Staying Connected
Calling Internationally
We recommend using WhatsApp or FaceTime for free communication with others. These applications are available on all smartphones and offer texting, video calls, and traditional phone call options.
Local Plan Options
There will be Wi-Fi at University of Limerick and most cafes and restaurants, but the majority of our students want to have Internet access 24/7 everywhere they go, just as they do back home. For us, it is important that you can communicate easily and call Ubers without effort in case you need to. That is why we recommend either to purchase a local SIM card once in Ireland, or arrange an international plan with your US phone carrier.
International Plan Options
Bring your phone and network from home if you have a decent international data and airtime plan – just be aware that you won’t be able to communicate locally quite as easily and will likely need to rely on WhatsApp to communicate with others in-country.
Check with your US phone carrier for options – but note that they will likely charge more than a local Irish pay-as-you-go plan.
Mix and Match
You could get an inexpensive local Irish phone for local communication and use your existing phone for data when you need it, either depending on Wi-Fi availability or by switching on/off your international data/roaming as needed.
How to Get a Phone or SIM Card
Ireland has three main phone and data providers:
You can buy an Irish SIM card for approximately €15 and use that for Irish telephone calls but recently students have just been using their US sim cards for the most part.
Note: If you do decide to buy an Irish SIM card you will need an unlocked smartphone (check on this with your phone carrier)
How to Make Calls from Your Phone
From a Irish Phone to Irish Phone
- Dial the local area code- Start by entering the local area code of the city or region you are calling within Ireland. Each city or region has its own specific area code. Make sure to include the appropriate area code for the location you are calling.
- Enter the phone number- After dialing the local area code, enter the phone number of the person or establishment you wish to call within Ireland.
- Press the call button- The call should connect, and you will be able to communicate with the person or business you dialed.
Note: Remember, if you are calling within the same area code, you may only need to dial the local phone number without including the area code. If you are unsure, it's recommended to include the area code to ensure a successful connection.
From a U.S. Cell Phone to an Irish Phone Number
- Dial the international access code for Ireland: 00353
- After the international access code, enter the area code
- Dial the phone number: After entering the country and/or area code, dial the Irish phone number you wish to reach.