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Travel money guide: Ireland
Planning a trip to Ireland? Here’s all you need to know when preparing to spend in the Emerald Isle.
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As Ireland has its own unique currency and travel money customs, so it’s important to do your research before you leave. Ireland is divided politically between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Island. Euros are the currency of the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland use the British pound.
We have a look at spending in euros and pounds as well as tips to make your money go further in Ireland. Organize your travel money helps for a stress-free vacation.
Our picks for traveling to Ireland
Our pick for travel credit card
American Express® Gold Card
Finder rating: 4.6/5
Our pick for multi-currency debit card
Transferwise Multi-currency
Finder rating: 4.5/5
Our pick for 0% transaction fee debit card
SoFi Money
Finder rating: 4.6/5
What's in this guide?
Travel card, debit card or credit card?
You shouldn’t have a problem using any Visa or Mastercard product at Irish shops and ATMs. American Express can also be used, but at fewer places. Diners Club is accepted in fewer places than American Express and Discover cards are not accepted at all.
Some debit cards and travel cards waive international transaction charges and give you free international ATM withdrawals. Use a travel card or debit card for everyday purchase and cash withdrawals when you need euros or pounds, and a credit card for everything else.
If you’re in the market for a new credit card, why not apply for a credit card with travel features? Complimentary insurance can save you hundreds before you’ve even left the country. There are even cards which offer extended interest-free terms for up to a year or more.
These are your options for spending money in Ireland
Using a credit card
Credit cards are great for larger purchases like travel bookings and souvenirs. Credit cards give you time to payback what you’ve spent before interest is charged on purchases. Some credit cards also provide complimentary international travel insurance when you buy your airfare with your card.
A credit card with no currency conversion fee can be a cost effective way to make purchases in Ireland. The exchange rate set in place by your card applies and it is usually as close as you can get to the market rate. Drawbacks include international transaction fees, interest and ATM withdrawal charges.
- Tip: Even with these travel benefits, avoid using your credit card to withdraw cash. Cash advance interest and cash advance fees apply for this type of transaction — and you don’t get interest-free days either.
- Protected by PIN & chip
- No currency conversion fees
- Features such as complimentary travel insurance
- Interest-free period on purchases
- Fees and high interests on cash advances
- Subject to an annual fee
- International transaction fees and interest charges may also apply
Pros
Cons
Using a debit card
There are only a handful of debit accounts with features suited to travelers. What you want to keep an eye out for is a card that doesn’t charge for currency conversion or international ATM withdrawals — local ATM operator fees may still apply.
- Tip: Make sure you tell your bank about your travel plans to Ireland. There’s a good chance your card will be blocked if you try and use it outside of the country without notice.
Pros
- Secured with a chip and PIN technology
- Can be easily blocked by your issuer with just a phone call
- ATMs are abundant
Cons
- No back-up card
- Linked directly to bank account if you card goes missing
- Local ATM operator fees may apply
Using a prepaid travel card
All travel cards let you load euros and pounds, the respective currencies of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Pounds are also used throughout the rest of neighboring Great Britain — most trips to Ireland also involve a trip to the United Kingdom.
You’ll be able to spend without paying for currency conversion — however, you’ll pay ATM fees, reload fees and be subject to an inflated travel card exchange rate.
- Tip: Depending on the card you use, you may end up with a higher or lower exchange rate. You can check with your providers to see what rates apply and work out the most affordable option.
Pros
- All travel cards let you load euros and pounds
- Save on currency conversion fees
- Can be easily blocked with just a phone call
- Back up card and PIN protection
- Anti-fraud protection
Cons
- You’ll need to pay reload fees and ATM fees
- Can take up to five or six days if you’re trying to reload your travel card over a weekend or holiday
- Poor exchange rate
Paying with cash in Ireland
Pros
- Greater payment flexibility
- Convenience
Cons
- More difficult to manage expenses
- Higher risk of theft
Using traveler’s checks
Traveler’s checks have been made redundant by the bank’s fraud protection policies and the ever increasing number of places accepting card payments. If you’re the victim of card fraud, your bank or card provider will be able to give you a full refund if you have complied with the terms of the Visa and Mastercard Zero Liability Guarantees.
