Using Your GSM Phone in Ireland

Communications in Ireland

While you will almost certainly be able to use your GSM phone in Ireland with few problems, it would be wise to compare the cost with that of buying an Irish SIM card and using it while you are here instead.

There are two reasons for this:

The charges applied by GSM service providers for using the phone in 'roaming' mode while in Ireland can be very expensive
Incoming calls are free on the Irish Network, regardless of where they originate from - so with an Irish sim card your friends, relatives or anyone else from home can call you without you incurring any charges at all.

Some things You Should Know

When you buy a SIM pack from any Irish phone network, you are automatically put on a pay-as-you-go account. This means that there is no minimum payment, no contract and no credit check is required. It really is very simple, you just buy the card, put it in your phone and you are good to go.

In order for the change of SIM card to go smoothly, two things are essential:

You need to have a GSM 900/1800 compatible international cell phone
Your phone needs to be unlocked so that you can switch SIM cards. To get your phone unlocked call your current provider's Customer Care team. You should then receive a code to unlock your phone

How much will an Irish Sim Card Cost me?

Costs are based on the following assumtions:

You will make two calls a day on your cell phone to Irish numbers, say checking with your hotel and booking a restaurant.
You call home to America on average once a day for about 5 minutes each time.

To make a valid comparison, try to get information for similar call levels from your current provider.


Network: Meteor (SIM pack)
Purchase	Installation	Credit	Calls	Incoming	Total Cost
$24	Included	$30	$23.73	Free	$24
€20	Included	€25	€19.70	Free	€20
€10 call credit is applies automatically, another €15 when you register online, which the store may be willing to do for you.


Network: Vodafone (SIM pack)
Purchase	Installation	Credit	Calls	Incoming	Total Cost
$12	Included	None	$23.73	Free	$35.73
€10	Included	None	€19.70	Free	€29.70

Do your sums, but in many cases the option of buying a SIM card to use while you are in Ireland will be the right one.

So, now you are set to go - how do you use the phone in Ireland? Read on!

Next: How to use a cell phone in Ireland

Your Comments

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Posted by: Jeff
18 Jun 2007, 12:17
be aware that unlocking a GSM phone can take several days (7 to 10) of paperwork. I didn't plan out far enough in advance and so am forced to choose another option.

Posted by: celia
06 Jul 2007, 10:13
Hello!
I just arrived from France and I had an unlock cellphone, I found a very interesting deal with 02: for 19.99euros, I get 50euros credit call. I also found out about 1Call. Using the 02 mobile and just dialing an access number I can make international phone calls (for me France) for cheaper than international calling card. You can check out the website www.1call.ie...hope it can be useful for you guys! Enjoy Ireland!

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