As a tourist visiting this incredible country, staying connected is likely a top priority for you. An easy way to get connected is with a Hot Mobile SIM card and eSIM. Hot Mobile is one of the top mobile operators in Israel and offers strong nationwide coverage, fast speeds, and affordable data packages for travelers.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about getting a Hot Mobile SIM card and eSIM in Israel, including coverage and speeds, connectivity options, costs, activation, top-up, useful codes, and more. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
1. Quick facts about Hot Mobile
HOT Mobile offers dependable mobile solutions in Israel, encompassing both prepaid and postpaid options with wide-ranging coverage and competitive rates.
- Founded in 1994.
- Provide nationwide coverage in Israel with 98% population coverage across Israel
- Is the third-largest mobile network operator in Israel.
- Owned by Partner Communications and launched commercially in 2012.
- Use 3G, 4G LTE, and 5G networks.
- Have roaming agreements with 190+ countries.
- Offer prepaid plans like the Tourist SIM offer unlimited local & international calls.
In general, the HOT Mobile Israel SIM Card is a great choice for individuals seeking cost-effective and dependable mobile network solutions in Israel.
2. Israel Hot Mobile Coverage and Speed in Israel
Whether in major cities or more remote areas, data users in Israel appreciate the widespread high-speed mobile network access available from providers like HOT Mobile.
2.1. Hot Mobile Coverage in Israel
Here is an analysis of HOT Mobile’s coverage based on the information in the Israel Mobile Network Experience Report from Opensignal for December 2023:
- HOT Mobile finished with an overall coverage experience score of 7.0 out of 10, placing it third behind Cellcom in first place with 8.6 and Partner in second with 8.0. This indicates that HOT Mobile users experience coverage in populated areas less often than Cellcom and Partner users.
- When it comes to 5G coverage specifically, HOT Mobile placed third with a score of 2.3 out of 10. Pelephone was the winner with 3.9, suggesting HOT Mobile’s 5G network has more limited geographic reach than Pelephone’s at this point.
- Availability measures indicate HOT Mobile users had a connection (3G, 4G or 5G) 99.4% of the time on average, tying Pelephone for the best result. This shows HOT Mobile can provide coverage to users for the vast majority of the time in locations they frequent.
- HOT Mobile’s 5G availability of 6.9% of the time was statistically tied for third place behind Pelephone’s leading 7.2%. This indicates HOT Mobile has more work to do expanding its 5G network to provide an active 5G connection for users more frequently.
In summary, HOT Mobile delivers reliable connections but could boost coverage by broadening both its network and 5G reach compared to rivals like top-ranked Pelephone and Cellcom.
2.2. Hot Mobile speed
According to Opensignal Report, Hot Mobile had the slowest download speeds among the four major mobile network operators in Israel, placing it in last place:
- For 5G Download Speed, HOT Mobile wins outright with a score of 299 Mbps. This is just shy of the 300 Mbps mark and 15.2 Mbps higher than Partner in second place.
- HOT Mobile retains its win for Games Experience, sharing the award with Pelephone with statistically level scores of 70.8-72.5 points out of 100.
- For overall Download Speed Experience, HOT Mobile places third with a score of 30.7 Mbps, behind Pelephone and Partner.
- In 5G Games Experience, HOT Mobile scores 72.5 points out of 100 to jointly win the award along with Pelephone.
- HOT Mobile’s 5G Upload Speed is reported as 26.5 Mbps, placing it second behind Pelephone.
- For Consistent Quality, which measures the proportion of tests that meet thresholds for demanding applications, HOT Mobile places last with a score of 38.4%, significantly below the other operators.
In summary, HOT Mobile excels at peak 5G speeds but lags on average downloads and consistency compared to other Israeli networks.
3. Hot Mobile connectivity options for travelers to Israel
Hot Mobile offers four main connectivity options for tourists visiting Israel:
| Connectivity Option | Pros | Cons |
| Prepaid SIM Card | Easy to purchase and activate | Requires a compatible unlocked phone |
| Offers flexibility in choosing data and call packages | May require additional setup for internet access | |
| Allows for local phone number and cheaper local rates | Limited coverage in remote areas | |
| Can be used with various devices (phones, tablets, etc.) | No international roaming services included by default | |
| No long-term commitment or contract require | ||
| Pocket Wi-Fi Device | Provides Wi-Fi connectivity for multiple devices | Additional device to carry and manage |
| Easy to set up and use | Battery life may be limited, requiring frequent charging | |
| Can be shared among travel companions | Limited coverage in remote areas | |
| No need for a compatible unlocked phone | Requires return of the device after use | |
| International Roaming | Convenient and seamless access to network abroad | May incur high data roaming charges |
| No need to purchase and set up a new SIM or device | Limited data allowances and slower speeds | |
| Uses existing phone number and contacts | Coverage and quality may vary in different countries | |
| Suitable for short trips or occasional use | May require activation or configuration with the carrier | |
| eSIM | No physical SIM card required | Requires a device that supports eSIM technology |
| Easy to activate and use | Limited availability of eSIM support in some countries | |
| Offers flexibility to switch between carriers | Some devices may only support one physical SIM slot | |
| No need to swap SIM cards when changing networks | Limited coverage in remote areas | |
| Can be used with various devices (phones, tablets, etc.) | No international roaming services included by default |
Prepaid SIM cards offer the lowest cost of connectivity. But eSIMs are super convenient if your phone supports it. And portable WiFi routers are great for group travel.
