How to buy a SIM Card at Dublin Airport (Aerfort Bhaile Átha Cliath) 2024: Best Plans + Updated Price

When flying to Ireland and landing at Dublin Airport, many travelers may consider buying a Ireland SIM card right at the Dublin airport. This is a popular option that visitors can choose to have an internet connection as soon as they arrive in Ireland. 

The article below will provide complete information about the SIM card buying process, package prices and some notes when purchasing SIM Card at Dublin Airport.

I. Should You Buy a SIM Card at Dublin Aerfort Bhaile Átha Cliath Airport (DUB)?

It depends on travelers’ needs. Getting a local prepaid SIM card in Ireland is a great way to avoid expensive roaming charges during your trip. You can easily get one as soon as you arrive at Dublin Airport!

Staying connected while you’re traveling in Ireland can make your life so much easier when you can use Google Maps for directions, have Translators for language barriers or simply keep in touch with your friends and family.

Although there is public WiFi available in Ireland, it’s not always accessible when you’re on the go. Plus, it’s important to remember that public WiFi networks are not secure, so using a VPN is recommended to protect your information.

Having a connection right after arriving at the airport in Ireland is a strong point when buying a SIM card in Dublin. However, it should be noted that prices at the airport are often more expensive than buying at stores in the city and the selection is not as diverse.

II. Where to Buy a SIM Card at Dublin Airport?

A location sells Ireland SIM Card in Dublin Airport
A location sells Ireland SIM Card in Dublin Airport

You can buy an Ireland SIM card at Dublin Airport. In Terminal 1, you’ll find them at the WH Smith shop and the Left Luggage store. When you enter the arrival hall, just look to your right or left. 

In Terminal 2, the most convenient place to buy a SIM card is at the SPAR convenience store right next to the entrance of the arrival hall. If you’re at Departures, there’s a small baggage wrap kiosk downstairs that sells the same SIM card for tourists.

III. How Much Does a SIM Card at Dublin Aerfort Bhaile Átha Cliath  Airport Cost?

Note: 1€ = 1,08USD. 

When it comes to buying a prepaid SIM card at Dublin Airport, your options are a bit limited. The main providers you’ll find there are Lycamobile, Vodafone Ireland, and Three.

Note: At Dublin Airport, you can only purchase physical prepaid SIM cards. Unfortunately, eSIM cards for tourists are not available there.

1. Lycamobile prepaid sim card

Lycamobile prepaid sim card in Ireland
Lycamobile prepaid sim card in Ireland

If you’re considering getting a Lycamobile SIM card at Dublin Airport, here’s what you need to know. It costs €25 EUR ($27.5 USD) and doesn’t come with a specific package. However, you do get €20 EUR credit to choose a package from their website.

For instance, you can select a package that offers 35 GB of data, unlimited calling, and texting within Ireland for €20 EUR ($22 USD). But here’s the catch: only 5.5 GB of that data can be used for roaming within the European Union (EU).

2. Vodafone Ireland prepaid sim card

Vodafone offers a few different SIM card options for Ireland, and here are the details:

  • For €25 EUR ($27.5 USD), you can get 20 GB of data to use in Europe, along with 100 minutes of calls and unlimited texts within Ireland. This package is valid for 30 days.
  • Another option at the same price of €25 EUR ($27.5 USD) includes 5 GB of data to use in Europe, along with €10 EUR credit. This package is also valid for 30 days.
  • If you’re looking for more comprehensive coverage, there’s a package available for €35 EUR ($38.5 USD). It includes 15 GB of data for use in Europe, unlimited calls and texts within Europe, and an additional 100 minutes for calls within Europe. This package is also valid for 30 days.

3. Three Ireland prepaid sim card

A location sells Three SIM Card in Dublin Airport
A location sells Three SIM Card in Dublin Airport

If you’re interested in getting a Three Ireland SIM card, please note that it’s only available for purchase at Terminal 1, specifically at the WH Smith shop. 

The Three Ireland SIM card offers unlimited data to use within Ireland, along with 8 GB of data for roaming within the European Union (EU). Additionally, it includes unlimited SMS (text messages) within Ireland. This package is valid for 30 days and costs €30 EUR ($33 USD).

