Providing WiFi access for tourists is at the heart of Elena Slabutu’s mission at WiFicandy, a Dublin-based company that she founded.
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The service has gained quite a few fans over the past few years, including many followers of Ireland on a Budget and in particular, members of my Facebook group, Ireland Travel Planning Tips, where they’ve found a tried and trusted way to get Wi-Fi in Ireland affordably and reliably.
I reached out to Elena recently to find out more about her company and how it offers Wifi access to tourists visiting Ireland.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and how WiFicandy got started, and what inspired you to create a service like WiFicandy for travelers to Ireland?
I’m originally from Romania and moved to Ireland when I was 16 years old. It was my first time flying, and I remember being so excited to live in a new place. While I was in college, I had the opportunity to travel quite a bit, and I discovered how much I loved exploring new destinations.
During those trips, I often struggled without reliable Internet access. Most of the time, Wi-Fi was only available in hotels, restaurants, or cafés, often limited or paid.
Buying SIM cards abroad was inconvenient too, as it required checking if my phone was unlocked or had dual SIM slots. On one trip, I even had to buy a separate phone just for calls and texts, without Wi-Fi access!
In college, I interned for a startup that introduced the business model of renting portable Wi-Fi hotspots (back in 2014, when roaming fees were still astronomical). I thought it was a brilliant idea that solved a real problem for travelers. Four years later, I decided to launch my own venture and in 2018, WiFicandy was born.
My mission has always been to give travelers the freedom to stay connected so they can focus on enjoying their trip – not worrying about finding Wi-Fi or paying international roaming fees.
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What are the main benefits for travelers to Ireland who might be thinking of renting your portable Wi-Fi device?
Our portable Wi-Fi is ideal for travelers who are visiting with family or friends, or for anyone who needs to connect multiple devices at once. Because it comes with unlimited data, users don’t need to worry about caps – they’re free to browse, stream, or work online without restrictions.
Most importantly, it’s extremely user-friendly, very easy to set up and perfect for those who aren’t particularly tech-savvy.
You also offer an eSIM service. Was this a recent addition to your business, and can you explain how it works and who it’s best suited for?
We introduced the eSIM in early 2024. It has become a popular choice for solo travelers or those visiting multiple countries. It works just like a physical SIM card but is 100% digital. Only newer smartphones (manufactured from 2019 onward) support it.
Using an eSIM requires a moderate level of tech comfort, as there are a few activation steps. But once installed, it’s incredibly convenient. It’s best suited for tech-savvy users, solo travelers, digital nomads, and business travelers.
This year we also launched an unlimited data eSIM with a local Irish number for unlimited local calls anywhere in Ireland. Once purchased, customers receive an email with their eSIM QR code and step-by-step activation instructions.
Tip: The eSIM should be activated only after arriving in Ireland (or the country you purchased the plan for) and while connected to a secure Wi-Fi network.
Of the two products you offer, which is more popular and why?
The portable Wi-Fi is our most popular product.
Travelers love it for its simplicity, unlimited data, and the ability to connect multiple devices. Unlike eSIMs, the portable Wi-Fi works with any wireless device such as laptops, tablets, smartphones, smartwatches, and even smart TVs.
Some travelers worry they won’t get good coverage with a portable device in Ireland. Can you explain what kind of data speeds and reliability they can expect?
We collaborate with all major network providers in Ireland, so if anyone is concerned about coverage in a specific area, we can check and ensure they’re connected to the best network available.
Our portable Wi-Fi offers 4G+ LTE speeds, reaching up to 100 Mbps download depending on the location. The data is unlimited, with no restrictions on speed or data caps.
Of course, in very remote areas, for example, if you plan hiking Croagh Patrick in County Mayo, coverage may be patchy or unavailable. But in most parts of Ireland, travelers can expect strong, reliable connections.
Is the device easy to carry around while tourists are exploring Ireland, and can it connect to multiple devices?
Yes, absolutely! The portable Wi-Fi is small, lightweight, and easy to carry. You can slip it into your bag or pocket and stay connected wherever you go. It can share its connection with up to eight devices or users at once (ideally with people you know).
From your years of running WiFicandy, what kinds of customers are generally attracted to your products?
We attract all types of travelers. Since introducing the eSIM, our customer base has become even broader. Generally speaking, they include the following:
- Portable Wi-Fi appeals to families, leisure travelers, and mature travelers.
- eSIMs tend to attract younger, tech-savvy users, short-stay visitors, digital nomads, and business travelers.
What kind of feedback do you hear most often from people who use your services?
Most of our customers love how easy and convenient the portable Wi-Fi is. They appreciate not having to worry about roaming fees and value the smooth experience, from collecting the device at Dublin Airport to the multiple return options available.
Families often mention how reassuring it is to have reliable Internet for their kids, especially while on the road.
Tip: Every Wi-Fi device comes with a printed user guide that explains how to connect and how to return it.
How far in advance should potential customers book a WiFicandy device or eSIM before traveling to Ireland?
For the portable Wi-Fi, we recommend booking at least 72 hours in advance. This ensures we have enough stock ready for collection or delivery. However, if you need one urgently, it’s always worth emailing us – you might get lucky!
The eSIM can be ordered instantly, but it must be activated in Ireland. For the Unlimited eSIM, we ask for 48 hours’ notice because it requires manual processing, while the Flexible Data eSIM is delivered instantly via email.
How should customers expect to receive their device or eSIM?
The portable Wi-Fi is a physical product, available for collection at Dublin Airport or delivery anywhere in Ireland or the U.S.
The eSIM is delivered digitally via email – the Flexible Data eSIM is instant, while the Unlimited Data eSIM is sent within 48 hours of purchase.
What’s the best piece of advice you can give to visitors coming to Ireland who want to stay connected affordably and reliably?
Always do your research and understand your personal needs when it comes to staying connected. Ask yourself:
- Are you traveling alone or with others?
- Do you use multiple devices, or just your phone?
- Are you traveling with kids who’ll stream movies or music?
- Will you need the Internet for navigation or remote work?
- Are you tech-savvy or prefer something simple?
- What’s your budget, and how long will you stay?
Once you answer those questions, you’ll have a clear idea of which option suits you best. Both the portable Wi-Fi and the eSIM are excellent solutions – they just serve different needs.
If you’d like a printable PDF that includes much of the information listed above, you can download it here.
