Another post based on returning to Ireland as a teacher. If you, like me, are returning to Ireland, you may have an interest in some of my previous posts: Returning to teach in Ireland, Applying for Jobs while Abroad and Applying for Jobs in Ireland: What I’ve Learned. This post is unrelated to applying for jobs- instead I want to focus on the “nitty gritty” details of returning home, in hope to save some of you some time and money!
I have no no-claims bonus- how do I afford car insurance?
If like me, you have lived away for a number of years, you won’t have any no claims bonus to use when trying to insure your car on your return. I rang numerous insurance companies and to ensure my Peugot 308, I was quoted as high as 3500 euro for a year of insurance- yikes!
There were two companies that stood out as being understanding and helpful. They are:
Not only were both of these insurance companies the most reasonable, they offered suggestions in ways to “bring down” the cost of the insurance. They took into account that I have been driving for years, even though it has not been in Ireland. I spent a full day ringing around all different insurance companies, so to save you some time, check both of these companies on your return to Ireland.
In the end, I went with AIG insurance and opted to have the black box in my car for a year. This again, brings down the cost of your insurance and gets you back on the road without costing you an arm and a leg. See more about the ‘black box’ here:
What’s the best way to transfer my money home?
An employee in Bank of Ireland advised me to ONLY transfer my money back home in the currency of the country you came from. For instance, I was living in Qatar, so he advised me to transfer my money back to Ireland in Qatari Riyal- this way there would be less charges. Also, if possible, aim to send your money home in one transfer. This way you will minimize the transfer charges that may occur.
If you have a Credit Union account- BE CAREFUL! I transferred money to my credit union account before, only for it to go missing for almost a month! Apparently, they issue a different “IBAN” number for international transfers, so check with them before you transfer your money to your Credit Union account.
To answer a question asked before: No- you don’t have to pay tax on the tax-free money you earned abroad (thank god).
I haven’t lived in Ireland for years, how can I obtain Garda Vetting?
Before you leave the country you have been living in, apply, request, register for police clearance from that country! In order to be fully Garda vetted in Ireland, you must have clearance from the country you have been living in. In Qatar, I had to request police clearance through my employer. Check with your HR manager for more details of how to obtain police clearance from the country you live in. However it is important to note that:
All applicants for registration must apply for vetting whether or not they have lived in Ireland/ Northern Ireland. An applicant for registration who has lived overseas for a cumulative period of three years (36 months) or more after the age of 18 must provide a photocopy of police clearance for each country in which they have resided. These clearance certificates must cover the entire period of residence in each country.
The above piece has been taken from the Teaching Council website. Therefore, if you have lived abroad for two years, you do not necessarily need overseas police clearance to obtain Garda Vetting.
I’ve returned home to Ireland without a teaching job secured, am I eligible for the social welfare?
The truth is- I don’t know! I have applied myself, as I am unemployed and seeking a job! My employment status is uncertain and will be until further notice. I applied for job seekers allowance and at this moment, I don’t know whether I have been granted it or not! I’ll update you as soon as I hear from them.
Returning home is expensive! There’s much more expenses and “one off payments” to be made, such as car insurance, car tax, buying a car, etc! At this moment, I’m burning into my savings and eagerly awaiting for August until there are more jobs advertised. I hope everyone is enjoying their well deserved summer and if you’ve any questions or further tips- don’t hesitate to contact 🙂
