TLV’s Ben Gurion Airport has lots of options for getting hold of an Israel SIM card as soon as you touch down, and thus accessing unbeaten internet data and call rates for the rest of your visit.
This guide will help to explain the most convenient location to get a SIM card at Ben Gurion Airport, the options offered by Israel telecoms, and practical tips for an easy and connected stay.
Table of Contents
I. Where to Buy a SIM Card at Ben Gurion Airport
There are several spots to buy an Israel SIM card at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) in the arrival hall.
Partner Communications
Partner Communications Company is among Israel’s mobile providers, which has a shop situated at Ben Gurion Terminal 3 Arrivals Hall. They provide an array of their local prepaid SIM cards with different data packs including the amount of data offered, validity period, and call details.
- Opening hours: Sunday-Thursday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM, Friday: 6:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Saturday: 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM (hours might vary slightly)
- Location: Arrivals Hall, Terminal 3, near Gate B
- Language Support: English, Hebrew, Russian, and possibly other languages
- Recommendation: A reliable option with a wide selection of SIM cards and helpful staff.
Cellcom
Another large Israeli-related mobile communications provider with a store is Cellcom, located also in the Arrivals Hall of Terminal 3. They provide affordable SIM cards with different data plans and sometimes also traveler’s offers.
- Opening hours: Sunday-Thursday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM, Friday: 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Saturday: 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM (hours might vary slightly)
- Location: Arrivals Hall, Terminal 3, near Gate C
- Language Support: English, Hebrew, and possibly other languages
- Recommendation: A good choice for competitive pricing and decent coverage.
019 Mobile
019 Mobile is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) that offers competitive SIM card deals, often with a focus on international calls. You can find their store in the Arrivals Hall of Terminal 3.
- Opening hours: Sunday-Thursday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Friday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Saturday: 9:00 PM – 10:00 PM (hours might vary slightly)
- Location: Arrivals Hall, Terminal 3, near the information desk
- Language Support: English, Hebrew, and possibly other languages
- Recommendation: A good option if you need a SIM card with international calling options, but be aware of their potentially limited data packages.
Packages from this operator start at $45 for 8 days with 10GB at the airport and go up to $109 for 35 days of unlimited data.
The fact that 019 Mobile provides plans with unlimited calls worldwide is one of its many fantastic features.
- $45 USD= 8 days – 10 GB
- $54 USD = 8 days – unlimited data
- $49 USD = 20 days – 2 GB
- $69 USD = 20 days – 20 GB
- $75 USD = 20 days – unlimited data
- $69 USD = 35 days – 5 GB
- $99 USD = 35 days – 30 GB
- $109 USD = 35 days – unlimited data
Important Notes:
- Shabbat and Holidays: Be aware that store hours might be different or closed on Shabbat (Friday afternoon to Saturday evening) and Jewish holidays.
- Activation: The staff at these stores can usually help you activate your SIM card on the spot.
- Payment: Most stores accept major credit cards and cash (Israeli New Shekel - ILS).
If you pick up a SIM card at one of such locations, then within the hour, getting off the plane and setting foot into the country, you have everything necessary to start connecting to the internet!
II. Ben Gurion Airport SIM Card Options and Costs
Israel SIM cards sold at the airport usually start at $45. Israel has a reputation for high costs, and unfortunately, SIM cards at the airport are no exception.
Notes:
- In some cases, the prices may be different from that indicated, depending on the retailer and any existing or current sale.
- Some of the SIM cards may need you to surrender your passport for the purposes of registration.
- Check network and telecommunications compatibility with SIM card and the kind of network technology (4G/5G) etc.
- Important: You should know that some may be restricted on the amount of certain plans they have on offer at the airport.
Tips:
- So, if you don’t know how to choose the right SIM card the best thing you can do is to ask the seller to help you. They are useful for helping you to choose the plan that will suit your needs and your pocket.
- Before buying a new SIM card make sure to read through the fine print to learn about the amount of data, the validity of the pack, and additional charges if any.
- Most phones that come with a SIM card do not automatically come with calling minutes; if this is part of your intended use then the package should include calling minutes or the user should buy calling credit.
