Staying Connected and Charged

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← Back to being in ireland

Don’t Get “Bill Shock”

If you simply land in Dublin and start scrolling Instagram, your US carrier will likely charge you $10 per day (or worse, per megabyte). Here are the three best ways to handle your phone so you can still use Google Maps and FreeNow.

🟢 The WhatsApp Rule (Important!)

In Ireland (and most of Europe), nobody uses SMS/Green Bubbles. * Why it matters: Standard SMS text messages are notoriously unreliable when crossing international borders. They often lag by hours, get blocked by carriers, or incur “International Texting” fees.

  • The Solution: Download WhatsApp before you leave. It uses data/Wi-Fi rather than cellular towers, meaning your messages, photos, and calls go through instantly.
  • Group Chats: We will be using WhatsApp for real-time wedding updates. Make sure your account is verified with your US number before you fly.

Option 1: The “Easy Button” (International Plans)

Most major US carriers (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile) have an international daily pass.

  • How it works: You pay a flat fee (usually $10/day) to use your existing talk/text/data plan abroad.
  • Pros: Nothing to install; your phone number stays exactly the same.
  • Cons: Expensive for a week-long trip ($70+). Even with this plan, “Green Bubble” texts to non-iPhone users can still be hit-or-miss.

Option 2: The “Traveler’s Choice” (eSIM)

If you have a modern iPhone or Android, you can download a digital SIM card. This is the cheapest and most popular option.

  • The App: Download Airalo or Holafly.
  • The Cost: Roughly $15–$20 for the entire week.
  • How it works: You buy a “Dublin/Ireland” plan in the app. When you land, you toggle it on in your settings. You’ll use the local data for maps and WhatsApp, but keep your US number for iMessage.

Pro-Tip: If you are using an eSIM, your “Green Bubble” SMS won’t work unless you pay your US carrier for roaming. WhatsApp is the only way to ensure you stay in the loop without spending a fortune.

Essential Travel Apps

Before you leave the house in Miami, make sure you have these downloaded:

  1. WhatsApp: Your primary way to reach us and other guests.
  2. Google Maps: Download the “Offline Map” of Dublin.
  3. FreeNow: For hailing taxis (it’s the local Uber).
  4. Leap Top-up: To add money to your bus/train card via NFC.

Power & Voltage: Don’t Fried Your Gear

Ireland uses the Type G plug (three large rectangular prongs). This is the same as the UK but different from the rest of Europe.

1. Adapters vs. Converters

  • Adapters (The “Must-Have”): These simply change the shape of the plug so your US devices can fit into the Irish wall socket. You can find “USA to Ireland/UK” adapters easily on Amazon.
  • Converters (The “Warning”): Ireland runs on 230V electricity, while the US runs on 120V. If you plug a device meant ONLY for 120V into an Irish socket, it will likely short-circuit or catch fire.

2. Is My Device “Dual Voltage”?

Most modern electronics (iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, Kindle, and Camera chargers) are Dual Voltage.

  • The Test: Look at the fine print on your charging brick. If it says INPUT: 100-240V, it is safe to use in Ireland with just a simple plug adapter.
  • The Exception: Most “dumb” electronics like older hair dryers, flat irons, or electric toothbrushes are Single Voltage.

3. The Great Hair Dryer Debate

We highly recommend leaving your hair dryer and flat iron at home. Even with a heavy-duty voltage converter, American hair tools often overheat or melt in Ireland.

  • Most hotels in Dublin provide hair dryers in the room.
  • If you absolutely need a high-end flat iron, it is often cheaper and safer to buy a “travel” version once you land in Dublin at a shop like Boots or Penneys.

4. USB Charging

The easiest way to keep your phone charged is to bring a multi-port USB wall charger that has a built-in UK/Ireland plug. This allows you to charge your phone, watch, and headphones using just one outlet.