How long does porting my number to BitLink take?
It depends on where the number lives. Porting an Israeli mobile number is fast — both your old carrier and BitLink operate on Israeli telecom infrastructure, so the switch typically completes within 5 to 10 minutes of being initiated and feels close to instant from your side. Porting an international number from the US, UK, or Canada involves coordination with your current carrier abroad, so it typically takes up to 3 business days. In both cases your old number stays active until the port finishes, so there's no window where people can't reach you. If timing matters — say you're landing on a specific date — reach out to support and the team will help you sequence the port around your plans.
What does it cost to keep my number?
Porting an Israeli number to BitLink is free — there's no fee on top of your monthly plan. Porting an international number from the US, UK, or Canada carries a one-time $49.99 fee, which covers the coordination with your current carrier abroad. BitLink states this up front rather than burying it: it's the real cost, there are no other porting charges, and your monthly plan price is unaffected either way. Compare that with keeping an old US plan alive just to hold onto the number — often $10–$40 every month — and a one-time port usually pays for itself quickly.
Does my old number stay active during the port?
Yes. Number porting is designed so the old line keeps working until the new one takes over. For Israeli ports that window is minutes; for international ports it can be up to 3 business days — and through that whole period your existing SIM keeps receiving calls and messages as normal. The handover itself is the moment your number goes live on BitLink, and the team confirms with you once it's complete.
Can I start the porting process before I arrive in Israel?
Yes — and for international numbers it's actually the smart order of operations. Message support before you travel: the team confirms your current US, UK, or Canadian carrier supports porting, tells you exactly which details to gather (usually an account number and transfer PIN), and maps the steps around your arrival date. Israeli number ports happen once your BitLink line is active, which itself takes only minutes by eSIM — so even that can be done on the day you land.
