54 Using Mobile Phones Abroad
Episode Guide – Podcast #54 Using Mobile Phones Abroad
A look at mobile phone options for those traveling to Ireland as well as some listener mail and a song from Craic Wisely. CLICK THE PLAY BUTTON below to listen.
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Show Notes
00:00
Intro – Opening song: “The Devil’s Bit” Theresa Larkin and Noel McQuaid
00:52
Episode #53 covered the iPhone & photoblogging in Ireland
01:04 Summer E-newsletter has been published
01:34
Liam’s Photoblog from Ireland
01:48
Listener Mail – Tom and his dream of owning an Irish cottage with a garden, Jeff is on his first visit to Ireland, Diane wonders about locations in Waking Ned Devine.
04:20
Cell phones are better known as mobile phones in Ireland
04:45
Should you break the wireless tether or stay connected? I say, if you can go without, you should
06:10
Most common reasons for wanting a mobile phone in Ireland: keeping in touch with family and friends, emergencies, making reservations, conducting business
06:25
Three mobile options – using your US-based phone with an international plan, using an Irish-based carrier, renting a phone in Ireland
06:55
USING YOUR U.S. BASED PHONE – It must be compatible with the European network
07:22
Most US carriers charge a monthly fee, plus per minute rates (usually $1-2 per minute)
07:43
Smart Phones with email and internet usually require an additional data package for use abroad
08:08
Advantage is that you won’t miss any of your usual calls…things will be just like you were at home – Disadvantage can be the per minute rate and in some cases unexpected charges
8:48
PAY-AS-YOU-GO PHONE from an Irish-based carrier
08:54
You can get set up at a mobile phone shop where you can purchase a phone, SIM card and top-ups
09:30
If you bring a phone from home, it must be unlocked to be used abroad – often available on ebay or you can pay to have them unlocked
10:25
Per minute rates usually run 10-50 euro cents ($.15-.75) for calling Irish numbers – Mobile to Mobile calls might cost more than mobile to landline calls
10:58
Advantage is that you get a real Irish phone number, great for making calls within Ireland, phone default to emergency numbers – Disadvantage is that people who call you from home must call internationally.
11:24
RENTING A PHONE IN IRELAND – Pat Preston turned us on to this. You can use the company she recommends by visiting www.irelandexpert.com and cliking on her Links page
12:13
Renting can be a good idea for most travelers (the company Pat recommends has FREE incoming calls)
12:37
Vodaphone, O2, Meteor, Three – all have good coverage
12:57
Voice over Internet (VOIP) – need internet connection
13:43
Note that the Republic of Ireland (011) and Northern Ireland (44) are two different countries and have different country codes and although your phone will likely work seemlessly as you travel between the two, you may need to dial different prefexes.
14:16
It is illegal to use a cell phone in Ireland while operating a vehicle
14:38
Liam’s Photoblog from Ireland
14:43
Music courtesy of Liam the Extra Large Leprechaun. Interview with Liam. If you’re in Grand Rapids, MI, visit Lynch’s Lair
15:30
Craic Wisely and their song Pride
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