Pelephone SIM Cards and eSIM: Detailed Guides for Tourists

Visiting Israel? Here are the useful guides for you to get connected with Pelephone eSIM and SIM cards during your trip. Buying prepaid Pelephone eSIM and SIM Cards with a data plan to explore everywhere in Israel without interrupting.  Don’t waste time, let’s go!

1. Quick Facts about Pelephone

Pelephone is one of Israel’s main mobile operators, alongside Cellcom and Partner.

• Launched in 1994
• Uses 2G, 3G, and 4G LTE networks. 5G was launched in 2020.
• Has 97% population coverage in Israel. It has the best reach in cities and along major roads.
• Average download speeds range from 45-65Mbps on 4G LTE in major cities. 5G speeds are up to 2x faster.
• Prepaid and postpaid plans are available, including unlimited calls and data packages. Monthly and weekly tourist plans are offered.
• Over 2.26 million wireless subscribers

Pelephone has robust coverage, fast speeds, and competitive rates across Israel. It’s a top choice for many tourists visiting Israel.

2. Why Pelephone When You’re Exploring Israel-Coverage and Speed

There are two main factors you should consider carefully before choosing any network providers for your trip: Coverage and Speeds

2.1. Pelephone Coverage in Israel

Here is an analysis of Pelephone’s coverage based on the December 2023 Israel Mobile Network Experience Report from Opensignal:

• Pelephone won the 5G Coverage Experience award outright with a score of 3.9 points out of 10. This indicates that Pelephone users with 5G devices and subscriptions had the best 5G coverage out of all operators in the areas and times that users can reasonably expect coverage.
• For overall Coverage Experience across 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G networks, Pelephone placed third with a statistically similar score of 7.9 points out of 10. Only Cellcom scored higher with 8.6 points, while Partner and Pelephone were statistically tied for third place.
• Pelephone tied for highest mobile network availability at 99.4% of the time. This shows that Pelephone users had a mobile internet connection available for the vast majority of the time in places they typically use their phones.
• Pelephone’s 5G availability was measured at 7.2% of the time. This placed it third behind Cellcom and Hot Mobile and indicates the proportion of times Pelephone users could connect to a 5G signal.

In summary, while not winning outright in overall coverage metrics, Pelephone delivered the best 5G coverage experience according to Opensignal’s analysis. It also offered mobile network availability on par with the best performers. This indicates Pelephone provides good geographic coverage where users need it most.

2.2. Pelephone Speed

Here is an analysis of Pelephone’s speeds based on the December 2023 Israel Mobile Network Experience Report from Opensignal:

• Pelephone won the outright Download Speed Experience award with a score of 36.1 Mbps. This indicates that on average, Pelephone users experienced the fastest everyday download speeds out of all operators.
• Pelephone placed third for 5G Download Speed with a score of 237.4 Mbps. While not the outright fastest 5G speeds, this still represents strong 5G performance that is faster than many non-5G networks.
• For Upload Speed Experience, Pelephone again placed first jointly with Cellcom by achieving an average of 9.7 Mbps. This demonstrates balanced high speeds both up and down.
• In the critical 5G metrics, Pelephone scored well with 5G Upload Speed of 26.7 Mbps, placing it third. This shows its 5G network is capable of supporting high-bandwidth applications.
• Across all speed metrics, Pelephone delivered consistently high performance, ranging from first to third place. This indicates that on Pelephone’s network, users can experience fast speeds for most of their daily online activities.

In summary, Pelephone performed very strongly for speed according to this report, winning the Download Speed award and placing competitively in all other speed categories for both 5G and overall network performance. Its speeds clearly support high-quality mobile internet use.

3. Pelephone Connectivity Options for Travelers to Israel

Pelephone offers two main connectivity options: Pelephone SIM Cards and eSIM. Both of them have its own advantages and downsides as describe in the below table.

For ultimate convenience, eSIM is recommended if your device supports it. But standard SIMs still work great and are easy to get.

4. Best Pelephone SIM Cards Israel for Tourists and Cost

Here are the best Pelephone SIM cards for tourists visiting Israel and their associated costs:

It’s always recommended to verify the latest plans and prices from the official Pelephone website or by contacting their customer service.

5. Does Pelephone Support eSIM in Israel?

Yes, Pelephone does offer eSIM support, but only for residents within the country:

• Currently, Pelephone eSIM only works within Israel. It won’t connect to cellular networks abroad.
• You can only have one active eSIM on your phone with Pelephone. If you have another eSIM for a different carrier, you’ll need to deactivate it before using Pelephone’s eSIM.

