Installing an Israeli Telephone Line
The first step to installing an
Israeli telephone line is choosing a telephone company. See below for a listing
of telephone companies in Israel. There are so many new phone services and
promotions that it is worthwhile to compare prices. Once you decide which you
want to use, the company will begin by ascertaining whether there was
previously a different phone number on your apartment's line. If there was, the
line can simply be reprogrammed with your new number; if not, the company will
send a technician to your apartment to install a new line. Be sure to inquire
about current special offers, as there are often package deals available.
Be aware that
when installing a new phone line in a previously occupied apartment, the
telephone technician will only connect one telephone jack. An additional fee is
charged for every additional jack, so determine which, if any, you really need.
When moving
anywhere in the country, you may transfer a previous telephone number to the
new apartment for a minimal fee.
Note: Many
promotional offers are only for limited periods of time. If you are not careful
to watch out for the expiration date, companies may automatically continue your
service at the current (often expensive) rate. It is now against the law to
bind a customer into a contract for a certain period of time.
Phone Companies
Bezeq: 199 - Customer Service, 166 - Technical
Support Line
In dealing with Bezeq, you will
always need the teudat zehut / passport number of the line's owner and
the last four digits of the payment method (credit card/bank account). You can
also use the mispar lako'ach (customer number), which is written at the
top of each bill, as a way of identifying yourself.
Hot: 1-800-077-77
Cellcom:
1-800-052-052
Netvision:
*3031
Orange: *5474
Smile 012:
*3012
XFone 018:
1-700-018-700
International Calls
International
calls can be made through your regular landline, a VoIP line (DSL), or a cell
phone.
To make
international calls from an Israeli landline, sign up through an international
carrier; it costs far less that way. Having an international option on your
Israeli landline can be convenient in a case when your VoIP line (see below) is
down, or if you want to send international faxes; faxing through a VoIP line is
often problematic. Companies that offer this option include 012, 013, 014, 017
and 018.
A VoIP (Voice
over Internet Protocol) line, also called DSL, allows you to make phone calls
over the Internet. You receive a U.S., UK, Canadian or other foreign phone
number that rings in your home in Israel. This way, you could call your country
of origin as if it's a local call, and people from there could contact you via
a local call. There are three things you need to have in order set up a VoIP
line:
- an Internet line
- a modem from your phone service company
- a phone adaptor from the VoIP company
See our
"Obtaining an Internet Line/Internet Access" information guide for more details.
There are many
DSL companies. Compare prices and explore different plans available (i.e.
unlimited versus by-the-minute plans). There are constantly new long-distance
options opening up, so keep your ears open. Note: Many companies will only ship
the router to an address in the States.
Some VoIP
companies:
- Jivetel: 1.855.444.JIVE, jivetel.com
- Vonage: 1.800.709.1241, vonage.com
Other options to
explore are the MagicJack and Ooma Box. The Magic Jack is a simple USB-like
device that costs as little as $35.00 a year. It plugs directly into either
your modem/router or computer. It includes free unlimited calling to the US and
Canada and can be uploaded with prepaid international minutes to other
countries, as well. This device is portable and can be combined with an app for
smartphones. Check out the webpage for
current rates and promotionals. The Ooma Box is a similar device that plugs into
your Internet modem/router. Follow this link to the Ooma Box website.
Alternatively,
you can receive a US local number on your regular Bezeq line or cell phone
without requiring Internet. One company that does that is TCS Connect:
02-655-0332, email: info@go-tcs.com.
General Phone Information
144: Information
Center
You can request
up to three numbers at a time. Be sure to specify at the beginning of the call
how many numbers are wanted. It costs 1.73 NIS for this call, no matter how
many numbers you request.
1-800: Toll free
call
1-700: Fee is
split between caller and line holder
1-599: Business
line, same price as local call
1-900: Pay per
minute, price varies and can be expensive. Often this is used for inappropriate
matters, as well. You can request that your line be blocked from calling such
numbers.