10 Things to know about phone service in Israel

 

  • 1. Incoming calls are free.
    Isn't that nice? Doesn't matter where they're from, local or international.
  • 2. You'll be making international calls. A lot of them.
    Right now, you probably almost never call another country from your cell phone. But when you're in Israel, your family expects to hear from you! Make sure you check what you're paying for int'l calls. It's cheaper than you think!
  • 3. People want to call you too. Ever heard of a virtual number?
    If you're from, say, Teaneck, you can get a 201 number that rings on your phone in Israel. Ask your phone company about it – it just makes it easier to keep in touch.
  • 4. Forget 911.
    In Israel, call 100 for the police, 101 for Magen David Adom, and 102 for the fire department.
  • 5. EyePhone.
    Watch your phone. If it gets lost or stolen, and a thief makes calls to Timbuktu, Israeli law holds you responsible until you ask your phone company to disconnect the line.
  • 6. Technology costs more.
    Israel is a much smaller country than America, and a lot of things cost more (no Walmart = higher prices). Phones too. So if you have to get a new phone in Israel, expect it to cost more than in America. On the plus side, that cool phone you use in America was probably developed in Israel.
  • 7. Kosher phones.
    No, they're not made from shmaltz. 'Kosher' phones are cell phones blocked from internet, text messaging, and more. Some schools require them for their students.
  • 8. Home phone? What's that?
    Most yeshivas and seminaries don't have 'normal' phones, and pay phones are getting almost impossible to find. Your cell phone is all you've got.
  • 9. Internet service in Israel
    can cost more in Israel than the USA, but it can be invaluable for keeping in touch. Israel, the hi-tech leader in this part of the world, has outstanding 3G service country-wide.
  • 10. Driving and Phones don't mix
    In Israel it is illegal to talk or text while driving a car. Enforcement is very strict. And seriously, as dangerous as driving can be in Israel who wants people talking or texting while passing the wrong way on the highway.