Student Money in Ireland: Pocket Money, SIM Cards, and Spending Smart
- High Schools International
- Nov 12
- 4 min read
Introduction: The Real Cost of Life in Ireland for Exchange Students
When you come to Ireland for a high school exchange, one of the first practical questions for both students and parents is: how much pocket money will I need each week?
Ireland is a welcoming, lively country, and while your essentials are well-covered through your HSI programme, it helps to plan ahead for those everyday extras - the bus into town, snacks with friends, or weekend outings. Here’s a clear look at how pocket money, SIM cards, and money management work for HSI students in Ireland.
How Much Pocket Money Does a Student Need in Ireland?
While everyone’s spending habits differ, most HSI students find that €40–€60 per week is a realistic amount for personal spending.
This typically covers:
Occasional café visits or snacks
Top-ups for public transport (e.g. Leap Card)
Group outings or excursions
Toiletries or small personal items
Meals and essentials are included for all students - whether in a boarding school or a host family setting. However, boarding school students may spend a little more on social trips or excursions, which are more frequent in boarding environments.
Managing Pocket Money: How It Works for HSI Students
For boarding school students, a sundry deposit is usually held by the school. This covers pocket money and small school extras and is distributed throughout the year under parental guidance. Parents can add funds to this deposit as needed.
For students in day schools who live with host families, pocket money is managed directly between the student and their natural family - most families use Revolut <18 or a similar prepaid option for this purpose.
HSI provides clear guidance to parents on both approaches, ensuring that every student has safe, age-appropriate access to money during their stay.
💡 Tip: Keep a shared spreadsheet to track weekly spending - HSI’s free Student Budget Tracker (Excel Sheet) is a great starting point.
Spending Smart: Budgeting Tips for Teens
Budgeting abroad isn’t about restriction - it’s about confidence and independence. Here’s how to keep spending sensible and stress-free:
Start with a weekly budget. €50 is a good benchmark; adjust after your first few weeks.
Track as you go. Use the HSI Student Budget Sheet or Revolut’s built-in analytics to see where money goes.
Keep a small emergency reserve. €20–€30 in cash is useful for unexpected school events or travel hiccups.
Watch your habits. Daily coffees and takeaways can quickly add up - aim for balanced treats instead.
Parents can review the tracker with students at the end of each month - a great way to build financial awareness together.
Staying Connected: Best SIM Cards and Data Plans in Ireland
Having a reliable phone plan is essential for keeping in touch with family, friends, and HSI support staff.
Popular Prepaid SIM Options
All these are prepaid (pay-as-you-go) options - ideal for under-18s. They’re easy to set up, with top-ups available in supermarkets, kiosks, or online. You’ll need your passport and Irish address (school or host family) to activate one.
Can I Get a SIM Before I Travel?
Yes! Many students now arrive with an eSIM already installed on their phones.Providers like Airalo or Maya Mobile let you download an international data plan before flying - so you’re connected the moment you land in Dublin.
Once settled, most students switch to a local prepaid SIM for better data rates and a local number - but eSIMs are a brilliant bridge for your first few days.
Easy Money Tools: Revolut and Prepaid Options
Because HSI students are under 18 and usually won’t have the required Irish residency and proof-of-address, opening a traditional bank account in Ireland is generally not possible, so families typically use Revolut <18 or prepaid options instead.
Why Revolut Works for Students and Parents
Linked parental control: Parents can monitor transactions and set spending limits.
Instant top-ups: Quick, no-hassle transfers when students need extra funds.
Low exchange fees: Revolut uses real exchange rates, ideal for families transferring money from outside the Eurozone.
Built-in budgeting tools: Automatic expense categorisation and spending summaries.
Safe and flexible: Virtual cards, contactless payments, and PIN security features.
💬 Tip: Many families set a Revolut auto-top-up for a fixed weekly allowance, giving students consistency while allowing parents full visibility.
What’s Included in HSI Programme Fees
With HSI, all major costs - tuition, accommodation, meals, and guardianship - are included upfront.That means no hidden extras, and families can plan their pocket money allowance with confidence.
Our team also supports parents in understanding typical student costs, from bus fares to mobile data, so there are no surprises during the year.
Summary: A Smart Start with Money in Ireland
Managing money abroad may seem new, but with the right setup, it’s easy and empowering. Here’s what to remember:
Budget around €40–€60 per week for pocket money.
Boarding schools manage pocket money through sundry deposits.
Day school students use tools like Revolut <18 for flexibility.
Prepaid SIMs and eSIMs keep you connected affordably.
HSI’s budget tracker helps you stay on top of your spending.
With a little planning, students can focus less on expenses - and more on enjoying their Irish adventure.
👇 Download your HSI Student Budget Tracker (Excel Sheet)
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