Need an Irish SIM from receiving calls abroad

A350-900 · 03-04-2025 05:36PM #1

What is the best SIM for an expat to have an Irish number abroad? Need to be able to receive calls and texts. Texts are important.

babelfish1990 · 03-04-2025 11:18PM

Eir/Gomo is the only network that supports WiFi calling (including texts) while abroad. If you have access to WiFi, your Irish SIM will remain directly hosted on the Eir network, without needing to use roaming. This avoids roaming charges if you are outside of EU, and also gives access to services such as Irish Freephone numbers, not usually available outside of Ireland.

Some operators have started disconnecting long term roamers, which they are entitled to do under EU rules. WiFi calling means you can avoid roaming altogether.

Ah-Watch · 04-04-2025 04:10PM

Have Eir allowed Prepaid users to use Wifi Calling abroad yet? Another poster recently mentioned on here that they were restricted after 90 days roaming until they returned to Ireland who was on Eir.

babelfish1990 · 05-04-2025 10:18AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123326810#Comment_123326810

WiFi Calling works on all eir Bill-pay accounts. With SIMO "unlimited" 30-day accounts from Eir at €9.99pm(in-bundle), and GoMo at €14.99pm, there doesn't seem to be much justification for having a pre-pay account for regular mobile use these days? In the past, many people opted for Pre-pay to avoid the risk of running up a large bill. GoMo limits this risk by having an out-of-bundle limit of €30. I get the feeling that not many people opt for Pre-pay any more?. I have a Pre-pay SIM in an electric gate, which never makes any calls or data, and mainly receives calls/texts, and I just top up once every 6 months. This is one scenario where Pre-pay probably still makes sense, but I can't think of many others. I won't be roaming with my gate!

Ah-Watch · 05-04-2025 01:15PM

I half agree. If you’re roaming abroad long term, most people won’t want a bill pay sim from Ireland especially if there’s a chance of running up a roaming bill because of a small error on the end users side or because the network decides to start charging you for excessive roaming / breaking a fair use policy abroad. I suppose it depends how long, where and how much roaming you’d be doing here if it’s worth it. I’m more thinking it’s a bit ridiculous that Eir still only allow it on Bill pay only. Why not open it to all their customers.

A350-900 · 05-04-2025 05:18PM

Thanks for the replies.

I am using a Tesco mobile SIM at the moment. People occasionally call me and I receive the odd text. I throws a fiver on it now and then. It does be in Ireland for a few days per year. I am just worried that Tesco could cut me off arbitrary.

I use my local SIM for all data and calls home.

Ten Pin · 05-04-2025 07:57PM

IMO it should probably be OK as it's not data roaming which might raise a flag.
You could get a Vodafone PAYG SIM as a backup, €5 every 8 months will keep it active for incoming calls / text.

StaticNoise · 07-04-2025 04:17PM

Lycamobile are offering a mobile number for the year for €10.

https://www.lycamobile.ie/en/general/how-long-can-i-keep-my-number-for-if-i-dont-use-any-of-lycamobiles-services/

papan · 08-04-2025 02:55AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123335082#Comment_123335082

Can it get activated overseas?

StaticNoise · 08-04-2025 11:28AM

I bought an eSIM with Lycamobile yesterday and didn't face any restrictions.

Need an Irish SIM from receiving calls abroad

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