Using T-Mobile in Israel: Is It Possible? 

T-Mobile is the third largest provider of mobile services in the U.S., with nearly 120 million customers. Such a high customer number can be explained by the company’s competitive pricing, extensive coverage, and stellar customer service. But what about international roaming? 

Does T-Mobile work in Israel, and if so, does it retain all the exceptional characteristics users love it for? Keep reading to find answers to these questions and any other questions you might have about using T-Mobile in Israel.

Does T-Mobile Work in Israel? 

If you’re looking for a short answer, it’s yes, T-Mobile works in Israel. However, certain provisions dictate how well this service will work and how much using T-Mobile in Israel will cost you.

The following step-by-step guide will help you get the most out of T-Mobile during your stay in Israel.

Does T-Mobile data work in Israel?

Yes, but expect far slower speeds and to be paying a lot for it.

Step 1 – Check Area Coverage for Your Israeli Destination

How well any mobile provider will work abroad primarily depends on its international roaming coverage. That’s why the first thing you should do is check whether the area you’re traveling to in Israel is covered by T-Mobile’s international roaming agreements. 

You can do so by visiting T-Mobile’s Israel web page and scrolling down to the coverage map. Or, you can let us save you some time and give you the good news right away – the entirety of Israel is covered by a 4G LTE network. Since Israel is still working on expanding its 5G coverage throughout the country, this is the best possible choice for now.

Of course, T-Mobile can’t guarantee perfect service in all Israeli areas at all times. After all, this aspect is primarily controlled by the company’s Israeli partner – Partner Communications Company (formerly known as Orange).

Depending on where you are, your internet speed might fluctuate based on the Partner’s network frequency. Also, you might be unable to make voice calls to specific destinations. So, think of this coverage map as a display of the general availability of T-Mobile’s roaming partner networks, while the actual coverage might vary depending on your specific location. 

However, one thing still stands – you will be able to use T-Mobile throughout Israel. The only question is how well.

The only way using T-Mobile in Israel won’t be possible is if the company decides to suspend, terminate, or restrict its service due to misuse or interference with its network (or ability to provide quality service).

Step 2 – Check Your Device’s Compatibility

Another crucial aspect you must keep in mind is whether your mobile device will work in Israel. You can get this information quickly by revisiting T-Mobile’s Israel web page and scrolling to the “See if your device works in Israel” section.

There are two options for most devices – limited coverage and full compatibility (and, thus, coverage).

The former option is primarily reserved for slightly older devices with the Android operating system. If you fall under this category, you’ll receive the following message: “Your device may have limited coverage.”

T-Mobile will further suggest upgrading to a more recent device, such as a 5G phone, as these are more likely to have excellent coverage (and overall experience) in Israel.

iOS users won’t see a similar message. Even if you own an older iPhone model, such as the iPhone 4, you’ll see the following message: “Awesome! Your device is compatible.”

However, compatibility isn’t the only condition for your device to be used in Israel hassle-free. You must also register this device on T-Mobile’s U.S. network and make a call. Only then can you use that device in Israel.

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Step 3 – Get the Right Plan

Now that you know your phone will work and have coverage in Israel, it’s time to choose the right cell phone plan. Why? If you travel to Israel with your current mobile plan (without any roaming benefits), using T-Mobile in Israel will cost you dearly.

Though to be fair, most T-Mobile plans have built-in international benefits. This sets the company apart from its primary competitors – AT&T and Verizon. In fact, most users consider T-Mobile’s international plans to be far superior to those of AT&T and Verizon across most relevant categories.

With this in mind, let’s break down what these plans bring to the table regarding using T-Mobile in Israel.

Essentials

Essentials is T-Mobile’s entry-level plan, which costs $60 per month. Still, this plan offers a few benefits that can come in handy when traveling to Israel. These include low flat-rate calls to the U.S. and other countries ($0.25 per minute) and unlimited texts.

Unfortunately, internet data isn’t one of these benefits. So, to use your internet in Israel at relatively affordable rates, you must purchase an International Data Pass. When doing so, you’ll be able to choose between three options:

But beware – this plan is the most likely to experience slower speeds during mobile network congestion, which happens quite often when visiting popular tourist destinations in Israel.

For this reason (and the many international benefits they offer), T-Mobile suggests purchasing one of the following three plans before traveling to Israel.

Go5G Plus, Go5G Next, and Magenta MAX

With T-Mobile’s Magenta MAX ($90 per month), Go5G Plus ($95 per month), and Go5G Next ($105), you’ll pay $0.25 per minute when calling abroad from Israel and have unlimited texts. You’ll also have the following benefits:

However, you might still need to purchase the International Data Pass. Why? None of these plans allow you to share data through tethering. So, if you’re visiting Israel with a loved one with no international mobile plan, don’t think twice about purchasing this handy pass. Of course, this pass will also allow you to boost your existing high-speed data if the allocated amount doesn’t suffice.

