Ireland has become a lucrative country for many aspiring expats. Things such as weather, housing, culture, and healthcare are all great reasons to consider the Emerald Isle. But before moving to this rainy nation, one must prepare themselves for the process of migration.
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Factors such as documents, living costs and social customs are some of the things to watch out for in moving to Ireland. So, if you are looking for a guide where you can check the main dos and don’ts in the country, this blog can give you essential information.
How to Behave in Ireland
To behave in Ireland, you need to know the behaviors and actions that are acceptable in the country. The list of dos and don’ts we have here can help you manage your expectations when you visit the country. If you are coming from the Philippines, expect that the changes are big since you are moving away from Asia. Nevertheless, you can get a whole new experience with the locals and the country itself.
To properly behave in Ireland, here are the dos and don’ts to consider.
Do’s in Ireland
DO: Make sure you know about the requirements for an Irish Visa or work permit.
Expats from European Union countries do not need a visa to work in Ireland, and they do not need a job upon moving to the country. However, they need to secure employment within three months, proving that they have enough finances to support themselves while living in Irish land.
Those from non-EU countries must secure both a work permit and an Irish visa. Work permits have various types and will depend on the nature and duration of your job offer. Make sure to clarify the type of permit you need to secure with your employer to avoid any problems. The Irish government has an application form for work permits on their website.
Once you have a work permit, you can apply for a visa. Requirements are like those with other countries, but Ireland also has different types depending on your salary range. The Irish Naturalization and Immigration Service has a system in place for visa application.
Results are released within two months of the application.
DO: Read up on the culture.
The Irish are a very sociable group of people. They are very friendly and open-minded, and LGBTQ+ rights are well-protected too. Prepare yourself for the inevitable invites to pubs after a long day of work, as alcohol is a huge part of the social scene. If you are not a heavy drinker, there are also non-alcoholic beverages that are popular in most bars. Be comfortable with mingling but know your limits.
Besides the nightlife, the weather is also an important part of Irish culture. The rainy atmosphere is more than just an icebreaker for conversations, as most people talk about the constantly changing weather patterns in the country. And while leprechauns are a work of fiction, it may help to learn about superstitions and other traditional beliefs.
Some of the minor dos you can consider when traveling to Ireland are the following:
- Do enjoy your trip to Ireland’s tourist spots.
- Do rent a car when you travel around the country.
- Do get used to Ireland’s humor and jokes. If you take everything seriously, you might end up losing local friends.
- Do wear clothes that are suitable for every event you attend to.
After these dos, you should also consider the don’ts.
Don’ts
DON’T: Underestimate the cost of living.
Ireland is well-off economically, but an expat starting a new life in the country will need savings. Food and grocery items cost higher than some European countries. It is a great idea to bring in a lot of clothes because garments can be quite expensive. If you have electronic devices like laptops and tablets, it is also wiser to bring them with you than to purchase a new one while living in Ireland.
Make sure you have enough savings before your first paycheck. Convert some of your money to euros for convenience and security. Look into transfer services instead of banks. Most banks will charge additional fees for conversion, and you need to save up as much money as you can.
DON’T: Forget to apply for a Medical Card or insurance.
While Ireland has universal healthcare, only people with a Medical Card will have the entirety of their medical bills covered. Although everyone living within the country can avail of services even without paying taxes or insurance, there are still minimal fees. And for expats, it helps to save up every penny. There are specific requirements to getting a Medical Card, and not everyone will qualify. As a precautionary measure, you may consider saving up for an insurance plan. Most packages in Ireland have good deals in place for their holders, and healthcare services in the country are excellent.
Aside from these major don’ts, here are the minor things you should avoid doing:
- Don’t get hurt by the locals’ swearing. It’s normal in Ireland to hear people swear.
- Don’t try to attempt the accent of the locals.
- Don’t talk about leprechauns.
- Don’t hesitate to eat local food.
Tips when going to Ireland
When going to Ireland, it’s important to remember that you need to equip yourself with some information. Why? This is because you need to know what’s up, what’s not permissible, and what’s acceptable. If you have information to use, you can comfortably get around Ireland.
Also, you need to learn the laws, rules, and regulations in Ireland afterward. This may not be today but you should prepare yourself to learn them in the future, especially when you are in-country already. When moving from one country to another, there is quite a lot of things to prepare and it’s not just the documents. You also need to know their culture, traditions, and so on.
If you have friends or family who is moving to Ireland soon, don’t hesitate to share this blog with them as this might help them big time.