What kind of phone/service to use while in Ireland?

My parents are going to Ireland next month and I'm looking at their options for cell service. She's borrowing my aunt's international cell phone, but she still needs to buy the prepaid cards to get access, right? Couldn't she just call her carrier (VW) and ask them to temporarily give you International calling.

I've traveled internationally with cell service, but it was always through work so it was their dime.

TIA.

Re: What kind of phone/service to use while in Ireland?

I had a T-Mobile Tri-band phone years ago and did just call them before I left the US to activate international service. Now I have a BB through work so it's also not a problem

Re: What kind of phone/service to use while in Ireland?

MY BF's sister just left for Ireland last week and she had Verizon. She called them and they sent her a temporary phone that works internationally.

She did it this way instead of putting international calling plan on her phone because the phone will still roam and calls will cost a ton that way. VW told her the temp phone was the most cost effective way.

Re: What kind of phone/service to use while in Ireland?

I dont know about doing it through her carrier but if she is going to be there for awhile or goes regularly, it would be tons easier to just buy a cheap phone there (about 40 euro or so) and then the pre paid cards to get minutes. thats what we do instead of messing with our own cell phones and this way we have an irish phone number and phone that we use each time we go and everyone over there can call/text us with no big expense to them.

If its just a quick trip with no real plans to return though, that probably isnt the best idea. just throwing it out there!

Re: What kind of phone/service to use while in Ireland?

Thanks so much for these suggestions! I think she's going to borrow my aunt's international phone and just buy the prepaid card so she can use the minutes as she goes...
Thanks again!