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Cell phone options for Ireland & London

Hi all,

I apologize as I'm sure this has been asked and answered before, but I can't seem to find information that matches my specific situation. I'm taking a three-week study-abroad trip to Ireland (mostly in Dublin) but I'll be spending four days in London on my own immediately before, and I'm trying to figure out my best options for cell phone use - I have an iPhone on AT&T, if that makes a difference. I've read that buying a local SIM card is typically the best option, but the only rates I've been able to find are for within the country, and my primary concern is being able to call back home. I also need enough data for pretty heavy maps use (I have a special talent for getting lost) and some iMessage or Facebook Messenger use (not too worried about actual SMS).

So: does anyone know of a SIM plan with good international rates (less than 0.50USD a minute) and a decent data allowance? Would I need separate SIM cards for UK and Ireland, or would I be better off just getting an Irish one and using whatever roaming plan they have for my few days in London? And if I do go that route (just an Irish SIM card), how would I actually get one, since I'm going to London first? Would they mail to my hotel, etc?

Thanks in advance to anyone who can help!

Posted by
439 posts

Hi,

I have actually gone with both buying the international plan under AT&T, last fall they had 3 options. It gave me unlimited texted (which is what I wanted), some phone & some data. It was expensive.

We also bought a sim card in Greece for about 10euros. I have bought one in Ireland for about the same cost (Vodaphone), we used an old unlocked Iphone. This we used for Irish phone calls and any data that we needed. You will need a separate sim card for London. I am sure you can buy something online but have never tried.

I am not fond of Tmobile, but they supposedly have a very good international plan.