Last summer we purchased a mobile phone from Tesco upon our arrival in Killarney. It was around the same price Tony mentioned and included 10 Euro of minutes. Since we had no more use of the mobile phone after our return we mailed it back to Ireland to my cousin. So in my honor he named the mobile phone Judy.

On our next trip if Judy is still in working order, we will have a mobile phone waiting for us.

Judy M.

drbillmc wrote:

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What should I do for a cell phone in Ireland?  I want to call home to the US and make calls in Ireland to let the B & B know when we will be arriving, make reservations, etc.

I am told that my US Verizon phone would be very expensive to use in Ireland. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Also, two questions for Michele:

1. Should I wait until the latest edition comes out in March to order your book? (May 27 to June 17)

2. If I have my 20 day itinerary completed (B & B's and hotels scheduled and a rough idea what I plan to do each day), should I be looking at the Budget or Deluxe itinerary?  I would like to be at about $200.

Thanks, Bill

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Hello Bill,

 We got our cell phone at the airport in Dublin http://www.meteor.ie/

To call the US it was 15 cents a minute. You can also use this phone all over europe. I believe it was 20 euro + we bought 20 euro worth of minutes. We were there for 10 days and didn't use 1/4 of our minutes.

Frank

 

Frank

Bill,

Since you are going to Ireland soon and are currently in the planning stages, it is probably best to order my book now and get the 2011 edition. You can get any updates here on the forum.

As you can see, most people like the low-cost Tesco mobile phones in Ireland. I have the one that Maggie posted the link for. Although it is not the lowest rate, I can use it in both Northern Ireland and the Republic without changing out SIM card. I can also use it in many different countries worldwide. For me it works out fine. But it depends on your usage as to which you will get.

Michele

Thanks Tony. As I recall, when I got mine I went with the Mobal because I travel to other countries too and it works in many others than just Ireland & the UK. I also liked that I don't have to buy more minutes or update service if not used for a while. I just charge up the phone and am good to go. I'm not really a cell phone expert, like many others on the forum are. In fact my cell phone in the US is only used for emergencies. I still have a land line!

Michele

I've got to agree with Tony and Roy on the Mobile phone issue.

We usually bring two unlocked phones along -- one has my perrennial Vodaphone account that I've somehow managed to keep active for the last six or seven years -- MOSTLY because just about EVERYONE has that number -- but I regularly aquire (or re-acquire a Tesco SIM) which I use for calls home due to the REALLY cheap rates to the US.  They offer a free SIM if you purchase 10 Euro of Top Up and I find that more than adequate for a two-three week visit.

I also bought a 3G Aircard modem from Vodaphone about two years ago, though I don't necessarily recommend that anyone do THAT unless they are REGULAR visiters to Ireland!  I find that it's handy for my Netbook, when WIFI isn't available.

Bob

Hi, I checked out the Tesco site and am overwhelmed by all the choices. Are there a couple that are just perfect to have for a one time use and then leave in Ireland??? I plan on calling home every day over a period of two weeks...gotta call the hubby! :) I just don't want to overbuy. Thanks!

Great. Thanks Tony I'll take a look at those! :)

As you can see, which phone you get depends entirely on your usage. Always check the various plans, prices and fine print. Just like car rentals, comparison shop and choose the best company for your personal needs.

Michele

I have a Blackberry Tour that is supposed to be a world phone.  I have been told that all it will need is a SIM card.  Unfortunately, I am new to the SIM card world.  Can I buy this Tesco SIM card and use it?  Also, where do I get the card at?  I do not want to go on a contract as I will only use it this one time for a week.  Is there a pre-pay option?

 

I have also asked Tesco these same questions, but have not heard anything back as of yet.

You can purchase SIM cards at any Tesco, which are all over Ireland: http://www.tesco.ie/ Your phone needs to be unlocked. 

Michele

Wouldn't touch Blackberry! They do carry Samsung galaxy smart phones however.That's my temptation!

the Samsung Galaxy S II is what we ahve. we'll have them unlocked and use with our tesco sims.

us too...

tony2phones wrote:

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Tesco Ireland use 3g sim cards which operate on The Hutchinson network as do 3 Ireland who are a subsidiary. I am guessing that the network blocks connection from Blackberries so that people wanting them sign up to 3. Meteor have stores all over Ireland

site link is to blackberry support navigate to store location

http://www.meteor.ie/support/blackberry_support/

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 I just heard back from Tesco and it is as I expected.  They say that I can use my Blackberry as a simple phone, but no blackberry features nor internet.  Here is their email:

Thanks for your email and your interest in Tesco Mobile. 
 
A sim card can be purchased in any Tesco Store in Ireland for 2.50. As long as 
your Blackberry is unlocked it will work for calls and sms. We do not offer 
internet and mms for Blackberrys. 
 
The pay as you go price plan is called Anyone Anytime. If you top up by 10, 20 
or 30 we double your credit so if you top up by 10.00 we give you 10 free 
"bonus" credit. You also get free Tesco to Tesco calls and sms. 
 
Bonus credit can you used for calling irish mobiles and landlines and sms too. 
It cannot be used for International calls, roaming and premium rate numbers. You 
will be able to make these calls from your main balance. 

I think that I will just bring my Blackberry with me and find a store when i get to Dublin. 
I'll talk to them and see what my options are. 

Do either of these companies have a plan that covers both N.I. and the Republic? 
We will only be in Belfast for 1.5 days so will manage without a phone, but if it 
won't cost anything extra, I'd prefer to just get the phone setup there.

-- Edited by 5111 on Monday 27th of February 2012 11:14:52 AM