Before you start

An unlocked phone (eSIM widely supported by all major carriers)
For a monthly SIM-only plan: a Teudat Zehut (Israeli ID number) — new arrivals without one start on prepaid/eSIM
For a monthly plan: an Israeli bank account or local credit card for the hora'at keva (direct-debit) the carriers expect

Step-by-step

1
Bridge with a prepaid SIM or eSIM on day one
Before you have an ID, get connected instantly: buy a tourist/prepaid SIM (Cellcom, Partner, Pelephone or a reseller at Ben Gurion / in town) or load a travel eSIM. Tourist physical SIMs run ~US$15-50 for 30 days of big data + calls; eSIM data packs start around US$4. This gives you a working number for bank OTPs and ride-hailing while you sort out residency.
OnlineWho: YouMinutes (eSIM) to ~30 min (kiosk)eSIM from ~US$4; tourist SIM ~₪50-180 (US$15-50)
2
Switch to a cheap monthly SIM-only plan once you have an ID + bank account
The real value is the resident plans: Golan Telecom ~₪29 (50GB), 019 Mobile ~₪27 (50GB 5G), Rami Levy ~₪33 (80GB), Hot Mobile ~₪37 (up to 400GB), all with unlimited calls/SMS in Israel. The big three (Cellcom, Partner, Pelephone) cost a bit more for the brand/coverage. Sign up online or in a mall store; you'll be asked for your Teudat Zehut and to set up a hora'at keva direct-debit from your Israeli account or card.
OnlineWho: YouSame day; SIM by post in a few days or instant eSIM/store pickup~₪27-50/month (~US$8-14)
3
Keep your number — port it for free
Plans are no-commitment, so you can hop carriers whenever a better deal appears and keep the same number. Number portability is free and usually done within minutes. Critically: let the NEW carrier do the port — do not cancel your old line yourself, or you lose the number. Works for prepaid lines too.
OnlineWho: You (new carrier handles it)A few minutes to a few hoursFree
4
Set up home internet: infrastructure provider + ISP
Home internet is historically two purchases: the infrastructure (Bezeq's fixed line, HOT's cable, or fiber via Bezeq/IBC/Partner) plus an ISP (Partner, Cellcom, Bezeq Int'l, 013/Netvision), increasingly sold bundled. Fiber (סיב אופטי) is now widespread across Tel Aviv. Expect ~₪100-200/month for fast fiber once promos end (intro deals dip lower). Installation needs a scheduled technician appointment.
OnlineWho: YouOrder online; install appointment within days to ~2 weeks~₪100-200/month bundled (intro promos lower)

Documents you’ll need

Teudat Zehut (Israeli ID) — for any monthly plan or home-internet contract
Israeli bank account or local credit card — for the hora'at keva direct-debit
Passport — accepted for tourist/prepaid SIMs and eSIMs (no ID needed)
Israeli address — for home-internet installation

Things most newcomers don’t know

The blocker for cheap mobile isn't money — it's the Teudat Zehut + Israeli bank account the monthly plans need for direct-debit.

New arrivals expect to walk in and get a ₪30 plan, but without an ID and a local account/card for the hora'at keva they're pushed to prepaid. Plan to bridge on prepaid/eSIM and switch the week your ID and bank account land.

Source: Carrier sign-up flows; olim banking guides

Never cancel your old line yourself when switching carriers — let the new provider port the number.

Israeli number portability is free and takes minutes, but if you disconnect first you forfeit the number. The incoming carrier triggers the transfer; coverage stays live throughout.

Source: Israel number-portability regulations

Home internet is two bills hiding as one — an infrastructure (tashtit) provider plus an ISP (sapak).

Newcomers buy one 'internet plan' and are surprised by a second line item, or pick an ISP that can't run on their building's infrastructure. Confirm whether your building has Bezeq/HOT/fiber first, then choose a bundle that covers both layers.

Source: Israeli ISP structure / olim internet guides

Common mistakes to avoid

Assuming you can get the ₪30 monthly plan on arrival — without a Teudat Zehut and Israeli bank account/card you'll be limited to prepaid or eSIM first
Cancelling your current SIM before porting — you permanently lose the number; always let the new carrier do the transfer
Being lured by an intro internet price that resets to a much higher rack rate after the 6-12 month promo — read the post-promo price
Buying home internet from an ISP whose infrastructure your building doesn't support — verify Bezeq vs HOT vs fiber availability at your exact address first
Carrier and bank sites are largely Hebrew-only, so budget time or get help for the sign-up and direct-debit setup

Some of this may be out of date. Spotted something inaccurate? Help us keep it right for the next newcomer.