I need to be able to call from Ireland to the US?

Question

I'm going to be in Ireland for two weeks in June. My mom is a worry wart and will seriously most likely become ill from worrying about me if she doesn't hear from me. She doesn't have a computer so I can't email her. The only way to communicate is to call her. Should I just get a calling card when I get there? Are there payphones? I'm going to be in Dublin for three days and travel over to county clare for the last week. What are my options other than internet use?

Thanks

Answer 1

Well, even if SHE doesn't have an Internet connection, you can still use one. There are as many Internet cafes here in any given place as in the states, and if you sign up to a Skype account here: http://www.skype.com then put some credit on it then you can call using that on a public computer (or a private one depending on where you are staying). It's definitely the cheapest option and it's computer-phone call so your mom doesn't need to do anything. Skype is installed internationally on most public PCs because of its popularity. I used it in a village in Brazil once!

Otherwise there are specialized call-centers that give decent rates for international calls, and they also sell calling cards, and both options are reasonably cheap, but I personally prefer Skype. You can use it anywhere in the world and always have the same account.

Otherwise when in Dublin ask where you are staying and they will give you the cheapest option that is closest to where they are. In Clare there are a lot less call centers, but the Internet will always be an option.

Hope that helps!

Answer 2

You can get a short use cell phone for the journey to keep your Mother calm about things. Most hotels have phones as well - even if you are not a guest you likely can ask to use a phone and use a calling card. Ireland is a very safe country - she has nothing to worry about.

Do a search on rental phones for travelers, tons will come up.