As you travel abroad, you want to stay in touch with your friends and family back home, or with the Palestinians, you meet here. WiFi is available in many places such as most coffee shops, and usually also with your host family. However, you may want to purchase a SIM card to be able to call people within Palestine and to use the internet when there is no WiFi. Most Palestinians use WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or Instagram to communicate. Still, in case of an emergency, it is wise to have a Palestinian phone number to be able to call your host family, new friends, or us at Travel to Palestine. Therefore, we present our guide to buying a SIM card in Palestine. 

Virtual Occupation

Before diving into the practicalities, it is good to know that 3G has been available in Palestine only since 2018. Israel has security control over the West Bank and Gaza, including telecommunications. Whereas Israel already upgraded to 4G in 2013 and has since begun building super-fast 5G networks in urban centers, Palestinian companies still use 3G networks. Talks between Israeli and Palestinian officials over setting up 4G cellular networks have stalled over Israeli delaying tactics. In Gaza, Israel has only permitted 2G networks to operate. Thus, during your stay in Palestine, you will feel the occupation even through your phone. It is not just an occupation of physical space but virtual. 

Israeli SIM Card

Many Palestinians use Israeli SIM cards to profit from the fast 4G/LTE networks. You can use an Israeli SIM card as a visitor, but buying one from the black market in Palestine is against the law – you can get arrested for it. If you wish to have an Israeli SIM card, buy one in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv. 

Palestinian SIM Card

If you buy a SIM card in Palestine, you can choose between Jawwal and Ooredoo. They have a market share of more than 80% of people in Palestine. You can use their network all over the West Bank, and speeds are decent. Ooredoo Palestine is run by Kuwait and Qatar and is the second operator in Palestine. SIM cards are cheaper. The rates for data packages are more affordable. 

Getting a Phone and SIM card in Palestine

SIM Card

The process of purchasing a Palestinian SIM card is simple. There are shops around each city where you can buy a SIM card or recharge your phone plan. Getting a Palestinian SIM card will give you a local Palestinian number and allow you to receive incoming calls. The price for a SIM card alone costs ten to twenty shekels. You can get a prepaid card, meaning there is no contract, and you can add more minutes easily. 

Data plan 

With your SIM card, you can purchase an international data plan. The price of your data plan depends on the phone company you wish to sell your project from. With Jawwal, you can purchase from 15 to 45 GB, ranging from 15 to 80 shekels. With Ooredoo, you can buy from 500MB to 40GB, and prices range from 5 to 70 shekels.

Conclusion on handling a SIM card in Palestine

In conclusion, staying connected while traveling in Palestine is essential for both convenience and safety. While WiFi is widely available in many places, having a Palestinian SIM card provides you with the ability to call locally and access the internet even when WiFi is not accessible. Despite the challenges posed by the virtual occupation, obtaining a Palestinian SIM card is relatively straightforward, with options like Jawwal and Ooredoo offering affordable data plans and coverage across the West Bank.

Getting a Phone and SIM card in Palestine

Remember, purchasing an Israeli SIM card from the black market in Palestine is illegal and can lead to legal consequences. Once you’ve purchased your SIM card, simply swap it with your old one, and you’re ready to explore Palestine while staying connected with your friends, family, and newfound acquaintances. We hope you found this guide helpful, and we wish you an enjoyable stay in Palestine!

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,