Vodafone SIM Cards and eSIM 2024: a Comprehensive Guide for Tourists

Harper Thomas

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Latest update: October 2024

Visitors to Ireland may be wondering which carrier to choose to connect to the internet because all carriers in Ireland can provide the best quality service. Vodafone is also one of them. Vodafone SIM Cards and eSIM can help travelers connect to the network conveniently and have a great trip. Let’s explore this network and make the most suitable choice for yourself.

I. Overview about Vodafone – What you need to know

Vodafone Ireland Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Vodafone Group, is a mobile phone network and broadband provider in Ireland

• Founded: 8 May 2001

• Service: operates a full range of voice, SMS, MMS and mobile data services, contract (bill pay) and prepay services and fixed-line services including traditional telephone services, ADSL2+, FTTC (VDSL2) and FTTH high speed broadband

• Subscribers: approximate 2.4 million customers

• Coverage: Vodafone claims over 99% of the island of Ireland is covered by their 4G network within the Republic. Their 5G service was launched in 2019.

II. Vodafone Coverge in Ireland

Vodafone are tied for second place with identical scores of 97.3% in Availability of 3G connection. 

Vodafone has over 99% 4G population coverage in the Republic of Ireland

5G Availability of 7.9% of time. 

III. Vodafone Speed in Ireland

In comparison with eir and Three, Upload and Download Speed experience of Vodafone just stand at third place with data 8.2 and 25.8 in Mbps, respectively

IV. Does Vodafone Support eSIM in Ireland?

Vodafone Ireland does support eSIM technology. eSIM is a digital SIM that you can download. No plastic, no shop visits.It’s easier and greener. 

If you’re not already a Vodafone customer, you’ll need to get a new number with Vodafone or switch your current number to Vodafone. If you’re already with Vodafone on a bill pay or pay as you go plan, you’ll need to swap your current physical SIM to an eSIM. You can do this on My Vodafone.

V. Top Vodafone SIM Cards for Tourists & Cost

Vodafone has two data-featured prepaid plans: Pay As You Go (combo) & Add-Ons.

Pay As You Go – Vodafone Ireland

The Pay As You Go are combo plans with data (with 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.

The following Pay As You Go are available:

Add-Ons – Vodafone Ireland

The Add-Ons are combo add-ons with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS. They cannot be purchased as standalone plans.

Add-Ons can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 50233:

VI. Where to Buy Vodafone SIM Card for Ireland?

• In International Airports: The best place to get a prepaid SIM card when you arrive in Ireland is Dublin International Airport. You’ll find some Vodafone SIM Card packages there. 

• Phone stores in city centre:  You can easily purchase a prepaid Vodafone SIM card for Ireland in the city center or any other tourist destination throughout the country. Vodafone has their official retail stores, and in places like Henry Street in central Dublin, you’ll find stores for Vodafone

• Supermarkets, gas stations and convenience store: 

We suggest purchasing a prepaid Vodafone SIM card for Ireland from an official retail store, rather than from random phone stores, gas stations, supermarkets, or convenience stores. In these alternative places, you may come across SIM cards offered by MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators). 

While these SIM cards can work, you’ll need to register and activate the prepaid plans yourself, which can be a bit more complicated.

VII. Where to Buy Vodafone eSIM for Ireland?

To avoid any hassle, you have the option of ordering a Vodafone eSIM for your Ireland trip online before your departure. This way, you can be prepared and connected as soon as your plane touches down.

We recommend a reputable platform like Gigago for ordering Vodafone eSIM cards.

eSIM cards are the easiest option, and they can only be purchased online. With Gigago, they offer various benefits fo tourists: 

• No ID Card, No Passport

• Easy to use: 100% online. Receive eSIM via email. Scan a QR code to install. Activate eSIM when you land and get connected instantly.

• Whole Ireland coverage: Work in all destinations in Ireland. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.

• 24/7 support: Answer questions and provide 24/7 technical support via chat or email.

• Instant delivery: eSIM profile details delivered via email. No waiting for shipping, no removal, no risk of loss.

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 – $128.00 . 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. How to Top-up Vodafone SIM/eSIM

Travelers can easily top up Vodafone SIM Cards by following these steps below: 

• Click on the page: Quick Top Up | Mobile Top Up | Vodafone Ireland . It will take you to the Quick Top Up page on the Vodafone Ireland website.

• On the Quick Top Up page, you can choose the amount you want to top up your SIM card with. Click on the amount you prefer. If you don’t see the desired amount, you can click on “See more amounts” for additional options.

• Then, this will take you to the payment page.

• On the payment page, you need to enter your card details to complete the transaction.

• Below the card details, you will find an “Address” section. The system can automatically fill in your address based on your card information. If the address is incorrect or you want to enter a different address, click on the “Manual Address” option and provide the necessary details.

• Once you have entered all the required information, click on the “Pay” or “Top Up” button to proceed with the payment.

• The system will process your payment. You may see a “Processing” message along with an estimated time remaining.

• After the payment is successfully processed, you will receive a confirmation message indicating that your top-up was successful.

IX. FAQs about Vodafone in Ireland

Vodafone SIM Cards and eSIM is a good choice for tourists when traveling to Ireland. Vodafone’s coverage and speed can completely meet most travelers’ needs. There are also many ways for travelers to connect to Vodafone and I suggest using eSIM as this will be the best option for travelers. Hope you will have a smooth trip to Ireland thanks to the information in the above article.