10 min
Tips for Using Your Mobile Phone in Ireland Traveling in Ireland
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- Places & Travel
If you're anything like me, your mobile phone is your main mode of communication, the camera you use most often, and your entertainment center. So when you travel you want to use it just like you do at home.
There's only one problem – the cost.
It's not always cheap to use your cell phone in Ireland – but with the proper planning you won't be surprised with a nasty sticker shock on your next bill.
CLICK HERE to save this to your Ireland vacation planning board on Pinterest
Tips for Using Your Mobile Phone in Ireland
Roaming and data charges in Ireland can break your budget if you're not careful. These tips will keep you connected affordably.
* Turn your data off when in Ireland! Or keep your phone in airplane mode. Every little ‘ping' counts against your data plan- and international roaming will result in a higher-than-expected bill when you return home.
* Contact your cellular provider and inquire about using your mobile phone in Ireland. Confirm that your device is compatible with GSM (Global System for Mobile) used in Europe, and then inquire about an International calling plan which includes both talk minutes and data. Some providers also have a ‘use it like you do at home' option for an additional cost per day. (More on this below.)TIP: My personal advice on these plans is for one person to use this if a home phone number or text is needed during your trip. Daily costs can add up quickly so supplement others in the group with a portable wifi device.
* Purchase an eSIM or Irish SIM card. If your phone is able, an eSIM is the easiest option. A quick scan of a code, a simple toggle of settings, and you are ready to go! My go-to eSIM provider is Wifi Candy. Easy to set up and great connectivity.A replaceable SIM card- which you put into your phone, removing your local SIM- only works if your phone is unlocked (US phones under contract usually aren't- ask your service provider if yours is unlocked or can be). You can pick up a prepaid SIM card in Ireland at the WH Smith Shop at Dublin or Shannon Airpots, the Left Luggage store in Dublin airport, or at any Tesco, Three, eirMobile, or Vodafone retailers. Learn more about SIM cards here.
* Buy a cheap prepaid phone when you arrive. It's just handy to have a phone – you may need to make quick calls to B&Bs for directions or to make reservations for a tour or dinner you just found out about. If you don't need a ‘smart phone', you can pick up a disposable prepaid phone at Tesco locations throughout Ireland.
* Rent a mobile wifi unit. Most car rental companies now offer the option of adding a mobile wifi unit to your rental. Their rates, however, are high. For mobile wifi in Ireland I recommend Wifi Candy. Their prices are affordable, and data is unlimited for the duration of your rental. Just set your phone settings to ‘wifi calling' to make phone calls or use a calling app (below).Tip: WifiCandy also offers Call Candy mobile phone re...
If you're anything like me, your mobile phone is your main mode of communication, the camera you use most often, and your entertainment center. So when you travel you want to use it just like you do at home.
There's only one problem – the cost.
It's not always cheap to use your cell phone in Ireland – but with the proper planning you won't be surprised with a nasty sticker shock on your next bill.
CLICK HERE to save this to your Ireland vacation planning board on Pinterest
Tips for Using Your Mobile Phone in Ireland
Roaming and data charges in Ireland can break your budget if you're not careful. These tips will keep you connected affordably.
* Turn your data off when in Ireland! Or keep your phone in airplane mode. Every little ‘ping' counts against your data plan- and international roaming will result in a higher-than-expected bill when you return home.
* Contact your cellular provider and inquire about using your mobile phone in Ireland. Confirm that your device is compatible with GSM (Global System for Mobile) used in Europe, and then inquire about an International calling plan which includes both talk minutes and data. Some providers also have a ‘use it like you do at home' option for an additional cost per day. (More on this below.)TIP: My personal advice on these plans is for one person to use this if a home phone number or text is needed during your trip. Daily costs can add up quickly so supplement others in the group with a portable wifi device.
* Purchase an eSIM or Irish SIM card. If your phone is able, an eSIM is the easiest option. A quick scan of a code, a simple toggle of settings, and you are ready to go! My go-to eSIM provider is Wifi Candy. Easy to set up and great connectivity.A replaceable SIM card- which you put into your phone, removing your local SIM- only works if your phone is unlocked (US phones under contract usually aren't- ask your service provider if yours is unlocked or can be). You can pick up a prepaid SIM card in Ireland at the WH Smith Shop at Dublin or Shannon Airpots, the Left Luggage store in Dublin airport, or at any Tesco, Three, eirMobile, or Vodafone retailers. Learn more about SIM cards here.
* Buy a cheap prepaid phone when you arrive. It's just handy to have a phone – you may need to make quick calls to B&Bs for directions or to make reservations for a tour or dinner you just found out about. If you don't need a ‘smart phone', you can pick up a disposable prepaid phone at Tesco locations throughout Ireland.
* Rent a mobile wifi unit. Most car rental companies now offer the option of adding a mobile wifi unit to your rental. Their rates, however, are high. For mobile wifi in Ireland I recommend Wifi Candy. Their prices are affordable, and data is unlimited for the duration of your rental. Just set your phone settings to ‘wifi calling' to make phone calls or use a calling app (below).Tip: WifiCandy also offers Call Candy mobile phone re...
10 min