Buying Three SIM Cards and eSIM for tourists: Guide to Get and Activate 2024

When traveling to Ireland, visitors will definitely need an internet connection for basic needs such as Translation or Map. However, when traveling abroad, many tourists may not be familiar with the network system in that country as well as the reputable carriers to connect to.

Three sim cards & eSIM

Three SIM Cards and eSIM is definitely a good choice if travelers cannot make a final decision. The article below will provide the necessary information about this network so that visitors will better understand why this network is worth trusting and choosing.

I. Quick Facts about Three 

Three Ireland is a telecommunications and Internet service provider operating in Ireland as a subsidiary of CK Hutchison Holdings: 

  • Full name: Three Ireland (Hutchison) Limited
  • Founded: 26 July 2005
  • Service: 2G GSM, 3G UMTS, 4G LTE and 5G NR mobile phone services
  • Subcribers: 45.9% market share with over 4.4 million customers ( December 2023). 
  • Awards: Best Customer Experience Award 2022 & 2023 and Best use of digital channels 2022 & 2023 of CCMA Awards, Speedtest Awards Winner for mobile network speed during Q1-Q2 2023 of Ookla, 5G download speeds and Excellent Experience Quality of Opensignal 2023,…

II. Why Three When Traveling Ireland – Coverage and Speed

It can be said that Three is the network operator with the best mobile network service in Ireland with the highest coverage and speed

1. Coverage

Three coverage in Ireland
Three coverage in Ireland

Three comes top for Availability and 5G Availability in the Opensignal research with scores at 98.1% and  19.4%, respectively

2. Speed

Download speed experience in Ireland
Download speed experience in Ireland
Upload speed experience in Ireland
Upload speed experience in Ireland

With overall experience, Three scores 42.2Mbps for Download Speed Experience and holds the first place. Upload speed experience of Three stands at second palace with the score of 9.3Mbps

Users on Three see the fastest average 5G speeds. Download 5G Speed Experience and Upload 5G Speed Experience are 205.1Mbps and 22.9Mbps. 

III. What are the Best Connectivity Options of Three for Travelers to Ireland?

There are 3 options to connect the Internet with Three
There are 3 options to connect the Internet with Three

Three offers 3 network connection options for travelers: Roaming with Three, Three SIM Card/eSIM and Three pocket wifi: 

FeaturesRoaming with ThreeThree SIM Card/eSIMThree pocket wifi
What is it? Use the current SIM to roam and connect to the Ireland network.– SIM Card: Use a tourist Ireland SIM (physical form)
– eSIM: a digital SIM card that is built into a device rather than being a physical, removable card.
As a network sharing device, using an inserted SIM card, it can share the network with other devices within a certain distance.
Advantage– No need to  remove the main SIM so tourists don’t have to worry about losing the main SIM
– Keep the same current number when contacting
With Three SIM Card
– Affordable
– Diverse packages to suit all types of needs
With Three eSIM: 
– Buy online
– Just scan the QR to get the SIM
– Use 2 SIMs at the same time 
– Install multiple data plans on the same phone
– No risk of losing SIM
– Still keep the main SIM on the device
– The phone does not need to be unlocked to receive the Internet
– Easy to use: turn on and use
Disadvantage– Expensive charges
– Not all carriers have connection and cooperation contracts with Ireland carriers 
With Three SIM Card: 
– It takes effort to buy or wait for the SIM to be shipped to install it
– Main SIM is easily lost when removed
– 1 phone only uses 1 sim
With Three eSIM: 
– Need compatible devices
– High equipment rental/purchase costs
– Must go to the place to buy/wait for delivery
– Always carry it with you
– Must charge or use backup charger
– Must be returned after trip ends (if rented)

Advice: Three SIM Card/eSIM still the best idea for tourists

IV. Best Three SIM Cards for Tourists & Cost

Three Ireland packages
Three Ireland packages

Three has two data-featured prepaid plans: Prepay SIM Only (combo) & Boost It (add-ons).

Prepay SIM Only – Three Ireland

The Prepay SIM Only plans are combo bundles with data (with 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.

Prepay SIM Only plans get automatically activated when you reload the corresponding amount.

PricePlanDataEU/EEA DataOn-Net MinutesLocal/EU Minutes 1International Minutes 2Local/EU SMS 1Validity
15 EUR3 Prepay 151 GB1 GBUnlimitedN/AN/A60 SMS28 days
20 EUR3 Prepay 20Unlimited19 GB“Unlimited”, 3000 minutes60 minutesN/A“Unlimited”, 3000 SMS28 days
30 EUR3 Prepay 30Unlimited28 GB“Unlimited”, 3000 minutes“Unlimited”, 10 000 minutes30 minutes“Unlimited”, 3000 SMS28 days

Boost It – Three Ireland

The Boost It is combo add-ons with data (with 5G NR access), minutes & SMS. They cannot be purchased as standalone plans.

