data used, offering maximum flexibility.
• Excellent coverage via multiple networks.
• Hassle-free activation.

• Expensive for heavy data users compared to fixed plans.
• No voice/SMS, relying on apps like WhatsApp.
• App interface less polished than competitors.

Best For: Travelers wanting flexibility without fixed data commitments.

👉 Buy Drimsim eSIM for Israel here

Overview: Yesim caters to heavy data users with unlimited and prepaid plans, featuring automatic network switching for reliable connectivity.

• Plan Options: Prepaid plans from 500 MB/day to 3 GB/day ($0.60–$2/GB). Unlimited plans start at $18.50 for 7 days (speed may drop to 1 Mbps after 30 GB).
• Network: Partners with Hot Mobile, Pelephone, and Partner for 4G/5G in urban areas.
• Activation: QR code setup via Yesim app, instant connectivity.
• Top-Ups: Available for prepaid plans; unlimited plans require repurchase.
• Customer Support: 24/7 via WhatsApp, email, and in-app chat, highly responsive.
• Extras: Free VPN for iOS, hotspot support.

• Unlimited plans for streaming, video calls, or work.
• Robust coverage with network switching.
• User-friendly app and reliable support.

• Speed throttling on unlimited plans after high usage.
• More expensive for light data needs.
• No voice/SMS options.

Best For: Digital nomads or heavy data users.

👉 Check Yesim eSIM Plans for Israel

Israel’s major operators — Partner, Cellcom, and Pelephone — offer eSIMs with excellent 4G/5G coverage and plans including data, calls, and SMS. They’re less practical for tourists:

• Setup Challenges: Requires in-store visits or navigating Hebrew websites with identity verification. Hebrew skills or assistance may be needed.
• Plan Structure: Monthly subscriptions (e.g., 150 GB + unlimited calls/SMS for $25–$35), less cost-effective for short trips.
• Coverage: Best nationwide, including rural areas (Negev, Golan Heights).
• Recommendation: Suitable for stays over a month or if needing a local number for extensive calling. Visit stores at Ben Gurion Airport or Tel Aviv’s Dizengoff Center.

For short-term visitors, Airalo, Drimsim, and Yesim are more convenient.

Setting up an eSIM is quick, often taking under five minutes. Follow these steps:

1. Check if Your Phone Supports eSIM: Compatible devices include iPhones (XR/XS and newer), Google Pixels (3 and up), Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, and recent Huawei, Oppo, and Motorola models. Check settings or visit this eSIM-compatible devices list.
2. Choose Your Provider and Plan: Select Airalo, Drimsim, or Yesim based on trip length, data needs, and budget.
3. Install the eSIM: Scan the provider’s QR code or install via their app.
4. Activate the Plan: Activate before travel or upon arrival in Israel, per provider instructions.
5. Use Your Mobile Data: Navigate, message, and explore worry-free.

Select based on your travel plans:

• 1–7 Days: Airalo’s 1–5 GB plans or Yesim’s unlimited 7-day plan.
• 7–15 Days: Airalo’s 10 GB plan or Drimsim’s pay-as-you-go.
• 15–30 Days: Yesim’s unlimited 30-day plan or Airalo’s 20 GB plan.

• Light (maps, messaging): 1–3 GB (Airalo, Drimsim).
• Moderate (social media, browsing): 5–10 GB (Airalo, Yesim).
• Heavy (streaming, video calls): Unlimited from Yesim or Drimsim’s pay-as-you-go.

• Strong 4G/5G in urban centers (Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa). Coverage may weaken in remote areas (Dead Sea, Golan Heights).

• Airalo for low-cost plans, Drimsim for flexible usage, Yesim for unlimited data.

Maximize your eSIM data with these tips:

• Download Google Maps Areas Offline: Save maps for Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, or other areas before your trip.
• Use Hotel and Café Wi-Fi: Connect to free Wi-Fi at accommodations and eateries.
• Turn Off Background Data Usage: Disable data for non-essential apps in settings.
• Disable Automatic Video Playback: Turn off auto-play in apps like Instagram or TikTok.

1. Enable Data Roaming: Turn on roaming in phone settings for most eSIMs.
2. Monitor Usage: Track data via the provider’s app to avoid running out.
3. Keep Your Physical SIM: Use your home SIM for calls/SMS via apps if dual SIM is supported.
4. Test Before Departure: Activate your eSIM at home to confirm setup.
5. Contact Support if Needed: All providers offer 24/7 support for troubleshooting.

For tourists visiting Israel in 2025, an eSIM ensures seamless connectivity while exploring the Western Wall, Masada, or Eilat’s reefs. Airalo suits budget travelers, Drimsim offers pay-as-you-go flexibility, and Yesim excels for unlimited data. Local providers (Partner, Cellcom, Pelephone) are better for long-term stays due to setup complexity. Use the comparison table to find the best eSIM for Israel based on your needs, and follow our setup and data-saving tips for a smooth, connected adventure.

Enjoy your time in Israel!

About The Author

Moshe Barak is a highly knowledgeable and reputable private taxi service operator in Israel, renowned for his professional approach, friendly attitude, and attention to details.
With over 20 years of experience and a long list of satisfied customers he is the trusted choice by many international travelers seeking reliable transportation with a personal touch during their trip to Israel.

Feel free to contact me with inquiries and requests for quotes. I usually reply within 24 hours.

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