But be careful – none of T-Mobile’s plans are meant for extended international use. To keep using these plans without issues, you must reside in the U.S. or primarily use your phone on T-Mobile’s U.S. network. Suppose you plan to make Aliyah from the U.S. In that case, your best bet is to choose a mobile plan from a local reliable service provider, such as TCS Telecom.

What to Know About Using T-Mobile in Israel

By now, it’s clear that you shouldn’t have any trouble using T-Mobile in Israel, provided you have a compatible device and the right mobile plan. However, you might still have some questions. So, let’s address some of the most frequently asked questions about using T-Mobile in Israel.

How Can I Make Calls in Israel Using T-Mobile?

When it comes to T-Mobile, calling Israel and calling from Israel, follow a slightly different set of rules. For this guide, we’ll focus on the latter. Here’s a quick roundup of all the relevant guidelines for using T-Mobile in Israel to make calls:

As for receiving calls in Israel, there’s nothing to worry about. These calls will be automatically routed to your phone.

Are There Any Additional Charges When Using T-Mobile in Israel?

Transparency is another characteristic on which T-Mobile prides itself. That’s why the mobile service provider warns that you can be charged additionally in several scenarios relating to your voicemail. These scenarios are as follows:

You can avoid the last scenario by using a landline to listen to your messages.

Another additional charge can occur if your phone accidentally plugs into a local mobile service provider. This often happens close to borders. Avoid this scenario by putting your phone on Airplane mode until you leave the “dangerous” area.

Does T-Mobile Offer Customer Support in Israel? 

In a word – yes. T-Mobile offers excellent customer support to most foreign countries, including Israel. To reach this support, all you need to do is dial +1-505-998-3793 from your mobile phone. This call will be free.

Why Isn’t T-Mobile Working in Israel?

Though T-Mobile should be your faithful companion during Israeli travels, you might encounter issues using this service provider in the country. Besides the already mentioned steps (checking area coverage and phone compatibility), you can take the following steps to “activate” T-Mobile in Israel:

If none of these methods work, call customer support.

Is It Worth It to Use T-Mobile in Israel? 

Whether using T-Mobile in Israel is worth it depends on several factors. These primarily include the length of your stay and the data you need. 

If you’re staying up to a month in Israel and need a lot of data, paying for an upgraded international T-Mobile plan is undoubtedly worth it. However, getting a local mobile number is a way better option if you plan to stay longer. Also, alternatives might work better if you find the upgraded plans too expensive or need less data than they offer. 

But what are the alternatives to using T-Mobile in Israel? Keep reading to find out.

Alternative #1 – Get an eSIM

The best alternative to using T-Mobile in Israel is getting a local SIM card. However, if you’re tech-savvy, you’ll probably be more interested in getting an eSIM card. After all, these cards are completely digital and substantially easier to pay for.

eSIMs are available in Israel from both local and international providers. However, the first option is usually only available for those staying in Israel long-term. Otherwise, you can purchase these cards from international providers like Holafly and Nomad.

Of course, T-Mobile also offers eSIMs. But when it comes to a T-Mobile eSIM, Israel might not be the best destination, as most of these cards operate only domestically. 

Alternative #2 – Get a Local SIM

Are eSIMs not for you? No problem; just get a traditional SIM card!

This option should be significantly less expensive than using T-Mobile and quicker to set up than an eSIM.

Luckily, you’ll have no issues finding a local SIM card, as they’re virtually everywhere in Israel. You can find these cards at:

You’ll even be able to buy a SIM card immediately upon landing, as several vendors offer these cards at the Ben Gurion Airport reception area.

Just keep one thing in mind – your device must be unlocked for an Israeli SIM card to work. 

Alternative #3 – Find Free Wi-Fi

Are you staying in Israel for only a few days? Or do you barely use your phone? If you answer “yes” to either of these questions, you might not need to look for a “specialized” solution for your stay in Israel. Public Wi-Fi might be enough for your needs. And luckily for you – Israel offers plenty of locations with free Wi-Fi.

These locations include hotels, restaurants, and bars, as well as popular tourist destinations like beaches and landmarks. Use your time at these locations to make calls or send texts via messaging apps, check your emails, or simply browse the internet. 

Just don’t forget to protect your device from potential security threats that come with public Wi-Fi by using a reliable VPN service. 

The only thing you won’t be able to do with this method is make local calls.