Monday, 28.04.2008
About living in Ireland

It is strongly recommended that you open a bank account upon arriving in Ireland. This service allows you to receive payment, save money, make transactions and is much safer than hiding your money under the bed!

To open an account you will need proof of identity:

• Passport
• Current Driving licence
• Current identity card with a photograph from a known employer
• Current Student identity card with a photograph issued by a known third level college
• Identification card with photograph issued by an Garda Síochána
• (Please note that a USIT or International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is not acceptable nor is a bus pass)
You will also need proof of address:
• Recent original utility (for example electricity, gas or telephone) bill in your name
• Current Driving licence
• Identification card with photograph issued by an Garda Síochána
• Pension /benefit book issued by the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs
• Recent original bank statement issued in your name
• Entry in the electoral register or a telephone or street directory
• An Post savings or investment document in your name
• Notice of Determination for Tax Credit from Revenue Commissioners
• Current Balancing Statement from Revenue Commissioners
• Current Household or Motor Insurance documents

If you cannot supply a required document from the above lists, a financial institution may settle for an acceptable alternative. Contact the bank in question for more information.

 NB – As you are newly arrived into Ireland, the bank may ask for a reference from your bank at home.

Getting a PPS number
Acquiring a PPS (Personal Public Service) number is also a necessity for anyone wishing to live in Ireland. Without it, you will be unable to secure employment or receive any state benefits. The PPS number is also used for taxation purposes and in applying for an Irish driving licence.

You must be living in Ireland before applying for your PPS number. Applications should be made to the nearest Social Welfare office with the following documentation:
1/ Your passport or national identity card or your immigration card
2/ Evidence of your Irish address, such as a household bill (ESB, telephone, gas, etc.) in your name

Driving Licence and Laws
Driving licences from the EU or EEA (Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland) are valid for use in Ireland.
Drivers from the following designated countries: Australia, Gibraltar, Isle of Man, Japan, Jersey, South Africa, South Korea and Switzerland, may surrender their licence in exchange for an Irish driving licence.

Anyone coming from a country with which Ireland has no exchange agreement must apply for a provisional licence. You may use your own licence for up to a year, before you have to apply for an Irish licence.

Please note that the speed limit in the Republic of Ireland is 60mph (96kph) on all roads not subject to a lower limit, and that we drive on the left-hand side of the road here. Be careful!

Check out the link below for a guide to the rules of the road in Ireland:
http://www.lireland.com/theory/theory.htm

Public Transport
Getting around in Ireland without a car has become a lot easier in recent years after significant investment in the public transport system. In the capital you will find Dublin Bus (http://www.dublinbus.ie/home/); Luas (www.luas.ie), the light rail system; and the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transport) train network.
Bus Éireann (www.buseireann.ie) provide national routes, and town and city services outside Dublin. The website www.irishrail.ie, supplies information on both national rail routes and the DART service.
Students can avail of reduced rates on all these services.

Relevant Legal Age Limits
Learning Ireland is making no judgment on lifestyle choices in providing this information; we do so only in the interest of promoting awareness amongst visiting students.

Age of sexual consent in Ireland is 17
Minimum age for purchasing alcohol is 18
Minimum age for purchasing cigarettes is 18

Medical Insurance and Health
Non-EU students are strongly advised to hold medical insurance while in Ireland; immigration authorities will seek proof of medical insurance.

Policies from your home country may be extended for the purposes of your stay here, or you may purchase a policy from one of the following Irish insurance providers –
• Voluntary Health Insurance Board - www.vhi.ie
• Quinn Healthcare – www.quinn-healthcare.com
• Vivas Health - www.vivashealth.ie

Some educational institutions will have pre-arranged discounts available to foreign students with an insurance company. Contact your chosen course provider to see if they can provide you with this cheaper option.

EU students may avail of free hospital services provided they carry an E109 form. The EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) card ensures you receive whatever treatment you require, in the public health system of any EU or EEA country and Switzerland, in the event of accident or illness. Visit www.ehic.ie for more information.

Irish universities and institutes of technology have a medical centre and student counselor on campus that students may avail of free of charge. Many other colleges provide a student welfare and counselling service.