I own three unlocked phones at this point -- though my first is tottering upon the brink of being an antique   --

I bought my first, specifically to use in Ireland, back in 2003 or '04 and I bought an Irish Vodaphone SIM that I have managed to keep as an active account, ever since.  It makes sense for ME, as we visit every year ( and hope to increase that frequency to at least twice a year, as soon as possible).

I chose Vodaphone, rather than O2 or Meteor (the other 'BIG' Irish Service Providers) for the simple reason that most of our friends and family in Ireland were Vodaphone customers -- though that is NOT necessarily STILL true.  There is probably NO significant difference between those three companies, either in coverage, available services or prices.   I'm a creature of habit, though, so unless / until I have a compelling reason to switch, I probably will retain my Vodaphone plan.

Actually, that should be PLURAL, as I purchased an additional SIM last year to provide my wife with her OWN phone -- mostly because I had migrated to a newer, fancier, GPS-equipt handset and had a perfectly useable 'SPARE' to hand. 

If you have an unlocked tri or quad band phone, it takes about 10-20 minutes to purchase a SIM and have it activated.  I paid 9 Euro 90 for my wife's SIM, at the Vodaphone shop on College Street, in Killarney.  It came with 2 Euro of call credit, which can EASILY be 'Topped Up' at practically any and every shop or gas station in the country.

For under 40 Euro, they'll increase the call credit to about 10 Euro or more, AND include a LOCKED GSM phone, in the event that you don't already own an unlocked unit.

I know that O2 offers the same kind of deal, as well, and I'm sure that Meteor probably has a comparable offering, too.

http://www.vodafone.ie/

http://www.o2online.ie/wps/wcm/connect/O2/Home/

http://www.meteor.ie/plans/pay_as_you_go/#plans-tab

If your existing phone has a data-based GPS, you will NOT want to use it. My phone has a GPS unit built in, but it also offers A-GPS (assisted GPS) which IS data-based.  That must be disabled, as well, as THOSE data costs can EASILY burn up $40-50 worth of charges in next to NO time!  

I have my phone configured to notify / ASK me before it connects to the internet, or changes networks (roaming), as that can keep the prices from escalating unexpectedly.  Coverage has been quite nearly UNIVERSAL, with VERY few exceptions.

There is a phone shop inside the Dublin Airport (Arrivals Hall, I think), but NOT in the Shannon Airport.  The nearest is at the Shannon Sky Mall.

Pre-paid 3g Broadband IS available.  The details are here:

http://www.vodafone.ie/df/mobilebroadband/gallery_details.jsp?tab=paymonthly

http://www.o2online.ie/shop/broadband/mobile/

http://www.meteor.ie/bbtg/payg/#overview-tab

Hope this helps as a General Overview.  Feel free to ask any SPECIFIC questions that might come to mind.

Bob

Carrie,

A few points on the iPhone in Ireland. Airplane mode will guarantee that no data or calls go to or from your phone, so it is the safest choice.

Another option is going to your SETTINGS > GENERAL > NETWORK and turn the DATA ROAMING OFF. This will allow you to access wi-fi, but will not transmit data over the cell phone network (that's where those crazy bills you heard about from). Note, it WILL allow calls to come in, so if your aunt calls from Cleveland, you'll be subject to international rates (your aunt will not).

It is VERY IMPORTANT you turn OFF the DATA ROAMING if you plan to take your phone out of Airplane mode... otherwise, when you flip it off Airplane, it will immediately begin accessing the data network as if you are at home (bad idea unless you have an international data plan).

I did a podcast on the iPhone in Ireland... it's getting old, but most of the info is still very relevant http://irishfireside.com/2008/07/23/iphone-in-ireland/.

Also have a podcast on Mobile Phones in Ireland http://irishfireside.com/2008/08/02/54-using-mobile-phones-abroad/


-- Edited by yesiree on Wednesday 5th of May 2010 12:32:24 AM

I have to admit that I bought the Mobal phone that is advertised on my website. (I get a few pennies from each sale.) It worked perfectly for me while in Ireland. However, I don't do a heavy amount of calling. Just use it in Ireland for contacting accommodations, etc. and in case of emergency.

Basically, it is a cell phone for idiots (like me)  You only pay for what you use. There are no activation fees, no roaming charges, no re-activation fees when you start using it again. The SIM card works in many different countries - it just picks up on the local networks and uses them. So when I go to No. Ireland I don't have to change things out. The cost of calls may be prohibitive for those who make lots of calls. For me it was fine. Only thing is you get a UK phone number.

Michele

Making Tony's links 'clickable':

http://www.comreg.ie/about_us/hutchison_3g_ireland_limited_interconnects_with_tesco_mobile_ireland_limited.43.1024.whatsnew.html

http://www.tescomobile.ie/

http://www.boards.ie/

Bob

-- Edited by Itallian Chauffeur on Monday 21st of June 2010 11:15:38 AM

Dan, 

When you click to reply you get a "Quick Reply" box. Just underneath the box are two gray buttons. One says "Post Quick Reply" the other says "Advanced Editor". Click on "Advanced Editor". 

A new box opens giving you options for formatting such as Bold, italics, underline, bullets, emoticons  , the ability to add photos, etc. When you put a URL into the Advanced box it automatically makes it clickable. You can also make a word clickable by clicking on the little chain icon near the top and entering the URL into the pop-up box. 

Give it a try. Then click the "Submit Post" button on the bottom right.

Michele

Dan,

Now you're cooking!

Michele

Stephanie,

Welcome to my forum. I am not a real techie for phones. However, I do know that you should contact your provider T-Mobile to ask them the questions. You also need a "unlocked" phone in order to be able to use a SIM card elsewhere. If your phone will be compatible and it is locked, you should ask how it can be unlocked for use abroad.

Michele