new in Israel? your first-week guide to getting connected
The first days in a new country are a lot. Getting connected should be the easy part — here is what to do, step by step.
In your first week: get a local SIM and number, check your phone supports 4G and VoLTE, save the emergency numbers, install the apps your family uses, and send your new number to your employer and family.
In this guide
day 1: tell your family you arrived
Before anything else — let them know you're safe. Airport and public Wi-Fi are fine for a quick message. Then make getting a local number your first job.
day 1–2: get a local SIM and number
You'll need an Israeli number for your employer, your bank, deliveries and most apps. When choosing a provider, check:
- Can they help you in your language?
- Is the full price clear and written down?
- Is there enough data for daily video calls home?
- Does the plan renew by itself, or do you need to buy a new card every month?
Our full guide to choosing a provider explains each point.
day 2: check your phone
- 4G and VoLTE. Israel has been switching off its old 2G and 3G networks, so your phone needs 4G and VoLTE for calls. How to check.
- 5G. If your phone supports it, switch it on for faster speed. What 5G means for you.
- One active SIM. Keep your Israeli SIM as the only active one, to avoid connection problems.
day 2–3: save these numbers
| Number | Who |
|---|---|
| 101 | Magen David Adom — ambulance and medical emergencies |
| 100 | Police |
| 102 | Fire and rescue |
| 104 | Home Front Command — civil safety |
| Your employer / agency | Save their name and number right away |
| Your country's embassy | Find it on the embassy's official website |
If you feel unwell or get hurt, don't wait — call 101 or go to the nearest clinic or hospital.
day 3: set up your apps
- The apps your family uses — WhatsApp, LINE, IMO, Viber, WeChat.
- A map app — Google Maps or Moovit for buses and trains.
- A translation app — use the camera to read Hebrew signs and letters.
- The Home Front Command app — official safety alerts in Israel.
by the end of week one
- Send your new number to your family and employer.
- Set a daily call time with home. Tips for great video calls.
- Save your provider's WhatsApp number — for any question, in your language.
Just arrived? Write to us on WhatsApp. We'll get you connected and answer your questions in your language — welcome to Israel.
quick answers
Yes, in most cases you can get a local SIM and number very quickly. Message Qmobile on WhatsApp and we'll explain what you need and help you get connected in your language.
Most smartphones from the last few years work in Israel. Your phone needs to support 4G and VoLTE, because Israel has been switching off its old 2G and 3G networks. Send us your model and we'll check.
Save 100 (Police), 101 (Magen David Adom — ambulance), 102 (Fire and rescue) and 104 (Home Front Command). In any medical emergency, call 101 straight away.
You can keep it in a drawer for when you visit home, but we recommend using your Israeli SIM as the only active SIM in your phone — running two SIMs at once can cause connection problems.
Contact a provider that serves foreign and international workers, like Qmobile. We explain what you need in your language and help you get your SIM and number.
Real people, in your language
Your language, your comfort - we break down language barriers. Our team answers in the language you're most comfortable with,
Sunday - Thursday, 08:00 to 17:00.
far away — just got closer
5G · 500GB · unlimited calls & SMS in Israel · free SIM · support in your language