Mobile SIM: prepaid vs postpaid
The main IE providers (Three, Vodafone, eir) compared — what works without an Irish bank account, what doesn't.
The fastest way to get an Irish phone number is a prepaid SIM: buy it in a supermarket or phone shop, top up, and you have a number in minutes with no Irish bank account, address history or credit check. Monthly prepaid deals with large data allowances are widely available from operators like GoMo, 48, Lyca Mobile, Tesco Mobile and the prepay arms of Vodafone, Three and eir — compare current offers before choosing, because pricing changes often.
Prepaid or bill pay? Prepaid (pay-as-you-go with a monthly bundle) needs nothing but a top-up and suits your first months. Bill pay (contract) usually requires an Irish bank account and address, sometimes a credit check, and ties you in for 12–24 months — worth considering later if you want a subsidised handset.
Does my phone work here? Ireland uses the same GSM bands as the rest of Europe. If your phone is unlocked, any Irish SIM or eSIM works. Phones bought on contract abroad may be carrier-locked — check before you travel.
What about EU roaming? If you already have an EU SIM, "roam like at home" rules let you use it in Ireland at domestic rates for a fair-use period — fine for your first weeks, but you will want an Irish number for landlords, employers and deliveries, because many Irish services expect one.
How do I keep my number if I switch operator? Number porting between Irish operators is free and usually completed within a day — the new operator handles it; you just provide the number.
Last updated: August 2026. Sources: comreg.ie (the communications regulator, including its price-comparison tool), operator websites for current bundle pricing.