Post-Arrival Guide

Bank Account and SIM Card in Ireland

How students from India and Pakistan open an Irish bank account and get a phone number. Money is in euros (EUR).

Example bank card

Example: student account

Example card only.

Banks

Banks for students

Irish banks with student accounts.

Main banks

Check each bank's own page for its fees.

Bank of Ireland

No monthly fee for keeping the account while you study. Other fees may apply
Branches and ATMs on or near most major campuses
Apply up to 45 days before you arrive
A bank helper contacts you within 48 hours of applying

Visit Website

AIB

A student account called Student Plus, with zero fees
Mobile and internet banking

Visit Website

Permanent TSB

No monthly account fee
A debit card (Visa brand) and phone payments

Visit Website

Opening before you arrive

Bank of Ireland lets you open an account before you arrive. Read the address step in the account steps.

Bank Account

Opening your account

You need papers that show who you are and where you live.

Get your papers

Passport, proof of your Irish address and an enrolment letter from your university.

Apply

Banks let you apply online, in a branch, in an app, by phone or by post.

Give your Irish address

If you open a Bank of Ireland account before you arrive, tell the bank your Irish address within 60 days of opening it, or the bank blocks the account.

Papers banks ask for

Banks may ask for more. Check with the bank.

Essential Documents:

Passport - Photo ID that has not run out.
Proof of Irish address - A bill for gas, electricity or water, a rent agreement, or an enrolment letter from your university.
Proof of student status - Usually an enrolment letter from your university.

Tips

Your ID must not be out of date, and your name must match your proof of address.

Proof of address should be from the last 6 months.

Ask your university early for an enrolment letter, the letter that says you are a student there.

SIM Card

Getting an Irish phone number

An Irish number helps with banks, landlords and job offers.

Tips

Bring a phone that works with any SIM card, so you can use an Irish SIM card.

Tips

Money and phone tips

Simple ways to stay safe and save.

Banking tips

Compare fees
Use the account comparison tool of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), Ireland's consumer office, to compare fees.
Keep your papers in English
Bank of Ireland asks for proof of address in English, or translated.

Phone tips