How much does a phone plan cost for new olim in Israel?
BitLink phone plans range from $14.99 to $39.99 per month, with no long-term contract beyond the monthly term, VAT included, and no hidden fees. Basic is $14.99/month with 1GB of 5G data, 1,000 minutes, and 500 SMS, a fit for light use while you're getting settled. Student 5G is $34.99/month with 50GB of data, 5,000 minutes, and 1,000 SMS, BitLink's most popular plan for everyday use. Max 5G is $39.99/month with 120GB of data, 5,000 minutes, 1,000 SMS, and 150 minutes of calling to US and Canadian numbers built in, which tends to suit olim families staying in close touch with relatives abroad during the first year. Every plan can activate by eSIM or physical SIM, and a US, Canadian, or UK local number can be added to any plan for an extra $9.99/month.
Do I need an Israeli phone number for banks, Kupat Cholim, and apps like Bit?
Practically, yes. Israeli banks, Kupat Cholim, government services, delivery companies, and everyday apps like Bit and Pango verify you by sending an SMS code to an Israeli mobile number — and most of them won't accept a foreign number or a data-only travel eSIM. That's why a real Israeli number is one of the first things to sort out during klita: without one, you can find yourself unable to open a bank account, register with a kupah, or pay for parking. Every BitLink plan includes a real Israeli number, so verification codes, callbacks from the bank, and appointment reminders all just work from day one.
Can I set up my phone service before my aliyah flight?
Yes. Checkout is online, and on an eSIM-compatible phone the activation QR code arrives by email within minutes of payment — so your Israeli number can be live before your flight, ready for the arrival paperwork that starts almost immediately. If you're also keeping your US, UK, or Canadian number, it's worth messaging support before you travel: the team will confirm your current carrier supports porting and sequence the steps around your arrival date, so nothing overlaps badly during your first week.
Which BitLink plan is best for olim staying in touch with family back home?
Max 5G, at $39.99/month, is built for exactly that: 120GB of data plus 150 minutes of calling to US and Canadian numbers included at no extra cost, alongside 5,000 Israeli minutes and 1,000 SMS. If family calls you more than you call them, adding a US, Canadian, or UK local number for $9.99/month lets them dial a number that's local to them instead of an international one, on any plan including Basic or Student 5G. For olim without a specific calling pattern yet, Student 5G at $34.99/month with 50GB of data is a reasonable starting point, and BitLink support can help you switch plans later if your usage changes once you're settled.
