בס״ד
How to Read Your Israeli Verification Codes
Step-by-Step Guide
If you’ve lived in Israel for more than five minutes, you know the drill: you try to book an appointment, pay a bill, or check your benefits, and the website asks for a "Verification Code" (Kod Imut).
But what happens when the SMS never arrives? Or what if your phone doesn't take texts? Welcome to the 'Verification Station.' Here’s how to pass the test like a local.
The Golden Rule: SMS vs. Voice Call
Almost every Israeli portal—including MyVisit, GoVisit, Gov.il, and your Bank—gives you two ways to get your 6-digit code:
Option A: קבלת קוד -SMS (Kabalat Kod b'SMS)
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Translation: Receive code via text.
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Best for: Standard smartphones with a working Israeli SIM.
Option B: להשמעה קולית (L'hashma'a Kolit)
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Translation: Verbal Indication / Voice Message.
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Best for: Kosher phones, landlines, or areas with weak cellular signal.
How to Use
Verbal Indication
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להשמעה קולית
If you select this, your phone will ring almost instantly.
Do not ignore it! It is an automated computer voice.
1. Answer the call immediately.
2. Listen for the phrase: "הקוד שלך הוא..." (Ha-kod shelcha hu...) — "Your code is...".
3. The code will be 6 digits. The voice usually repeats it twice and then hangs up.
Tip: Keep a pen ready! If you miss it, you usually have to wait 60 seconds before you can click "Send Again" (שלח שוב).
Why Is My Code Not Arriving?
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The "+972" Rule: If the login box already shows the Israeli country code (+972), do not type the leading zero of your phone number. Simply start typing from the 5 (for example: +972 5X-XXX-XXXX). If the box is completely empty, you should type your full number starting with 05.
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The "Kosher" Block: If you have a "Kosher" SIM, it physically cannot receive SMS. You must select the להשמעה קולית (Voice) option.
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The Registration Lag: If you just updated your phone number at Misrad HaPnim, it can take 24–48 hours for the government's central system to recognize the change.
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The "Overseas" Issue: You generally cannot receive these codes if you are outside of Israel unless you have international roaming active on your Israeli SIM. The government systems typically do not send codes to non-Israeli phone numbers.
"What Does This Text Say?"
The
OLEH
Hack
When your phone buzzes with a wall of Hebrew, here is how to find your code in seconds.
A. The "Bank & Health" Code
Most banks (Leumi, Hapoalim) and Health Funds (Clalit, Maccabi) use this format:
"קוד האימות שלך לכניסה לחשבון הוא 123456. הקוד תקף ל-5 דקות."
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קוד אימות (Kod Imut): Verification Code.
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שלך (Shelcha/Shelach): Yours.
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לכניסה (L'knisa): For login.
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תקף ל... (Takef l...): Valid for... (usually followed by minutes/דקות).
B. The "Government Office" (Gov.il) Code
Whether you are booking a Teudat Zehut appointment or checking Aliyah benefits, government offices
(Misrad HaPnim, Misrad HaKlita) use a formal format:
"שלום, קוד ההזדהות החד-פעמי שלך למערכת ההזדהות הממשלתית הוא 654321."
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הזדהות (Izdahut): Identification.
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חד-פעמי (Chad-Pa'ami): One-time Passcode (OTP).
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הממשלתית (Ha-Memshaltit): The Government.
Security Warning: Don't Share Your Code
Security is tight in Israel. If you see these words, the provider is telling you to be safe:
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Do not transfer/pass on: אין להעביר (Ein Le'avir)
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To any party/person: לשום גורם (L'shum Gorem)
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We will never ask for: אנחנו לעולם לא נבקש (Anachnu l'olam lo nevakesh)
The Number Cheat Sheet
If you choose the Verbal Indication option, you need to recognize these 10 sounds:
Final
Tip
If you're really stuck, use the Google Lens app on your phone.
Point your camera at the screen, and it will translate the Hebrew text instantly.
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