• Would I need a mobile phone while in Ireland?
• Is having an Irish number worth it?
• What are the benefits of having a phone connected to an Irish network?
• What are my mobile phone options?

Would I need a mobile phone while in Ireland?

If you are staying for shorter than a semester (three months) it may be possible to get on by just connecting to local WiFi and communicating via WhatsApp. Over 90% of built-up Ireland is connected to broadband so you can be certain of connectivity in bars, cafés, student halls, university buildings and even on some public transportation. Remember to be careful of what networks you connect to as data phishing is known to take place on unregistered and unrecognisable networks. Only connect to hosts that are verifiable and run by the establishment you find yourself in.

Is having an Irish number worth it?

Yes. Nowadays, mobile carriers have offers that do not involve long-term commitments or paying a huge advance for coverage. You essentially pay for coverage you need and cancel when you no longer need it. A list of these carriers are provided below.

What are the benefits of having a phone connected to an Irish network?

• You can make local calls without having to pay a roaming charge.
• When applying for a job, opening a bank account or simply making a booking, it is not unusual to be asked for a contact number. Most local employers or businesses would not make the call if it was to a foreign number.

What are my mobile phone options?

It is useful to, first of all, understand the two forms of connectivity you can get on a network which are: a Contract Phone or Pre-Paid (Pay As You Go). A contract phone would not suit a student who is staying for shorter than a year or two semester and is overall less popular than the pre-paid option. That said, we have compiled a comparable table of the best networks and what they offer.