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

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.

Vodafone sim card & eSIM in Ireland

I. Quick Facts about Vodafone

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. Why Vodafone When Traveling Ireland – Coverage and Speed.

Let’s explore whether coverage and speed of Vodafone can be up to customers’ needs:

1. Coverge

Vodafone coverage in Ireland
Vodafone coverage 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. 

2. Speed

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

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

Some options that travelers can choose from to connect with Vodafone in Ireland.

  • Buy SIM from Vodafone
  • Use pocket wifi to connect to Vodafone
  • Roaming to Vodafone
Pocket wifi is also a popular choice of tourists when traveling to Ireland
Pocket wifi is also a popular choice of tourists when traveling to Ireland
OptionAdvantageDisadvantage
SIM Card Vodafone– Wide coverage
– Cost control
– Reliable connection
-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
eSIM Vodafone– 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
– Must be an unlocked and compatible phone (network unlocked) to use
Roaming with Vodafone
– Use the same current SIM 
– Expensive charges
– Not all network operators have connection and cooperation contracts with Ireland network operators
Vodafone pocket wifi-No need to remove SIM-It’s hard to carry around
-Broadcast range is not far (specifically about a few meters)
– Deposit required when renting, cost is higher than sim card
– Need to be shipped, received and returned
 – If lost or damaged, you will have to pay money. 

Advice: If travelers have unlocked phones, choose Vodafone Ireland SIM Card or eSIM for the best price and convenience. 

IV. Best Vodafone SIM Cards for Tourists & Cost

Note: $1 USD = €0.92 EUR and €1 EUR = $1.08 USD.

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:

PricePlanDataOn-Net MinutesLocal/EU Minutes 1International Minutes 3On-Net SMSLocal/EU SMS 1Validity
20 EURChat Extra 110 GB“Unlimited”, 5000 minutesShared with on-net minutes allowanceN/A“Unlimited”, 5000 SMSShared with on-net SMS allowance28 days
20 EURSmart Extra20 GB“Unlimited”, 5000 minutes100 minutesN/A“Unlimited”, 5000 SMS100 SMS28 days
20 EURVodafone XUnlimited ‘@ 10 Mbps“Unlimited”, 5000 minutes100 minutes/”Unlimited”, 5000 minutes 2N/A“Unlimited”, 5000 SMS28 days
25 EURChat Extra 5G10 GB“Unlimited”, 5000 minutesShared with on-net minutes allowanceN/A“Unlimited”, 5000 SMSShared with on-net SMS allowance28 days
25 EURSmart Extra 5G20 GB“Unlimited”, 5000 minutes100 minutesN/A“Unlimited”, 5000 SMS100 SMS28 days
25 EURVodafone X 5GUnlimited ‘@ 5G speed“Unlimited”, 5000 minutes100 minutes/”Unlimited”, 5000 minutes 2N/A“Unlimited”, 5000 SMS100 SMS28 days
30 EURExtra Unlimited 5G 1Unlimited ‘@ 5G speed“Unlimited”, 5000 minutesShared with on-net minutes allowance100 minutes“Unlimited”, 5000 SMSShared with on-net SMS allowance28 days
Vodafone Ireland packages
Vodafone Ireland packages

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:

PriceDataLocal/EU Minutes 1International Minutes 2Local/EU SMS 1ValidityActivation Code
5 EUR5 GBN/AN/AN/A28 days5DATA
5 EURN/A100 minutesN/AN/A28 days5TALK
5 EURN/AN/A100 minutesN/A28 days5INTER
15 EUR20 GBN/AN/AN/A30 daysDATA
15 EURN/A“Unlimited”, 5000 minutesN/AN/A28 daysTALK
15 EURN/AN/A400 minutesN/A28 days15INTER
15 EURN/AN/AN/A“Unlimited”, 5000 SMS28 daysTEXT

V. Does Vodafone Support eSIM in Ireland?

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

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.

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

1. 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
A Vodafone store in Dublin
A Vodafone store in Dublin
  • 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.

2. 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.
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$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.

VII. How to activate Vodafone Ireland SIM/eSIM

It’s not difficult to use a Vodafone SIM/eSIM for Ireland. If this is your first time using it, please check the instructions below.

1. How to use Vodafone Ireland SIM card

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, Vodafone SIM card will be pre-activated
  4. Set up APN settings if you can not use the eSIM.
  5. Check your services.
Vodafone Ireland SIM Cards
Vodafone Ireland SIM Cards

2. How to activate Vodafone Ireland eSIM

Getting started with an Vodafone eSIM for Ireland is 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.

Please check your detailed instructions below:

VIII. How to Top-up Vodafone SIM/eSIM

Vodafone pay SIM Card
Vodafone pay SIM Card

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

Is there a charge for unlocking my phone? 

No, there is no charge to unlock your phone.

Is unlimited data really unlimited?  

No matter what Unlimited plan you choose, you’ll have unlimited data to use in Ireland and Europe. Vodafone plans come with different maximum mobile data speeds, to match how you use your data.

What happens if I need more data with RED Connect?

You can purchase an instant add on at home or abroad if you need more. To purchase you can sign into My Vodafone and or text. You’ll pay Vodafone standard out of bundle rates if you choose not to buy an additional bundle.

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.