I recently purchased a premium eSIM plan from Yoho Mobile, expecting reliable service during my travels. Unfortunately, the experience was consistently disappointing across two different countries: the United Kingdom and Israel.

Connectivity Issues: The internet connection was highly unstable in both countries. While it occasionally worked, it would frequently drop without warning. More critically, VoIP services were virtually unusable. Calls via VoIP.ms would initiate but drop immediately, and WhatsApp calls would connect briefly before losing connection.

Device Compatibility: I tested the eSIM on two different devices—my Samsung S24 and my wife's Pixel 9—both experienced identical issues, indicating the problem was not device-specific.

Server Location Concerns: It appears that Yoho Mobile routes its traffic through servers in Hong Kong. This routing caused additional complications, as certain AI services and applications are restricted or blocked in that region. Without a VPN, many essential apps were inaccessible.

Unexpected Discrepancy in Reviews: What puzzles me is the overwhelmingly positive reviews Yoho Mobile has received on platforms like Trustpilot, boasting a 4.7 rating. Given my experience, I find it hard to reconcile such high ratings with the service I encountered. It's surprising that a company providing this level of service maintains such a high rating, especially when most providers in this sector have more moderate reviews.

Resolution: Out of necessity, I switched to another eSIM provider. The difference was immediate and stark—stable internet connectivity and fully functional VoIP services without the need for a VPN.

Conclusion: Despite positive reviews I encountered during my research, my experience with Yoho Mobile was overwhelmingly negative. The combination of unreliable connectivity, server-related restrictions, and the discrepancy between advertised and actual service quality makes it difficult to recommend their services.

May 25, 2025

BNESIM

YBused in Israel 🇮🇱

I wish I could give ZERO stars !!!
Highly recommend NOT to buy from them

I purchased a local number from BENSIM and was planning to also but an esim. They charged my credit card immediately but NEVER DELIVERED. Trying to contact support they only brushed me off and for almost a month promised a refund that never happened.
My recommendation is to stay away from BENSIM because either this is a fraud or they are simply not delivering what you buy

Jan 11, 2023

Frequently Asked Questions

How many travel eSIM brands (providers) are available for use in Israel, and how many prepaid data plans are there?

There are more than 90 providers and over 4000 prepaid data plans available for use in Israel. With such a vast selection, travelers have an extensive range of options to choose from, making it easy to find an eSIM that meets their specific needs.

Are there any unlimited data eSIM plans available for Israel?

Unlimited data eSIM plans for Israel can be found with several providers. Firsty offers a zero‑cost plan that includes ads and a capped speed of 256 kbps, while the other carriers provide unrestricted data with varying speed limits. Yoho Mobile, Billion Connect, abesteSIM, MicroEsim, Roamify, Truely, and Yesim all advertise unlimited usage; most of these plans allow tethering and specify that speeds may be throttled to a maximum of about 5 Mbps (or 256 kbps in the case of Firsty). The price spectrum for these unlimited options ranges from free with Firsty’s ad‑supported plan to approximately $52.06 USD for the most expensive plans available from Yesim. Travelers can choose the provider that best matches their budget and required speed. If a plan without throttling is preferred, it may be useful to estimate data needs for the trip and select a plan that comfortably exceeds that estimate.

What are the major mobile networks available for a travel eSIM in Israel?

In Israel, the primary Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) providing infrastructure for travel eSIMs are:

Cellcom: Established in 1994, Cellcom is Israel's largest mobile operator, offering extensive 4G and 5G coverage nationwide.
Partner Communications: Also known as Partner, this operator provides comprehensive 4G and 5G services across Israel.
Pelephone: As Israel's first mobile network operator, Pelephone offers widespread 4G and 5G coverage throughout the country.
Hot Mobile: A subsidiary of Hot Telecommunication Systems, Hot Mobile provides 4G services and is expanding its 5G network.

Additionally, Israel hosts several Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), such as Rami Levy Communications and Golan Telecom. These MVNOs lease network access from major carriers to offer mobile services. However, most travel eSIMs rely on the infrastructure of the primary MNOs rather than MVNOs.

Can I get a travel eSIM with a phone number and SMS for Israel?

Travel eSIM plans that include a phone number and SMS for Israel are available. Providers that offer such plans are GlobaleSIM and Roamify. The plans use dialing code +1, which is the United States code, so the phone number is not local to Israel; it is a foreign number. All plans support incoming and outgoing voice and SMS. They come in different data caps (from 1 GB up to 20 GB) and validity periods (from 7 days to 30 days), with prices ranging from about $4.50 USD to roughly $30 USD. Travelers who need a local Israeli number can instead use data‑only eSIMs and rely on VoIP apps such as WhatsApp, Telegram or iMessage for calls and text.

Summarized by Gen AI. Last updated: November 10, 2025