Frequently Asked Questions

What is a SIM card (SIM chip)?

The SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card, about the size of a postage stamp, has a small chip in it that tells your cell phone all your account information for your account with the cell phone company.

What is a prepaid SIM card?

A prepaid SIM card is a SIM card with a pay as you go account. There are no contracts or monthly minimum usage. Simply add credits to your account, and credits are deducted as you use your phone.

What are the prices for shipping and handling?

We charge a flat rate for shipping and handling. All orders will be shipped within 24 to 48 hours of receiving your order. Orders placed on Saturday or Sunday will be shipped on the following Monday.

USA
USPS First Class Mail - FREE!
USPS Priority Mail - $4.95

International
Global Priority Mail - Canada - $10.95
Global Priority Mail - England - $12.95

*Please Note: We will ship all next day orders on the next business day

Will the SIM card work in my phone?

Your SIM card will work in any unlocked GSM world band phone. Please check with your phone manufacturer or cellular provider to make sure your phone is a world band phone. All GSM cell phones that work in Europe are world band phones and will work in Israel.
NOTE: Most GSM phones from North America with the exception of some T-Mobile and Motorola phones will not work on the Orange Israel network. Your phone must support the 900 MHz band to work with Orange Israel.

Can I use a SIM card in a non GSM phone?

Unfortunately no, but you can buy a good unlocked world band GSM phone on eBay for under $50.

Will my Blackberry work with my SIM card?

With any prepaid SIM card your Blackberry will only work for phone calls and SMS messages. The Blackberry email service will not work because access to the blackberry network is blocked by all Israeli cellular providers for prepaid SIM card accounts.

How do I know if my phone is unlocked?

You should assume that your cell phone is not unlocked unless you specifically purchased an unlocked phone.

How can I unlock my phone?

Most cellular carries including T-Mobile and Cingular Wireless will unlock your phone for you if you have been a customer of theirs for at least 3 months. If your provider won’t unlock your phone, there are services on ebay that will do it for you.

Does my SIM card ever expire?

Yes, you must use your SIM card once every twelve months for Cellcom Talkman and once every thirteen months for Orange Big Talk or it will expire. You simply need to either make or receive a call or send an SMS.

How do I activate my SIM card?

When you arrive in Israel, simply insert the SIM card into your phone and turn the phone on.

How will I know how to use the services on my SIM card such as voicemail?

When you receive the SIM card you will also receive detailed directions in English on all the functions and services that the SIM card account offers including voicemail, how to recharge your SIM card, how to check your credit, and more.

Will my SIM card work outside Israel?

Yes, but when in Israel you must contact either Cellcom or Orange customer service and ask them to activate international roaming services. They can also tell you the up to date roaming rates.