PricePlanDataEU/EEA Roaming MinutesLocal/EU MinutesInternational Minutes Local/EU SMSValidity
5 EUR3 Prepay 151 GBN/AN/AN/AN/AUntil plan expires
5 EUR3 Prepay 15N/AN/AN/A100 minutesN/AUntil plan expires
5 EUR3 Prepay 15N/AN/AN/A100 minutes 1N/AUntil plan expires
5 EUR3 Prepay 20N/AN/A100 minutesN/AN/AUntil plan expires
5 EUR3 Prepay 20N/AN/AN/A100 minutesN/AUntil plan expires
5 EUR3 Prepay 20500 MB 1N/AN/AN/AN/AUntil plan expires
5 EUR3 Prepay 20N/AN/AN/A100 minutes 1N/AUntil plan expires
5 EUR3 Prepay 30N/AN/AN/A100 minutesN/AUntil plan expires
5 EUR3 Prepay 30N/AN/AN/A100 minutes 1N/AUntil plan expires
5 EUR3 Prepay 30500 MB 1N/AN/AN/AN/AUntil plan expires
10 EUR3 Prepay 30N/A100 minutesN/AN/AN/AUntil plan expires
10 EUR3 Prepay 30250 MB 1N/AN/AN/AN/AUntil plan expires

V. Does Three Support eSIM in Ireland?

Ireland eSIM is the best option for travelers
Ireland eSIM is the best option for travelers

Three does offer eSIMs

If you’re planning to travel to Ireland, it’s worth considering a travel eSIM as they can sometimes be more cost-effective than purchasing a SIM card from Three Ireland. 

This is especially true if you opt for a Europe-wide eSIM or a global eSIM.

VI. Where to Buy a Three SIM card and eSIM?

When it comes to getting a SIM card for Ireland, you have two main options:

  • The Easy Way (Buy a Three SIM Card/ eSIM Before Your Travel): Purchasing a Three SIM car/ eSIM before your trip may cost a bit more, but it offers greater convenience. The advantage is that you’ll have mobile data as soon as you arrive in Ireland, without the need to search for a Three SIM card retailer.

When it comes to reliable provider Ireland eSIM, Gigago stand out with different packages with affordable price. Added to this, customer services in Gigago is excellent when you can be supported 24/7 or instant delivery. 

Gigago Ireland packages
Gigago Ireland packages

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.

The Cheaper Way (Buy a SIM Card In Ireland): Buying an Irish Three SIM card after you arrive in Ireland can be cheaper, but it involves a little more effort. You’ll need to find a Three local SIM card retailer, which can take some time and effort.

VII. How to Use and Activate Three SIM/eSIM in Ireland?

Using a Three SIM/eSIM for Ireland is not difficult. If this is your first time using it, please check the instructions below.

A Three SIM Card
A Three SIM Card

1. How to Use Three SIM Card in Ireland?

You only need to follow these simple steps and everything will be ready.

  1. Insert the SIM card: Locate the SIM card slot on your device
  2. Power on your device: Turn on your device and wait for it to recognize the SIM card
  3. Activate the SIM card: In most cases, the Three Ireland SIM card will be pre-activated
  4. Set up APN settings if you can not use the eSIM.
  5. Check your services.

2. How to Activate Three eSIM?

Getting started with an Three eSIM for Irelandis quite easy as follows:

  1. Install the eSIM
  2. Activate the eSIM
  3. Set up the eSIM
  4. Start using the eSIM: Once the eSIM is activated and set up, you can start using its services.

VIII. How to Top-up Three SIM/eSIM

Top-up Three SIM Card is easy with some simple steps
Top-up Three SIM Card is easy with some simple steps

Travelers can follow general instructions on how to top up a Three SIM card in Ireland:

  • Visit the official Three Ireland website or use the My3 app
  • Select the “Top Up” option
  • Enter your Three mobile number
  • Choose the top-up amount
  • Select your payment method
  • Follow the payment instructions
  • Confirm the top-up

IX. FAQs about Three in Ireland

How do I check my data usage on Three?

To check your data usage on Three, you can log into your Three account online or use the My3 app. 

Can I transfer credit from one Three SIM card to another?

Three may offer a credit transfer service that allows you to transfer credit from one Three SIM card to another.

What do I do if my Three SIM card is lost or stolen?

If your Three SIM card is lost or stolen, contact Three customer support immediately. They will guide you through the process of blocking the SIM card and issuing a replacement SIM with the same number.

X. Conclusion

Three SIM card/eSIM is a good choice with the fastest speed and highest coverage in Ireland. Travelers can consider buying Three eSIM from Gigago for the most incentives and convenience. Wishing you a memorable trip to Ireland