Will my phone work in Ireland?

Your bags are packed, the flight is scheduled, the hotel is booked, you’ve bookmarked all the best pubs… you’re ready to visit the Emerald Isle. But when your friend tells you to call them as soon as you land, you stop to ask yourself “Will my phone work in Ireland? And how much green is it gonna cost me if it does?”

These are valid questions, and you’re in luck, because this blog has the answers. Let’s go over the ins & outs of using your US-based phone on your trip to Ireland.

Can I use my phone in Ireland?

The short answer is yes. Virtually all modern smartphones can be used in Ireland and are compatible with their wireless network towers. That said, you will need to purchase some form of international roaming to be able to get access to their networks and stay connected.

Most US phone carriers offer international roaming add-ons you can purchase before or during your trip for maximum ease (some even offer them for super low rates…more on that later). We recommend researching your carrier’s options before you leave to keep your wireless bill from unexpectedly Dublin (sorry, had to). We’ll also cover your other options below.

Most carriers will alert you of the costs of calling, texting and data once you’ve arrived at your destination—because using roaming data can get very expensive, very fast—depending on your carrier’s roaming offering. Nowadays, most US phone carriers offer international roaming options that you can purchase ahead of, or even during, your trip. In fact, some carriers even have international roaming add-ons that you can buy for a very low rate that are super easy to use… we’ll get into that a bit later though.

Some travelers prefer to purchase a local SIM card when they arrive at their international destination. Next, we’ll cover how that works and if that’s something you might want to do.

Will an Irish SIM card work in a US phone?

Irish SIM cards should work in most unlocked U.S. phones. If your phone is unlocked and ready to go, you can buy a prepaid physical SIM card or an eSIM data plan ahead of your trip, or upon arrival.

The benefit of using an Irish SIM is that it helps you avoid roaming fees on calling, texts and data usage. And if your trip includes exploring more of the UK, Irish SIM cards usually work across the UK at no additional cost with no international roaming charges. Just confirm with the carrier to be sure.

One thing to remember when using an Irish SIM is that people won’t be able to reach you via your regular number. However, if your phone is dual-SIM compatible, you may be able to use an Irish SIM and keep your previous SIM active with your regular number.

If an Irish SIM card isn’t for you, but you still want the benefit of being able to move from country to country with ease, look into your carrier’s roaming offerings. Mint Mobile’s Minternational Pass works wherever you go, so you don’t need a new SIM card when you hop between countries. Check to see what countries are included with your carrier’s international roaming program before you jet off to Ireland and beyond.

Tips for using a US cell phone in Ireland

If you’re still undecided about the route you want to go, here are some general tips for using your phone in Ireland. A little pre-planning can help you minimize your data use throughout your journey.

Connect to Wi-Fi when you can: Luckily these days, there’s free Wi-Fi available in tons of pubs, cafes and restaurants. Take advantage of Wi-Fi where you find it to help minimize data usage. Since Wi-Fi is often available in spots catering to tourists, there may be added risks of identity theft or hacking – make sure to follow best practices when it comes to phone network security and try to connect to secure networks whenever possible.

Utilize airplane mode: As a general guideline, we recommend putting your phone on airplane mode as the default setting on your travels to avoid accidental data usage. Even if you have airplane mode on, you can still connect to Wi-Fi and use any other phone functions that don’t require cellular data.

Download content for offline use: When you’re able to get a Wi-Fi connection, take the opportunity to download maps, guidebooks, and media that you can use later without eating into your data, and avoid additional roaming charges.

Use Wi-Fi Calling: Most phone plans include Wi-Fi Calling as a feature (including Mint) and it’s pretty nifty. Wi-Fi Calling lets you make calls while connected to Wi-Fi at no additional cost, and can be easily turned on in your phone’s settings.

Pause auto downloads and background app refresh: Make sure things like push notifications, auto updates and things like that are turned off while you’re abroad. It may seem like just a notification here and there, but in reality, these can slowly but surely chip away at your data – and no one wants that. Head here for a refreshmint on background app refresh.

Become best mates with a portable battery & local adaptors: Avoid the dreaded “my phone battery is dead and so is my connection to the wireless world” by picking up a portable battery. Using your phone for photos and navigation can drain the battery faster than you can say “more fish and chips please,” so having an extra may come in handy. Also make sure you have the right adaptor to charge your US phone safely while away.

Before we say “slán,” here are some other travel resources

Before we officially bid you farewell, we’ve got a deeper dive into using your phone in the rest of the UK, as well as articles about France, Italy, and Europe as a whole, if you decide to cross a few more borders while you’re over there.

Also, don’t forget to check out our Minternational Pass. It’s basically a passport for your wireless plan, providing you with talk, text and high-speed data to over 180+ countries. And, once you’re back in the states, you can call any friends you made in Northern Ireland (perks of having free talk and text to the UK included in your Mint plan). 

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