I am borrowing a phone for my trip, but will have to buy an Irish SIM. I could also just buy a cheap Irish phone if need be. Any recommendations or experiences with providers? Any other helpful info?
Posted by
Anaheim, CA, USA
1455 posts
Most convenience stores sell the SIM, or your best bet is to stop at the Cellular store and see if the SIM fits or is compatible with your phone. Your phone should work if it works in the UK... just check the frequency.
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
4555 posts
Two questions.....is your borrowed phone a tri- or quad band GSM phone (the GSM frequencies in Europe are different from North America)....and is your borrowed phone unlocked (otherwise, it won't work with a SIM card from another provider.)
Posted by
OP
Iowa City
8 posts
It's the UK Virgin Mobile phone that my roommate bought in England two years ago and just recently used in late October on her trip to Cardiff and London.
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
4555 posts
Then it's probably locked to Virgin UK's service. They don't have an operation in the Republic, although they do have roaming agreements. But that will mean higher per-minute charges while in the Republic, and you'll still need to find a way to top up the Virgin SIM now in your phone. Depending on the phone model, you might find it convenient to do a search on the web to find out how to unlock it and what it costs. If it's a Nokia phone, PM me and I can possibly help.