4. Best Hot Mobile SIM cards for tourists & cost
The best Hot Mobile SIM card for tourists is the prepaid SIM card. You can then purchase a data pass to add more data to your plan, or you can use your credit to make calls and send texts.
| HOT Mobile Prepaid SIM | Data | Validity | Calling & Texting | Price (USD) |
| 51 Shekel Plan | 200GB 4G LTE/3G | 1 month | Unlimited Calls and Texts to any line in Israel + 1650 Minutes for international calls to any number in USA and Canada | ~$14 |
| 10 Days Unlimited Calls & SMS | 20 GB | 10 Days | Local Only | ~$28 |
| 30 Days Unlimited Calls & SMS | 50 GB | 30 Days | Unlimited Local Only | ~$33 |
As you can see, prices are very reasonable. The tourist SIM packs offer the best value with bundled data, calls, and texts.
If you are planning to use a lot of data, you may want to purchase an eSIM from other providers such as esimisrael.net. They typically offer more affordable data plans than Hot Mobile.
5. Does Hot Mobile Israel support eSIM?
Yes, Hot Mobile launched eSIM support in 2022 for prepaid plans for residents. eSIMs make getting connected super easy without visiting stores. Just enter your passport details, pay online, and activate within the app in minutes.
To use a Hot Mobile Israel eSIM, you'll need check the Israel eSIM Compatible Device List.
6. Where can you buy a Hot Mobile SIM card and eSIM?
Here are some options for where to buy a Hot Mobile SIM card and eSIM in Israel:
6.1. Where to buy Hot Mobile SIM Card
Here are a few options for buying an Israel Hot Mobile SIM card:
- Directly from Hot Israel stores – Hot has retail stores located throughout Israel where you can purchase a prepaid SIM card. Some central locations include branches in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa.
- Online from Hot Israel’s website – You can order a prepaid SIM card directly from Hot’s online store and have it shipped to an Israeli address. They offer data-only and full-service prepaid SIMs.
- At Ben Gurion Airport – There is a Hot kiosk located in the arrivals hall at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport where you can purchase a SIM upon landing in Israel.
- From larger electronics/cell phone stores – Larger consumer electronics chains like Fox, Bronx, and Rami Levi likely have Hot prepaid SIM cards available for purchase.
- From convenience stores – Many smaller convenience stores (minimarkets) also stock Hot and other Israeli carrier prepaid SIM cards that you can buy with cash.
Keep in mind you’ll need your passport to activate a new SIM card from Hot. Data packs and top-ups can also be purchased online or at stores once you have the initial SIM activated. Hot is one of Israel’s major carriers so SIM availability should generally not be an issue.
6.2. Where to buy Hot Mobile eSIM
Here are a few options for getting a Hot Mobile eSIM:
- Direct from Hot Mobile website: Hot Mobile offers eSIM activation directly on their website. You can purchase an eSIM plan from their online store and activate it remotely.
- Retail stores: Some Hot Mobile retail locations may offer eSIM activation in-store. Check with specific stores near you to see if this service is available.
- MVNO resellers: MVNO carriers that operate on the Hot Mobile network may offer eSIM plans for purchase. Sites like Mint Mobile, Ultra Mobile, and Vonage Wireless can activate Hot Mobile eSIMs.
- Carrier activation services: Third-party services allow you to buy prepaid eSIM data passes from various global carriers, including Hot Mobile. You’d purchase credits from their sites which activate the eSIM.
So in summary, checking Hot Mobile’s website first is recommended. Otherwise, look for Hot Mobile MVNO resellers, or carrier activation services, or contact their support for help acquiring an eSIM configured for their network. The optimal method may vary depending on your device and location.
7. How to activate Israel Hot Mobile SIM card and eSIM
Activating your new Hot Mobile SIM card and eSIM is quick and easy:
7.1. How to use Israel HOT Mobile SIM card
You only need to follow these simple steps and everything will be ready.
