eSIM or Roaming: What to Choose for Israel?
No EU roaming in Israel
Israel is not a member of the European Union, so free EU roaming does not apply. European carriers typically charge $5-10/MB for roaming, which can quickly become very expensive.
When an eSIM is recommended
Israel eSIM is highly recommended for all visitors:
- All international tourists: avoid exorbitant roaming fees
- 3+ day stays: significant savings from day one
- Mobile usage: GPS navigation, social media, WhatsApp calls
- Hotspot: share connection with family/friends
Network Coverage in Israel
Israel has excellent 4G/5G coverage (98%) thanks to three major carriers:
| Carrier |
Coverage |
5G |
Used by |
| Pelephone |
98% |
Yes |
Airalo, GoMoWorld |
| Cellcom |
98% |
Yes |
Holafly, Ubigi |
| Partner |
97% |
Yes |
Saily |
Coverage by destination
- Tel Aviv: perfect 4G/5G everywhere, even on beaches
- Jerusalem: excellent coverage throughout the city
- Dead Sea: good coverage despite isolated location
- Haifa: excellent urban and coastal coverage
- Eilat: good coverage, ideal for beach vacations
- Nazareth: excellent coverage in the city
- Negev Desert: variable coverage, excellent on main roads and tourist sites
How to Install Your Israel eSIM
- Purchase your plan (QR code received by email in 2 min)
- Install 24-48h before departure from your WiFi
- Activate upon arrival in Israel (timer starts)
- Keep your home SIM for calls and texts
Compatibility: iPhone XS+, Samsung S20+, Pixel 3+, Xiaomi 12+, OnePlus 8+
Best Israel eSIM 2026
<BlogSummaryTable
title="Top 5 Israel eSIM 2026"
countryCode="IL"
countrySlug="israel"
plans={[
{
rank: 1,
providerId: "gomoworld",
data: "10 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$13",
highlight: "Best value for money",
promoCode: "ESIMP",
},
{
rank: 2,
providerId: "airalo",
data: "5 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$16",
highlight: "Global leader + 5G",
promoCode: "ESIMP15",
},
{
rank: 3,
providerId: "holafly",
data: "Unlimited",
duration: "5 days",
price: "$29",
highlight: "Unlimited data + hotspot",
},
{
rank: 4,
providerId: "saily",
data: "3 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$9",
highlight: "NordVPN included",
promoCode: "ESIMP",
},
{
rank: 5,
providerId: "ubigi",
data: "5 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "~$19",
highlight: "Premium Cellcom network",
},
]}
/>
Why these providers?
- GoMoWorld: Pelephone network (98%), code ESIMP (-10%), best value for money
- Airalo: global leader (8M+ users), Pelephone network, code ESIMP15 (-15%)
- Holafly: unlimited + hotspot, ideal for heavy usage
- Saily: built-in NordVPN for public WiFi, code ESIMP (-5%)
- Ubigi: premium Cellcom network, excellent quality
Conclusion
For all visitors: Israel eSIM is highly recommended as there is no EU roaming. Roaming fees can reach $5-10/MB.
Best value: GoMoWorld 10 GB with code ESIMP offers the best value to discover Israel.
For heavy users: Holafly unlimited eliminates any stress during your stay.
Israel eSIM FAQ