Traveling to Ireland can be an amazing experience full of stunning landscapes, rich history, and friendly locals. However, one thing that can cause stress is figuring out how to get affordable internet access while visiting. Using cellular data roaming when abroad often leads to shockingly high bills after returning home. Thankfully, with some preparation and research into alternatives, you can easily find WiFi and other options to stay connected during your Ireland holiday without breaking the bank.
In this article
Roaming allows you to use your home mobile carrier’s service while traveling internationally. It works by accessing local networks in the area you are visiting. Here’re some notes that you may consider when using phone roaming in Ireland:
Read more: What is data roaming?
When travelers visit Ireland and turn on their phones, their device automatically connects to a local carrier. This allows calls, texts, and data use while visiting, facilitated through partnerships between home and local carriers.
The main Irish carriers are:
Your home carrier partners with one or more of these networks while roaming.
Ireland’s telecoms charge very high wholesale rates to foreign carriers. Those carriers then pass the inflated costs to consumers through pricey international roaming plans and fees.
In short – yes, very expensive! Ireland is notorious for having some of the highest roaming rates globally.
However, as long as staying within the EU, roaming rates in Ireland are inexpensive thanks to regulated pricing. Some planning is needed outside the EU to avoid expensive bills, but overall roaming costs are reasonable.
Here’re some referenced roaming rates from Ireland you may need to know:
| Network | Calls to standard Irish numbers (per minute) | Calls to other EU numbers (per minute) | Calls to non-EU numbers (per minute) | Texts to standard Irish numbers | Texts to other EU numbers | Texts to non-EU numbers | Data roaming in EU (per MB) | Data roaming outside EU (per MB) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | $0.10 | $0.10 | $1 | $0.05 | $0.05 | $0.50 | $0.05 | $3 |
| eir | $0.10 | $0.10 | $1 | $0.05 | $0.05 | $0.50 | $0.05 | $3 |
| Vodafone | $0.10 | $0.10 | $1 | $0.05 | $0.05 | $0.50 | $0.05 | $3 |
Recommendations: If you're from the EU, roaming is likely fine. But if visiting from outside EU, a local Irish SIM card will be much more cost effective and convenient compared to roaming charges on your home plan.
Here are the basic steps to activate roaming service on your cell phone for travel to Ireland:
Step 1 – Check with your carrier:
Contact your mobile service provider before your trip to find out about roaming costs and coverage in Ireland. Ask if your plan includes international roaming or if you need to add an international roaming package.
Step 2 – Turn on roaming:
On your phone’s settings menu, look for the “Mobile Networks” or “Cellular” option. Make sure international/global roaming is toggled on. Some carriers may let you enable it through their website or app too.
Step 3 – Set preferred networks:
In your phone’s network settings, select the Ireland/Europe network option. This ensures your phone gives priority to local networks in Ireland. The major carriers there are Three, Vodafone, and eir.
Step 4 – Manage data usage:
Consider enabling a data limit on your account to avoid excess charges. Some carriers offer daily/weekly data pass options specific to Ireland roaming too.
Step 5 – Check for alerts:
Make sure you receive text alerts from your provider notifying you of roaming charges. This helps monitor costs abroad.
Step 6 – Consider a local SIM:
For extended trips, buy an Irish pre-paid SIM card which will be significantly cheaper than roaming charges from home.
Step 7 – Inform your carrier:
Provide travel dates to authorize roaming usage on your account to avoid automatic blocking due to international activity.
Notes: Be sure to turn roaming off once back home to avoid unwanted charges. Contact your carrier if you face any connectivity issues.
Thankfully, avoiding expensive Ireland roaming is easy by using the following alternatives:
Using local data networks keeps costs low, with packages starting around $7/GB
Dublin, small towns, restaurants/pubs, hotels, and airports offer free WiFi
Turns off background data so only on WiFi – use maps/navigation offline
WhatsApp, FB Messenger, Skype allow free texts/calls over WiFi
Provides affordable data/calling in 100+ countries
Notes: When using Ireland SIM cards or eSIMs, you should check the unlocked device first. Also, with eSIM, you also need to check the eSIM compatibility before buying an eSIM plan. Check out eSIM compatible device list!
eSIMs are digital – no physical SIM card required. Instantly activate over-the-air with QR code or app. Is Ireland eSIM better than roaming services? Let’s check out the shortly comparisons:
| eSIM vs. Roaming Services | |
|---|---|
| Cost | Affordable prepaid plans starting from €10 with generous data bundles. Much cheaper than roaming charges. |
| Convenience | No physical SIM needed. Install remotely on compatible devices. Hassle free switching between providers. |
| Flexibility | Try different providers for coverage. Switch costs and bundles easily from settings. |
| Speed | Fast local mobile speeds matching physical SIM. |
| Compatibility | Works with recent iPhone, Samsung, Google and other supported Android devices. |
| Coverage | Extensive 4G/5G network access from local providers like Eir, Vodafone, Three. |
| Contracts | No minimum terms, purely prepaid offerings. |
Recommendations: eSIM offers a hassle-free local mobile experience in Ireland with significant cost savings over relying on expensive roaming services from your home provider. It provides the best option to stay connected while travelling.
Gigago offers Ireland eSIM with various data plans and validity options which will be optimized for any types of trip.
Here are steps to switch off data roaming for iPhone and Android devices when traveling in Ireland:
1. Turn OFF data roaming on iPhone
2. Turn OFF data roaming on Samsung
Notes:
Here are some potential FAQs about data roaming in Ireland and alternatives:
A: Purchase a local Irish SIM card which provides data bundles at much lower rates without roaming fees. An eSIM is also a convenient option.
A: Yes, most US phones will work in Ireland which uses GSM networks. Check with your provider about unlocking your phone and activating international roaming.
A: The top 3 Irish networks are Three, Eir and Vodafone – all provide reliable nationwide 4G coverage. Consider a prepaid SIM from them to get the best data deals while traveling in Ireland.
A: To call US numbers from Ireland, dial 00-1 followed by the US area code and phone number. It’s cheaper to use apps like WhatsApp instead of regular calls.
A: Yes, many hotels, restaurants, cafes, pubs and tourist spots offer free public WiFi networks. You can also purchase visitor SIM cards with data bundles for WiFi hotspot use.
A: No, since Brexit, roaming charges apply for UK networks in Ireland. It’s cheaper to get a local Irish SIM for connectivity during your trip.
In summary, Ireland’s astonishingly expensive roaming rates make relying solely on your home cell plan a budget-busting risk. With proper preparation by purchasing an affordable Ireland eSIM, connecting to abundant free WiFi hotspots, and disabling cellular data, you can easily access maps, transportation, recommendations, keep in touch with loved ones – all without incurring any mobile data charges. Follow these tips to have an uncompromised, delightful visit to the Emerald Isle. Enjoy!
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