New Zealand Ireland Association

Moving to Dublin from NZ is an exciting time but naturally full of stresses. Hopefully some of these can be eased by my tips and links to important websites.....

1. PPS number. The Personal Public Service number needs to be applied for once you arrive in Ireland. On application New Zealanders, as Non EEA nationals, need

Current Valid Passport or Certificate of Registration with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Green Book or Plastic Card)
AND Evidence of either birth/work*/unemployment/residency/tax liability/education in the foreign country.
(* includes Work Permit or letter from the Dept. of Justice, Equality and Law Reform giving permission to work)
AND Evidence of address in Ireland www.welfare.ie

It can be difficult to prove evidence of address initially as utility bills tend to be sent two monthly. My advice is to ring a provider eg Eircom and get them to post you a letter agreeing to provide services for you, rather than wait for a bill. This was all I needed to prove my address. www.citizensinformation.ie

2. GNIB- Garda national Immigration Bureau-any Non EEA visitors intending to stay in Ireland for more than 3 months need to register with the GNIB in Burgh Quay (if in Dublin) where they will be issued an Immigration card. There is a 100euro fee. This can only be paid by credit/debit card or bank giro- NOT by cash, as I learnt!Certain people may be exempt from this- suggest you read the details on www.garda.ie

3. Tax. If you are employed in Ireland you may be eligible for tax credits. If so you must apply for these ASAP so that you wont be taxed as EMERGENCY tax ie taxed at 41%.Section 12A form can be downloaded off www.revenue.ie

4. Banking is a stressful subject in Ireland and makes me realize how good the systems, especially internet banking, are in NZ. Once you get a bank account don’t just settle for an ATM card. These are literally ATM cards only and can’t be used for eft-pos transactions as we know them. Also they cant be used out of Ireland, as I found out the hard way on a trip to Barcelona! It is best to request a laser card which works as ATM/Eft-pos card/cash card.

5. TV license. There is an annual charge for possessing a TV of 158 euro. TV license inspectors may visit your home to check for a license and you can be fined 635 euro if an unlicensed TV is found on the premises (even if you dont use it!) www.anpost.ie

6. Books. Books in Ireland are very cheap compared to NZ prices and so Ive become a compulsive book buyer. Dawson St in Dublin is a booklovers dream with lots of shops and a few good deals. These are purely personal recommendations… hopefully they will save you some cash too!

Hodges Figgis-excellent shop with an amazing bargain basement where books are 4-5 euro. Never buy a book in the main part of the shop without checking if its cheaper downstairs. They have a loyalty card- 1 stamp for each 10euro spent- 8 stamps gets you 10 euro off a purchase.

Reads of Nassau St-just around the corner from Easons. Very cheap books-never buy a new release or a travel guide without checking here! Also 10% off all magazines…www.readsbooks.ie

7. Other discounts-

Guinness storehouse. If you want to check out the Guinness factory buy your tickets online at www.guinness-storehouse.com. You will get a 10% discount and it means you don’t need to queue to get in. Definitely worth planning in advance.

Travel by bus. www.buseireann.ie 10% discount off online booking.

The airlines- Aer Lingus and Ryanair…they always have sales on. Never pay full price!

8. Railtours www.railtoursireland.com Excellent 1-3 days train trips around Ireland, especially if traveling alone and want to avoid the backpacker scene. Well priced.

9. Last but not least NZIA- NZ Ireland association. A great way of meeting other Kiwis- Need I say more. Membership forms on the webpage! www.newzealand.ie See you at Kielys!