IV. What to Prepare for Getting a SIM Card at Dublin Aerfort Bhaile Átha Cliath Airport – Registration Process

To buy a SIM card at Dublin Airport, you can follow these steps:

Simple steps to buy SIM Card in Dublin Airport
Simple steps to buy SIM Card in Dublin Airport
  • Locate the Shops: Find out which terminal offers the SIM card you’re interested in purchasing. 
  • Visit the Shop: Head to the shop or kiosk that sells the SIM card you want. Look for well-known providers like Lycamobile, Vodafone Ireland, or Three.
  • Choose Your SIM Card: Once you’re at the shop, browse the available SIM cards and compare their features, prices, and packages. 
  • Purchase: Inform the shop attendant which SIM card you’d like to buy. They will guide you through the purchasing process. Be prepared to provide identification if required.
  • Activation: After purchasing the SIM card, follow the instructions provided to activate it. This typically involves inserting the SIM card into your phone and following the activation steps.
  • Top-up or Package Selection: Depending on the SIM card you purchased, you may need to top up the credit or select a package to activate data, calls, and texts. 

V. Best Tourist Dublin Airport SIM Cards Options and Price

Some Ireland SIM Card
Some Ireland SIM Card

If you’re looking for a great prepaid SIM card at Dublin Airport, Three is your go-to option. The only downside is that you can only buy it in Terminal 1, and most international flights arrive at Terminal 2. The good news is that a quick walk from Terminal 2 to Terminal 1 will get you there. And it’s worth it because for just €30 EUR ($33 USD), you’ll get unlimited data!

If you don’t want to walk between 2 Terminals, the best option for you would be Vodafone. You can find their prepaid SIM card with 20 GB of data, unlimited calling, and texting for €25 EUR ($27.5 USD) at various kiosks and convenience stores throughout Dublin Airport.

Once you’re at Terminal 2, you can’t miss the SPAR supermarket on your left-hand side. That’s where you’ll find the Vodafone Ireland SIM cards. It’s super convenient!

VI. Where to Buy a SIM card Outside Dublin Aerfort Bhaile Átha Cliath Airport?

There are some options which can offer travelers with better packages in comparison with kiosks at the Dublin Airport: 

1. In official retail stores: 

It’s a good idea to buy a prepaid SIM card for Ireland from an official retail store of an internet provider, rather than from random phone stores, gas stations, supermarkets, or convenience stores. In these places, you might find SIM cards from companies like Lycamobile or Lebara, which are called MVNOs. While they do work, you’ll need to register and activate the prepaid plans yourself, and the staff there may not provide much assistance, making it less ideal for tourists. The advantage, though, is that these stores are open late, unlike phone stores that have office hours.

Three physical store SIM Card in Ireland
Three physical store SIM Card in Ireland

2. Online

To avoid all the problems detailed above, It’s best to order an eSIM for your trip to Ireland online. I recommend using services like Gigago to order your Ireland eSIM card.

Alternatively, you can also buy a SIM card for Ireland online and have it shipped to your home address before your trip. This way, you’ll be ready to stay connected as soon as you arrive in Ireland.

VII. Ireland eSIM for Dublin – an Alternative to Prepaid SIM Card at Dublin Aerfort Bhaile Átha Cliath Airport

As I mentioned above, ordering an Ireland eSIM before departure is the most convenient way to stay connected on the trip to Ireland. An eSIM, short for embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card that is built into your device, such as a smartphone, smartwatch, or tablet. 

This option has various benefits: 

  • Buy online
  • Just scan the QR to get the SIM, no need to remove it
  • Use 2 SIMs at the same time (or 1 physical +1 eSIM or 2 eSIMs
  • Install multiple data plans on the same phone
  • The eSIM is attached to the device so there is no risk of losing it
  • Still keep the main sim on the device
Gigago Ireland packages
Gigago Ireland packages

With Gigago, travelers can easily buy an Ireland eSIM with competitive prices: 

  • Online purchasing
  • Wide Range of Coverage
  • Instant Delivery
  • 24/7 Support
  • Easy activation

For Ireland, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1 GB for 3 days with $3.50 . What is great about Gigago’s Ireland eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $3.50$125.98 . Thus, it does not matter how Internet users you are and how long your trip is in Ireland, there is always an option for you with Gigago.

VIII. FAQs

Can I get assistance in setting up the SIM card at Dublin Airport?

The shops or stores at Dublin Airport where you purchase the SIM card can often provide assistance in setting it up.

Do I need to show identification to buy a SIM card at Dublin Airport?

Yes, you will need to provide identification, such as your passport, when purchasing a SIM card at Dublin Airport.

What type of SIM card can I buy at Dublin Airport?

The SIM cards available for purchase at Dublin Airport are specifically designed for tourists. They typically offer prepaid plans with data, talk minutes, and text messages included.

IX. Conclusion

Buying a SIM Card at Dublin Airport is quite easy as customers can buy SIM cards at both terminals as well as there are 3 networks to choose from: Vodafone, Three and Lycamobile. Just note that prices at the airport will be more expensive and only physical SIM cards are available here. Hopefully this article has helped you have enough information to make the most convenient purchases at Dulin Airport