It makes it easy to find the best SIM card for your needs after comparing them with the options and your data needs while discovering the natural beauty that Israel has to offer.
III. What You Need to Prepare for Getting a SIM Card at Ben Gurion Airport
Purchasing a SIM card at Ben Gurion Airport is not difficult but it is equally possible to prepare for it in advance. Here’s a checklist to ensure you’re ready to purchase your SIM card upon arrival:
- Passport: It is customary to have a passport check and registration and that is why you will be asked to produce your passport for these services in Israel.
- Unlocked phone: In case you intend to use a physical SIM card, your phone should be unlocked for freezing to work. This results in the fact it doesn’t belong to a particular carrier and can be fitted with SIM cards of other operators.
- Payment method: The majority of the kiosks and stores in Ben Gurion Airport accept Visa and Mastercard as well as the Israeli New Shekel (ILS). Everyone should keep some amount of money separately to avoid any contingency.
- Know your data needs: Analyzing your needs in advance you will understand how much data they are going to consume depending on their travel type and planned activities. This will help you to select the most appropriate data package to subscribe to and regret paying for an extra bundle when you are through.
Once you take care of these things, you can go ahead gather your SIM card, and get yourself connected for the entire time you’ll be in Israel!
IV. Israel eSIM as an Alternative to SIM Card at Ben Gurion Airport
An eSIM should be viewed as the latest and most beneficial development to the traditional physical SIM card. An eSIM is a SIM placed right inside your phone so that you can subscribe to a mobile plan with the jot of a button.
Israel eSIM can offer various advantages for tourists:
- Convenience and Flexibility: Can activate before your travel, don’t need to swap into the physical SIM card.
- Cost-effectiveness: Israel prepaid eSIMs often offer reasonable pricing compared to roaming or purchasing physical SIM cards.
- Easy Activation and Setup: You can usually purchase and download the eSIM profile directly from the provider’s website.
Travel to Israel, visitors should consider choosing europe-esim.com which offers excellent Israel eSIM for any traveler’s needs:
Important Notes about eSIMs:
- Compatibility: eSIMs work in the latest iPhone models and some other devices – iPhone XS and later models, Select Android Smartphones. Check our eSIM-compatible device list.
- Unlocked phone: For an eSIM from a carrier different from that of the phone’s original, the phone must be unlocked.
Individuals in search of ease and fast connectivity are the right candidates for eSIMs. Its time to bid farewell to the traditional memory card and switch over to the eSIM cards for a more relaxed time in Israel.
V. FAQs about Buying a SIM Card at Ben Gurion Airport
Are SIM card kiosks open 24/7 at Ben Gurion Airport?
No, SIM card kiosks and stores in Ben Gurion Airport are mostly open for a limited time. Many are open from 8 am up to 10 pm, nevertheless, during Fridays and Saturdays and Jewish holidays they can close early at around 2 pm. One should consult the official page or the particular shop to find out when it opens
Can I buy a SIM card at Ben Gurion Airport if I arrive on Shabbat?
It is rather unproblematic if some stores are open only during certain hours or are closed on Shabbat there are always choices. Shabbat evenings are otherwise usually an occasion where Partner and Cellcom, amongst others, have longer opening hours. The current hours are still unknown, it is recommended to look at their websites or the airport information.
Do the SIM card kiosks/stores at Ben Gurion Airport accept credit cards?
Yes, the common SIM card vending machines, shops, and kiosks found in Ben Gurion Airport accept MasterCard, Visa and, of course, cash is also accepted, but the currency of preference is Shekel (ILS).
Where can I find SIM card kiosks/stores in the airport?
SIM card kiosks and stores are fixed in the Arrivals Hall of Terminal 3 which was originally designed for international passengers. There may be a Partner logo, Cellcom logo, Pelephone logo, or, as an extension 019 Mobile logo.
VI. Final Words
Ben Gurion Airport is perfect throughout the connection, whereby you can get a local SIM card or any eSIM conveniently depending on the place of purchase. There are many opportunities with the leading providers in Israel so you can plan the ideal trip, get around the large cities, and communicate the wishy-washy moments with friends and family back home through social networks in English.
Consider using Israel eSIM as an alternative to skip the inconveniences to have a smooth trip in Israel!