- Tip: Check our page on fraudulent credit card transactions for information on what to do and who to call if you’re ripped off.
Pros
- Secure and can be easily replaced if lost or stolen
- Need photo ID to cash check
Cons
- Fee to cash checks
- Initial purchase charges
- Not all merchants accept traveler’s checks
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A guide to Ireland’s coins and banknotes
In the Republic of Ireland, the official currency is the euro. Notes are €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200 and €500, while coins are 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, €1 and €2.
Buying euros and pounds sterling in the US
ATMs take the hassle out of getting local currency. Americans don’t have to pay to enter Ireland or the United Kingdom, so there’s no reason why you should need a large amount of cash right away. However it can be a good idea to have some small bills to pay for food or a train or taxi from the airport.
US banks will charge a commission to exchange funds – Travelex is a better option. There’s no commission and Travelex has a number of locations, including airports that make it convenient.
The main banks in Ireland are:
- Allied Irish Bank (AIB)
- Bank of Ireland
- Ulster Bank
- CitiBank Europe
- Permanent Group Holdings
- Danske Bank (Ireland)
- KBC Bank Ireland
- EBC d.a.c.
- DePfa Bank
- Bank of Montreal Ireland PLC
ATMs in Ireland
Live Rate
Refreshing in: 60s | Sat, Mar 06, 11:42PM GMT
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In Northern Ireland, pound sterling is the local currency. Notes are £5, £10, £20, £50 and £100, while coins are 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1 and £2.
Live Rate
Refreshing in: 60s | Sat, Mar 06, 11:42PM GMT
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The main banks in Ireland are:
- Allied Irish Bank (AIB)
- Bank of Ireland
- Ulster Bank
- CitiBank Europe
- Permanent Group Holdings
- Danske Bank (Ireland)
- KBC Bank Ireland
- EBC d.a.c.
- DePfa Bank
- Bank of Montreal Ireland PLC
Cash pickup services in Ireland
Disclaimer: Exchange rates change often. Confirm the total cost with the provider before transferring money.
How much should I budget to travel in Ireland?
Traveling to Ireland is not cheap. Even budget travelers should plan for at least $50 per day. If you’re looking to stay in nicer hotels rather than hostels or dorm beds, you’re looking at a budget of $130 to $250 a day. You’ll find Northern Ireland a bit more expensive. All prices are in US dollars.
| Dublin | Budget | Mid-range | Expensive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meals | Get a full Irish breakfast sandwich on Nassau Street $8 | A meal at a midrange restaurant $15 per head | 3-course meal at a Michelin star restaurant $120 a head |
| Activities | Visit the national galleries of Dublin Free | Skip the lines at the Guinness Storehouse $20 (early entry and first service) | 3-day tour of South Ireland starting and returning to Dublin From $250 per person |
| Accomodation | Hostel dorm bed $10–$25 per night | 2-star hotel $15–$150 per night | 5-star hotel $200+ per night |
Prices are approximate and are subject to change.
Tips:
- There are credit cards, debit cards and travel cards which don’t charge for ATM withdrawals. Be sure to apply for a card with low ATM withdrawal fees so you can get euros or pounds for cheap.
- Always pay in euros or pounds when you’re using your credit or debit card. You may be asked to pay in USD, but you’ll get robbed on the exchange rate if you do this.
Case study: Luke's experience
Luke
Case study: Interview with Luke about spending in Ireland
Do you have any tips?
Let your bank know about your travel plans to avoid the hassle of calling your bank to unlock your credit card. Luke says he failed to do that, and Barclaycard blocked his card once he used it in Ireland.
Compare travel insurance for your next trip to Ireland
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