9. POC - Points of Contact

Cell Phones

Coverage is reliable in major cities (Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa), along highways, and at sites like the Dead Sea or Masada; remote areas (e.g., Negev desert) may have spots with weaker signal.
On guided tours, you'll have solid connectivity most of the time, but it is usually not free.
Options:

• eSIM (recommended for ease on compatible phones): Providers like Airalo, Holafly, Nomad, Saily, or aloSIM offer data plans (1–20GB or unlimited) starting ~$4–15 for a week, activated instantly before arrival.
• Local prepaid SIM/eSIM: Available at the airport, stores, or online; tourist plans with generous data/calls cost ~$15–30 for 1–4 weeks (Pelephone and Partner are tourist-friendly).
• Home carrier roaming (convenient but expensive for longer trips):
  • Verizon TravelPass: ~$12/day for unlimited talk/text/data (high-speed limited, then slower).
  • AT&T International Day Pass: ~$12/day for unlimited usage (often capped at 10 days/billing cycle).
  • T-Mobile: Many plans include free unlimited texting + low-speed data; calls ~$0.25/min; add International Passes for high-speed data (e.g., 5GB+ unlimited calling options).
  • Google Fi (Unlimited plans): High-speed data roaming often included at no extra daily cost in 200+ countries.

Use WhatsApp or similar for calls/texts over data to minimize costs. Always verify current rates with your carrier.

Israel offers widespread free/public WiFi in hotels, cafes, restaurants, tourist sites, buses, and cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem—ideal for calls without using cellular service.
Carrier WiFi Calling (using your US number over WiFi):

• Works internationally for most major US carriers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) when calling/texting US numbers—typically free (treated as domestic).
• Calls to Israeli/local numbers are charged as international long-distance rates.
• Enable WiFi Calling in phone settings before travel (some carriers require activation on home network).
• No major restrictions reported in Israel as of 2025.

Best alternative: VoIP apps over WiFi (or data):

• Use apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime (iOS), Signal, Telegram, or Google Meet/Duo for free voice/video calls to anyone with the same app—extremely popular in Israel and worldwide.
• No charges beyond data usage (minimal for calls); works seamlessly on hotel/cafe WiFi or your eSIM/local data plan.
• For calling landlines/mobiles without the app: Options like Skype or Google Voice offer low rates.

Points of Contact
Travel Agency
Pilgrim Tours Dan Bergey, 484.772.3401, dbergey@pilgrimtours.com

POC- lead traveler
Paul Aragon, 719.406.5088, paularagon2010@gmail.com

POC - Tour Guide
Nabil Kort

POC in Israel
Carmen Avrouskine, 011-972-054-335-4417, 8 HaHoshen st., Mevasseret Zion, 9079560, Israel

Hotels
March 18-19, David’s Harp Hotel, Netanya
Sderot Oved Ben Ami 41, Netanya 42205, Israel
+972-9-8867777

March 19-21. David’s Harp Hotel, Tiberias
Kfar Nachum Junction, Capernaum, 12950, Israel
+972-4-6920000

March 21-22, David Dead Sea Resort & SpaEin
Bokek, Tamar 86820, Israel
+972-8-6591234

March 22-26, Olive Tree Hotel, Jerusalem
23 George St, Jerusalem, Israel
+972-2-5410414