Power & Connectivity (SIM)
Connectivity may vary by region and season.
Voltage & Plug Types
Electrical standards and outlet shapes
Ireland uses 230V / 50Hz with the Type G socket (the British three rectangular pins). Bring a Type G adapter; travellers from 100–120V countries also need a converter for devices that are not dual-voltage.
- Voltage
- 230V / 50Hz
- Socket
- Type G (UK 3-pin)
- Adapter
- Type G needed
- Most phone/laptop chargers are 100–240V and fine with an adapter
Buying a SIM Card
Where to buy, costs, and activation process
The main operators are Vodafone, Three and Eir, with strong nationwide 4G/5G. Prepaid SIMs are sold at operator shops, supermarkets and convenience stores. EU visitors can use their home plan at no extra cost ("roam like at home").
- Operators
- Vodafone, Three, Eir
- Where
- Shops, supermarkets, convenience
- EU roaming
- Home plan, no extra cost
- Nationwide 4G/5G coverage is strong
eSIM & Mobile Wi-Fi
eSIM availability and portable Wi-Fi rental
eSIM travel plans are a convenient option: buy one online before arrival and install it in minutes, with no physical SIM or shop visit. Local operators Vodafone, Three and Eir support eSIM. EU visitors may simply use home roaming instead.
- Convenience
- Buy online before arrival
- Setup
- No physical SIM
- EU visitors
- Home roaming may suffice
- Check your phone is eSIM-capable and carrier-unlocked
Wi-Fi Availability
Public Wi-Fi coverage and security
Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafés, pubs and public buildings across Ireland, and there are no internet restrictions. Use a VPN on public networks for sensitive tasks like banking.
- Availability
- Hotels, cafés, pubs, public buildings
- Quality
- Generally good
- Security
- Use a VPN on public Wi-Fi
- A SIM/eSIM helps for on-the-go essentials
Internet Restrictions & VPN
Blocked services and VPN recommendations
Ireland has an open, unrestricted internet. Social media, messaging apps, streaming and video calls all work normally with no government censorship. Standard safety practices on public Wi-Fi still apply.
- Access
- Open, no censorship
- Apps
- Social, messaging, streaming all work
- Advice
- Use a VPN on public Wi-Fi
- No VPN is required to reach normal websites
Useful Local Apps
Must-have apps for transport, translation, and maps
Handy apps include TFI (Transport for Ireland) and the Leap Card app for public transport, Irish Rail and Dublin Bus for timetables, and Free Now for hailing licensed taxis. Add a maps and translation app for everyday needs.
- Transport
- TFI / Leap Card, Irish Rail, Dublin Bus
- Taxi
- Free Now
- Everyday
- Maps and translation apps
- TFI covers journey planning nationwide
International Calls
How to make international calls and alternatives
Ireland's country code is +353. The general emergency number is 112 (or 999), both free from any phone. Save contacts in international format (+353...) so calls work whether you use a local SIM or roaming.
- Country code
- +353
- Emergency
- 112 or 999
- Tip
- Save numbers in +353 format
- Messaging apps over Wi-Fi/data reduce call costs