6. Where Can You Buy a Pelephone SIM Cards & eSIM?

As a tourist, it’s easy to get a Pelephone SIM Card and eSIM in Israel through multiple convenient pickup options:

6.1. Where to buy Pelephone SIM Card in Israel?

Here are some options for buying a Pelephone SIM card in Israel:

• Pelephone Stores: Pelephone has its own stores located in major cities and shopping centers across Israel. 
• Mobile Provider Stores: Pelephone SIM cards may also be available at other mobile provider stores, such as Cellcom or Partner.
• Electronics Stores: Large electronics retailers, such as Best Buy, KSP, or Bug, often carry Pelephone SIM cards along with other mobile accessories.
• Airports: Some international airports in Israel, such as Ben Gurion Airport, may have kiosks or shops where you can purchase Pelephone SIM cards from different providers, including Pelephone.
• Convenience Stores: Local convenience stores and small mobile phone shops may also sell Pelephone SIM cards. 

When buying in person, you need to provide your passport as ID proof. Additionally, you can ask for recommendations from locals or hotel staff who can provide specific information based on your location.

6.2. Where to buy Pelephone eSIM Israel?

You can’t directly purchase a Pelephone eSIM from their stores or website. Instead, eSIM providers sell online Israel eSIMs using major Israel networks. esimisrael.net offers prepaid eSIM plans with data for travel to Israel.

Stay connected in Israel with an eSIM from esimisrael.net. Get fast 4G/5G data starting from just $10 for 7 days. Buy your Israel eSIM plan now before you travel.

7. How to activate Pelephone eSIM and SIM Cards in Israel?

Activating your new Pelephone SIM Cards and eSIM is quick and convenient:

7.1. How to activate a Pelephone Physical SIM Card

Activating a physical Pelephone SIM Card involves two steps: inserting the SIM card and choosing a plan. Here’s a breakdown:

• Turn off your phone: Ensure your phone is completely powered down before inserting the Pelephone SIM card.
• Locate the SIM card slot: Consult your phone’s manual for the SIM card slot location. It’s usually on the side or back of the phone.
• Insert the SIM card: Carefully insert the SIM card into the designated slot with the correct orientation (usually gold contacts facing down).
• Power on your phone: Once the SIM card is in place, turn on your phone.

7.2. How to activate Pelephone eSIM 

Activating a Pelephone eSIM involves obtaining a QR code and following your phone’s settings for adding a mobile plan. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Install the eSIM
2. Activate the eSIM
3. Set up the eSIM
4. Start using the eSIM: Once the eSIM is activated and set up, you can start using its services.

8. Israel Pelephone Call & SMS Rates

Israel has high mobile rates compared to many regions, so it’s useful to understand Pelephone’s prepaid calling and messaging rates:

Note that there may be additional charges or packages available from Pelephone that can affect the rates.

9. Useful USSD code for Pelephone SIM/eSIM

Pelephone supports several useful USSD codes to check your account balance and settings directly from your phone’s dial pad:

• Check Credit Balance: Dial *019 or *998 (Prepaid)
• Voicemail: Dial *151 or hold down the “1” key (Default password: 1234)

USSD codes provide quick access to account info without installing any apps. Dial the code, hit call/send, and your details will display instantly on screen. Handy for checking balances or voicemail on the go when exploring Israel!

10. How to top-up Pelephone SIM/eSIM

It’s easy to add more call and data credit to your Pelephone prepaid SIM or eSIM:

• Kiosks/Stores: Buy top-up voucher from Pelephone stores, airport shops, convenience stores. denomination. Scratch card reveals PIN.
• Online: Purchase credit securely on Pelephone website. Delivery via email PIN within 5 minutes.
• Smartphone App: Pelephone app for iOS/Android allows instant top-up via Israeli credit card or Apple/Google Pay.
• ATM: Select ATMs from Leumi Bank and Discount Bank allow top-up. Insert cash, receive voucher.

When credit runs low, quickly add more to avoid service interruptions. Convenient options include buying a voucher, topping up via app, or using a supporting ATM.

11. FAQs about Pelephone in Israel

12. Final words

Pelephone provides reliable connectivity across Israel via prepaid SIMs and eSIMs. Their widespread coverage and competitive tourist rates let you easily stay in touch while exploring sites in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Masada and beyond. Get affordable service activated upon arrival to enjoy seamless access to maps, info and communication during your Israel adventure.