- Insert the SIM card: Locate the SIM card slot on your device
- Power on your device: Turn on your device and wait for it to recognize the SIM card
- Activate the SIM card: In most cases, the SIM card will be pre-activated
- Set up APN settings if you can not use the eSIM.
- Check your services.
7.2. How to activate Israel HOT Mobile eSIM
Getting started with a HOT Mobile eSIM for Israel is quite easy as follows:
- Install the eSIM
- Activate the eSIM
- Set up the eSIM
- Start using the eSIM: Once the eSIM is activated and set up, you can start using its services.
Please check your detailed instructions below:
8. Israel Hot Mobile Call & SMS rates
Hot Mobile offers very competitive calling and SMS rates:
| Service | Rate on Prepaid (USD) |
| Calls to other Israeli mobile numbers | ~$0.09/minute |
| Calls to Israeli landlines | ~$0.45-0.60/minute |
| SMS within Israel | ~$0.05-0.07/message |
| International calls | ~$0.30-0.90/minute |
| International SMS | Varies by country |
For convenience, the tourist SIM bundles include unlimited Israel/international calls and global SMS. But data-only plans charge the above rates.
Rates are very reasonable for a prepaid Israel SIM card. Note you’ll pay roaming charges outside Israel unless you have a plan with roaming.
9. Useful USSD codes for Israel Hot Mobile SIM card and eSIM
Here are some useful USSD codes for checking account info and making changes:
- To check your HOT Mobile phone number Call to *6733 than press 4.
- To check your HOT Mobile balance send SMS to number “700” with text the ltter “b“.
USSD codes let you check details and configure your Hot Mobile SIM/eSIM without installing the app. Just dial the codes above like *104# on the phone dialpad.
10. How to top-up Hot Mobile Israel SIM/eSIM
There are a few ways to add more credit (recharge) your Hot Mobile prepaid account:
- Top-up Vouchers: Buy vouchers at stores like post offices, kiosks etc.
- Online Top-Up: Use international credit card on Hot Mobile website.
- Hot Mobile App: Download the app and login to your account. Choose amount and pay via stored card. Top-up is instant.
I recommend buying a few top-up vouchers when you first arrive as they are the easiest way to recharge later. Or do quick top-ups using the Hot Mobile app which is very convenient.
11. Alternatives to Israel Hot Mobile
The other top networks in Israel besides Hot Mobile are:
- Pelephone – One of the largest mobile operators in Israel. Offers 4G LTE cellular plans with data, talk and text packages.
- Cellcom – A major Israeli communications company providing telecom services including mobile. They have nationwide 4G coverage in Israel.
- Partner – Another large Israeli cellular carrier that uses both Orange and Partner branding. Plans include no-limit options for data, minutes, and texts.
- esimisrael.net – provides eSIM data plans that allow you to stay connected in Israel without changing your physical SIM card.
Comparing coverage maps, price plans, and features between Pelephone, Partner, Cellcom and some of the alternatives like esimisrael.net to find the best fit for your needs and budget.
Stay connected in Israel with an eSIM from esimisrael.net. Buy an affordable data package today and get instant access to fast 4G/5G networks across the country.
12. FAQs about Hot Mobile in Israel
Is Hot Mobile prepaid or postpaid?
Hot Mobile offers both prepaid and postpaid plans. But prepaid SIM cards are usually best for tourists visiting short-term.
Can I use Hot Mobile SIM in other countries?
Hot Mobile has roaming agreements with 190+ countries. But roaming is very expensive – so best to get local SIMs when traveling outside Israel.
How long is Hot Mobile SIM card valid for?
Validity depends on initial plan purchased – 7 days, 14 days, 30 days etc. Top-ups extend validity. Unused SIMs eventually expire.
How to check Hot Mobile number?
To check your Hot Mobile phone number dial *102#. Or you can find it printed on your SIM card.
How to monitor Hot Mobile data usage?
To check data used so far, dial *101# on your Hot Mobile SIM. This avoids nasty bill shocks or overage fees.
13. Final words
That sums up everything you need to know about getting connected with Hot Mobile SIM cards and eSIM when visiting Israel! Hot Mobile provides excellent prepaid plans, coverage, speeds, and connectivity options for tourists. Their tourist SIM bundles give great value with generous bundled data, calls, and texts. Just decide if you want a physical SIM card or eSIM, pick it up at the airport/online, and activate it quickly on arrival. Then stay connected with unlimited calls, fast LTE data, and easy top-ups. Enjoy your trip to Israel! May you have safe travels and wonderful experiences.
