Pay as you go cell phone purchase

You'd probably have more options for cheap phones researching and buying here, versus being subject to what's in stock in a suburban town. Then you'd just have to get SIM upon arrival

Check Target, Best Buy and such or just search for 'unlocked phone'

Seems to be a variety of choices for under $150; then just buy a sim card when you get there perhaps.

Before I had my current phone and plan, I had bought an inexpensive cell phone here and would just buy and add a local SIM card when I arrived in a new country. I used that for calls to B&B’s and local businesses, etc.

It’s easier to get the phone here.

Did you want to get an Ireland only SIM card for calls there? Or do you need a card that also lets you call the U.S. without high charges?

You can easily buy SIM cards for Ireland at the Dublin airport at the WH Smith store and the SPAR store, plus other kiosks. You can buy them at Tesco and Vodaphone stores in or around Dublin. Or you can order one online and have it delivered before you leave the U.S.

If you want an international plan card, you may need to order that online before you travel.

https://www.traveltomtom.net/destinations/europe/ireland/ireland-sim-card-dublin-airport

https://www.traveltomtom.net/travel-tips/best-international-sim-cards

All the best,

Raymond

the $150 Joe32f mentioned should be a budget that should afford a cheap-but-functional android phone, allowing the use of maps, email, and non-SMS messaging apps (WhatsApp/FB Messenger)

If voice calls are the only goal, that basic "dumb" phone should cost less than half that.

I suppose it should be said that if you purchase a phone in the U.S. to use in other countries you must be sure the phone has the right radio frequencies and the right phone technology to work where you are going. You can find that information online, but it can be confusing.

As an example, the 3G phone protocols are being discontinued by phone companies around the world in order to free up radio spectrum to be used for newer technologies, such as 5G. See, for example, AT&T Shuts Down 3G and 3G's Sun is Setting in Europe.

Through the years I have purchased a cheap phone in UK and in Sweden (when the UK phone became too old). I found it extremely quick and easy to go into a phone shop, which pre covid were ubiquitous, buy the phone, and have the person set the phone up for me. For me it saves time and aggravation. So, I vote for buying a phone in the country when you arrive to avoid any pitfalls and for the ease if you question your knowledge about getting a phone that will work. That being said, are you going to be in a small town and, if so, it might be wise to pay a bit more and just get it in the airport? For comparison, I purchased mine in London and Umeå so check the area you will be in for purchase.

When I was traveling to Ireland a few years ago, cheap pay-as-you-go phones from Tesco (a UK and Ireland chain store) was widely recommended. They seem to still offer cheap phones. I managed ok just with wifi calling so I ended up not bothering to get an extra phone.

I have on two or three different occasions just purchased a cheap, local, pay as you go phone (I don't think I paid more than $30) and bought cheap cards to top up if needed, once I arrived in country. In London I bought in the city and in Madrid right at the train station. Like you want to do, I only used it for the few local calls to BnBs, etc. that I needed to make and it worked out fine. A thread on a Trip Advisor forum indicates that mobile phones are available for purchase at the Dublin airport and also recommended Tesco for cheap options. I looked at Google maps for a Tesco in Malahide but only see the smaller Tesco Express. Not sure if they carry them but you can try. If not, there are probably other providers right there in Malahide. Ask at your place of lodging and they can direct you.

Thanks Pat and everyone. Just a few days ago I did the exact thing Pat suggested. I contacted the Malahide, Ireland hotel and they suggested two vendors. I contacted one and they said the cheapest phone they had was $200. I have not yet heard back from Tesco. Reportedly they have the best deals but it is unclear if the Tesco Express near the hotel has phones. I also plan to go to Best Buy/Target/Walmart before we leave to see options there. It seems like the best/easiest option is to find a Tesco in Ireland and buy a cheap pay-as-you-go phone there before we start touring around.

Hello Kathleen,

I have been doing similar research regarding this since I was planning on taking a cruise starting in Barcelona Spain in May. Currently I'm using an unlocked Ulefone/Note 11 with a straight talk SIM card. I am looking into buying an international SIM card. Since my straight talk SIM card does not work outside of the United States. The international SIM cards seem relatively inexpensive and If you found a cheap unlocked phone that might be an option also.