Travelling without your phone? Never! If you too are addicted to your smartphone, and want to be able to use it freely in Ireland, for both communications and web surfing, here are a few practical tips. Packages, data, e-sim… Here are our tips for using and abusing your phone… without unpleasant surprises!
An old Irish telephone box – Shannon McNeice – cc
Like the rest of Europe, Ireland has excellent network coverage for using your cell phone. The island is equipped with 5G (but not everywhere), and offers communication quality similar to countries like France, Germany or even Spain.
On the downside, network coverage is pretty good, but there are areas where it can be difficult to get a decent signal. This is especially true in isolated rural areas, where there are fewer receivers than in cities.
In other words, you’ll have no problem making calls to Ireland’s major cities, such as Dublin, Galway, Cork or Belfast… But it may be more complicated in more remote areas like Connemara or the Burren!
Nothing insurmountable, however: you’ll be entitled to 4G rather than 5G… and white zones, although they do exist, are becoming increasingly rare within the country!
If you want to call in Ireland, it’s important to check the terms and conditions of your current package. If you live in Europe, there’s a good chance that your package offers communications and data abroad.
In fact, most European operators already offer the possibility of using your existing package to make calls abroad as part of their local packages.
But beware: these packages are often limited… Some offer limited communication times, as well as data subject to a certain quota… But there’s usually no ceiling, and that’s where the danger lies!
If you exceed the limit, you’ll be taxed without warning… And operators charge a lot for this game! Some travelers have found themselves with bills running into the hundreds of euros: a very unpleasant surprise, which can literally turn your trip into a nightmare!
Our advice: before you leave, check the terms and conditions of your current package. Find out what your operator allows you to call abroad. If you need to, don’t hesitate to subscribe to a higher package, or to take an interest in an e-sim offer (see below).
If you’re from the USA, Australia, Africa or Asia, the situation is very different. Your usual package may not include an offer compatible with Ireland.
In this case, you have 3 options:
In this case, simply contact your operator and ask them if they offer packages compatible with foreign countries, and more specifically Ireland. The advantage of this option is that you keep your current operator, and your Sim card.
It will, however, entail additional costs. It should also be noted that, depending on the operator, this type of overseas package may require a year-long commitment… Not very practical if you decide to spend less than a month in Ireland…
Why make things complicated when you can make them simple? Ireland has a number of operators who can offer you a turnkey package, valid only for the duration of your trip.
All you need to do is contact an Irish operator and ask for a monthly package. These can be purchased directly at the airport or in town, from approved operators.
It’s up to you to choose the right package for your travel needs. Don’t neglect call time or data rates, as you’ll be charged the full price if you exceed them.
Another interesting option is to buy an e-Sim. It’s a virtual sim card, corresponding to a given amount of data and communication time.
These e-Sim can be purchased via applications on your smartphone, such as Airalo or Holafly. The principle is very simple: you choose the country of your trip (in this case, Ireland), and you choose the package for your e-Sim.
You pay, and all you have to do is use it!
Simple and practical, the e-Sim solution in Ireland is ideal if you want to opt for freedom. Because the e-Sim can be recharged if you need more minutes of communication and data. It’s a turnkey solution that can be extended and stopped as soon as you reach the end of your package.
It’s a practical way to keep your costs under control!
For those wishing to travel by ferry to Ireland, we draw your attention to the danger of leaving your phone on during your journey.
Because during your crossing, you’ll find yourself in international waters… And in this case, it doesn’t matter whether you have a European, non-European or Irish package! You’re literally going to be murdered: the bill could explode into the hundreds of euros!
Our advice: stay in airplane mode during the crossing. You’ll thank us!
Enjoy your smartphone in Ireland, in the city or the country! – Jacob Lund
Here are a few common-sense tips:
Here are some of the main telephone operators in Ireland and Northern Ireland:
5. **Virgin Media UK**: Telecommunications services provider offering combined packages including Internet, fixed telephony and television.
These operators offer a range of telecommunications services to consumers and businesses in Ireland and Northern Ireland, including fixed telephony, mobile telephony, broadband Internet and television.
To call Ireland from another country, use the international dialing code +353, followed by the local 9-digit telephone number.
To call Northern Ireland, which is part of the UK, you need to use the international dialling code +44, followed by the 10-digit local telephone number.
Here is an example of a complete telephone number for each region:
Be sure to include the appropriate international dialing code when calling from another country to Ireland or Northern Ireland.
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