🇵🇸 Palestine Internet & SIM Cards — Connectivity Guide

The internet in Palestine is generally reliable in urban areas, but its quality and availability can vary significantly depending on the location, with mobile network coverage being more widespread than broadband internet.

Internet Overview

The internet in Palestine has improved significantly over the past decade, with the average internet speed reaching 10 Mbps download. However, there is a notable urban vs rural divide, with urban areas like Ramallah and Gaza City having better internet quality and availability compared to rural areas. The reliability of the internet can also be affected by power outages and infrastructure issues, which can be frequent in some areas. Despite these challenges, many Palestinians have adapted to the situation and have found ways to stay connected, with mobile internet being a popular option.

The Palestinian Authority has been working to improve the internet infrastructure, with efforts to increase broadband penetration and mobile network coverage. However, the Israeli occupation has been cited as a major obstacle to these efforts, with restrictions on the importation of telecommunications equipment and infrastructure development. As a result, the internet in Palestine can be slower and more expensive compared to other countries in the region.

Getting a SIM Card

Getting a SIM card in Palestine is relatively easy, with several mobile carriers offering tourist plans. The main carriers, Jawwal, Wataniya, and Partner, have shops and authorized dealers throughout the country, where you can purchase a SIM card. To buy a SIM card, you will need to provide a passport and a proof of address, such as a hotel reservation or a utility bill. The cost of a SIM card can range from 10 to 20 USD, depending on the carrier and the plan you choose.

1. Jawwal offers a tourist plan that includes 1 GB of data, 100 minutes of local calls, and 100 SMS, for 15 USD per week.
2. Wataniya offers a prepaid plan that includes 500 MB of data, 50 minutes of local calls, and 50 SMS, for 10 USD per week.

WiFi Availability

• Hotel WiFi quality is generally good, with many hotels offering free WiFi to their guests.
• Cafe WiFi culture is popular in urban areas, with many cafes offering free WiFi to their customers.
• Coworking spaces are available in major cities, offering reliable WiFi and other amenities.
• Public WiFi is limited, but some cities have public WiFi hotspots in areas like parks and public squares.
• Universities and colleges often have campus WiFi, which can be accessed by students and visitors.

For Remote Workers

• Coworking spaces like Ramallah Coworking Space and Gaza Coworking Space offer reliable WiFi and other amenities.
• Reliable cafe chains like Starbucks and Cafe de la Paix offer free WiFi and a comfortable working environment.
• Backup internet options like mobile hotspots and portable WiFi routers can be useful in areas with limited WiFi availability.
• VPNs can be necessary to access blocked websites and secure online connections.
• Online communities like Nomad List and Remote Year can provide useful information and support for remote workers.

Tips & Warnings

• Internet censorship is a significant issue in Palestine, with many websites being blocked by the Israeli authorities.
• Some websites and online services may be unavailable due to infrastructure issues or censorship.
• VPNs can be used to bypass censorship and secure online connections, but may be blocked by some carriers.
• Roaming alternatives like eSIMs and portable WiFi routers can be useful for travelers who need to stay connected.
• It is recommended to check with your carrier before traveling to Palestine to see if they offer international roaming and what the rates are.
• Be aware of scams and phishing attempts when using public WiFi or unsecured networks.