Red Tape and Details

I suppose it’s the same any place in the world—moving to a new home takes time, patience and money.   I am grateful that almost everyone I dealt with was more than a little helpful.

One of the first things I needed to do was buy the items necessary to make it through a day and night in my new apartment.  We asked where we could find inexpensive bedding and towels.  Thankfully, the store was quite close.  We bought comforters, sheets and pillows, and an extra blanket (I tend to get cold) and towels for the bath and kitchen.  We also purchased cleaning supplies and items like soap and paper towels. 

On the morning of the day I signed my lease, Kevin and I brought the sheets and towels to a Laundromat.  My previous Laundromat experiences involved reading directions and buying soap/etc. from a machine on the wall.  This business was quite small and two women were working.  They dealt with the machines and we handled our items.  We put our laundry in the washer and they put in the soap and started the machine.  We moved our items to the dryer and they entered the drying time.  The women were friendly in a down-to-business sort of way.  While the clothes were drying, one of them said to me, “Looks like you bought out Penney’s, it does.”  I explained why I was in Galway and that I was setting up house.  I told her I hoped to gain library privileges at the university.  She knew the name of one of the  librarians and said, “Oh, he’ll help you out.”

The leasing agent suggested I sign up for cable/internet/phone on line.  Kevin and I went to the Internet café and I found a wonderful package online for a reasonable price that involved a free wireless modem and cordless phone.  I went through the process until I was asked for my Irish bank account number so my account could be debited.  I do not have an Irish bank account and I hadn’t planned on using one.  I called the “help” number and the pleasant young man was baffled by my situation.  “How will you pay your other bills, then?”  he asked.  Good question.  I had assumed I would pay with cash, credit card or bank note.

I decided I should look into opening a bank account.  As it turns out, it’s not that easy.  We learned that in order to open an account, I would need very specific kinds of proof of residency (this is to avoid tax sheltering).  A lease won’t work.  What works are utility bills.  I won’t have an electric bill for two months and, it seemed, I couldn’t get Internet without the bank account.  Catch 22.  I was frustrated and stumped.  The more I thought about it, though, the more I thought I was missing something.  I found it hard to believe that every person in Ireland has all his/her bills set up for automatic debit. 

Further exploration proved that, yes, I can get the Internet services without an Irish bank account.  I can take my bill to the post office and pay in cash.  This costs three euro extra a month.--a deal!  I set an appointment for the free installation.  I had to buy a television license for 160 euro.  This money helps fund public television; I minded less when l learned where the money goes.

While I was in no rush (I had a month), I reported to the Immigration office to get my “permission to stay.”  After one visit to the wrong place and one visit to a closed office, we made it.  I supplied a variety of documents (though not enough, I had to send more through the mail), was photographed and fingerprinted (which felt very strange).  I read in the “living in Ireland” book I purchased that this is free, but it is not.  I was charged 150 euro (about $200).  The officer would not accept cash and Kevin explained later that was probably to avoid the appearance of bribery.  I left the office with my immigration card and instructions to carry it with me at all times.  I expect this card will ease my re-entry into Ireland after my Christmas trip to the US. 

Each person who gave me bad news did so in a friendly manner.  What a difference it made; I felt like they really wished they could help me solve my problem.  I so appreciated being treated with such care.