Free Call to Israel from US — $0.088/min (2026)
Call Israel free with WhatsApp (dominant) or Telegram (strong adoption). Shabbat calling etiquette. BubblyPhone $0.09/min. +972 dialing guide, Tel Aviv/Jerusalem area codes, Pelephone/Cellcom carriers.
You can call Israel free with WhatsApp, which almost every Israeli has: app-to-app voice and video calls cost nothing. To call a real Israeli phone number from the US, dial 011 972 and the number without its leading 0 (050 123 4567 becomes 011 972 50 123 4567); with BubblyPhone that costs from $0.088/min.
Cultural note about Shabbat: From Friday evening (sunset) to Saturday evening (sunset), observant Jewish families do not use phones. If you're calling an observant household, avoid Friday evening through Saturday evening. Secular Israelis don't observe this restriction.
Free: App-to-App Calls
Both people need the app and internet. No charges, no limits.
1. WhatsApp — Dominant in Israel
WhatsApp is the #1 messaging app in Israel — used by virtually everyone. Free voice and video calls work perfectly. Israel has excellent mobile infrastructure — it's a tech startup nation with world-class 4G/5G coverage from Pelephone, Cellcom, and Partner.
Fun fact: Israel's WhatsApp groups are legendary — every family, neighborhood, school class, and apartment building has one. Israelis are among the most active WhatsApp users globally.
2. Telegram — Unusually Popular
Telegram has strong adoption in Israel — more than in most Western countries. Israelis use it for news channels, group chats, and voice calls. The tech-savvy population embraced Telegram early. Voice calls work well.
3. FaceTime — Good Option
iPhone market share in Israel is around 40-45%. FaceTime is commonly used for video calls. If your Israeli contact has an iPhone, FaceTime works great.
4. Facebook Messenger — Also Used
Facebook is popular in Israel, and Messenger is used for calls. However, WhatsApp and Telegram are preferred for most communication.
Calling Israeli Phone Numbers
Rates for calling Israeli mobile and landline numbers:
| Service | Mobile Rate | Landline Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| BubblyPhone | $0.088/min | $0.088/min | Browser, iOS, Android |
| Google Voice | $0.10/min | $0.03/min | US Google account required |
| Rebtel | $0.08/min | $0.03/min | Unlimited Israel plans available |
| Viber Out | $0.079/min | $0.079/min | Not widely used in Israel |
| AT&T / Verizon | $1.50-3.00/min | $1.50-3.00/min | Up to 50x more expensive |
Our honest take: Google Voice and Rebtel ($0.03/min) are cheapest for Israeli landlines. For Israeli mobiles, Viber Out ($0.079/min), Rebtel ($0.08/min) and BubblyPhone ($0.088/min) are close, and all undercut Google Voice ($0.10/min). A 60-minute call to an Israeli mobile costs about $5.28 with BubblyPhone. But WhatsApp is free and every Israeli uses it.
How to Dial Israel from the US
# From a US phone:
011 + 972 + number
# From a mobile (or VoIP app):
+972 + number
# Example — calling a Tel Aviv landline:
+972 3 123 4567
# Example — calling an Israeli mobile:
+972 50 123 4567
# Example — calling Jerusalem:
+972 2 123 4567
Important: Israeli numbers start with 0 domestically. When dialing from the US, drop the leading 0: 03 becomes +972 3 (Tel Aviv), 050 becomes +972 50 (mobile). Mobile numbers start with 05x (drop the 0: +972 5x).
Shabbat Calling Etiquette
Observant Jewish families do not use phones during Shabbat — from Friday evening (sunset) to Saturday evening (sunset). If you're calling an Orthodox or traditionally observant household, avoid this time window. Secular Israelis don't observe this restriction. When in doubt, call Sunday through Thursday, or Saturday evening after dark.
Major Area Codes
- Tel Aviv: 3
- Jerusalem: 2
- Haifa: 4
- Beer Sheva: 8
- Netanya/Sharon: 9
Carriers & Mobile
- Pelephone: Largest carrier (Bezeq group)
- Cellcom: Second largest
- Partner (Orange): Third carrier
- HOT Mobile: Fourth carrier
- Mobile prefixes: 050/058 (Pelephone), 052/054 (Cellcom), 053/055 (HOT), 050/054 (Partner)
Which Method Should You Use?
Calling family in Israel
WhatsApp — free, and every Israeli uses it. Video calls work perfectly over Israel's excellent internet. Respect Shabbat hours for observant families.
Calling an Israeli business
Google Voice ($0.03/min landline) or BubblyPhone ($0.088/min). Note: Israeli business hours are Sunday-Thursday. Friday afternoon and Saturday are off.
Calling an Israeli mobile number
BubblyPhone ($0.088/min) undercuts Google Voice ($0.10/min). A 60-minute call costs about $5.28.
Calling during Shabbat
Don't — if calling an observant household. For secular contacts, Shabbat isn't an issue. When in doubt, send a WhatsApp message and let them respond when available.
Tips for Calling Israel
- Israel is 7 hours ahead of EST (IST, UTC+2). When it's 10 AM in New York, it's 5 PM in Tel Aviv. Best window: 9-11 AM EST (4-6 PM Israel) or 12-2 PM EST (7-9 PM Israel)
- Shabbat: Friday sunset to Saturday sunset — observant families won't answer. Israeli business week is Sunday to Thursday (not Monday to Friday). Friday is a half-day
- Telegram is popular — more Israelis use Telegram than in most Western countries. If your contact is on Telegram, it's a solid free option
- Israel is a tech nation — internet quality is superb. VoIP calls from Israel are crystal clear. Don't worry about call quality
- Skype shut down in 2025 — if you used Skype to call Israel, switch to WhatsApp/Telegram (free), BubblyPhone ($0.088/min), or Google Voice ($0.03-0.10/min)
Frequently Asked Questions
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When should I avoid calling Israel?
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Call Israel for $0.088/min
Open BubblyPhone in your browser and dial +972. A 60-minute call costs about $5.28.
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