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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.

Kyle Morgan

Updated Apr 27, 2020

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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.

What's in this guide?

How much should I budget for my vacation to Ireland?
Why you'll need a combination of travel money options
Travel card, debit card or credit card?
Compare travel credit cards and cash pickup services in Ireland
A guide to Ireland's coins and banknotes
Buying euros and pounds sterling in the US

How much should I budget for my vacation to 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.

Budget	Mid-range	Expensive
Hostel dorm bed $10–$25 per night	2-star hotel $15–$150 per night	5-star hotel $200+ per night
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
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

_{*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.

Why you’ll need a combination of travel money options

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.
Compare international travel insurance options for Ireland

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.

Travel money options for Ireland at a glance

Travel money option	Pros	Cons
Debit cards for travel	Secured with a chip and PIN technology Can be easily blocked by your issuer with just a phone call ATMs are abundant	No back-up card Linked directly to bank account if you card goes missing Local ATM operator fees may apply
Prepaid travel money cards	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	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
Credit cards for travel	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
Traveler’s checks	Secure and can be easily replaced if lost or stolen Need photo ID to cash check	Fee to cash checks Initial purchase charges Not all merchants accept traveler’s checks
Cash	Greater payment flexibility Convenience	More difficult to manage expenses Higher risk of theft

_{This table is a general summary of the travel money products in the market. Features and benefits can vary between cards.}

How each type of travel money works in Ireland?

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.
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.
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.
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.

Compare travel credit cards and cash pickup services in Ireland

Travel credit cards
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{"niche":"USCCF"}

Name	Welcome offer	Rewards	Annual fee
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card	60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months	5x points on Lyft, 2x points on travel and dining and 1x points on all other purchases	$95	This popular travel card's signup bonus is worth up to $750. Get even more value out of your travel, dining, and Lyft rewards by transferring them to miles.	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Chase Sapphire Reserve®	50,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months	10x points on Lyft rides, 3x points on dining and travel after earning your $300 travel credit and 1x points on all other purchases	$550	Earn 50,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi	N/A	4% at gas stations on up to $7,000 annually (then 1%), 3% at restaurants and on travel, 2% at Costco and 1% on all other purchases	$0	Earn valuable cash back on everyday purchases at gas stations, restaurants and Costco as well as eligible travel with no foreign fees.	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Luxury Card Mastercard® Titanium Card™	N/A	1x points on all purchases with 2% point value when you redeem for airfare and 1% for cash back	$195	Enjoy unique excursions, privileged access to exclusive events and insider opportunities.	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
The World of Hyatt Credit Card	25,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. 25,000 points after spending another $6,000 in the first 6 months	9x total points at Hyatt hotels as a World of Hyatt member, 2x on gyms, commuting, dining and airlines and 1x on all other purchases	$95	Earn 25,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. 25,000 points after spending another $6,000 in the first 6 months.	See offer View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card	40,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months	2x points on Southwest and Rapid Rewards hotel and car rentals and 1x points on all other purchases	$149	Earn 40,000 points after you spend $1,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.	See offer View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card	100,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months	6x points at Marriott Bonvoy hotels and 2x points on all other purchases	$95	Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.	See offer View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
United℠ Explorer Card	60,000 miles after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months	2x miles at restaurants, hotels and United and 1x miles on all other purchases	$0 intro annual fee for the first year ($95 thereafter)	60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.	See offer View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card	125,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months	25x points at IHG hotels, 2x on gas, groceries and dining and 1x on all other purchases	$89	125,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months.	See offer View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Luxury Card Mastercard® Black Card™	N/A	1x points on all purchases with 2% point value when you redeem for airfare and 1.5% for cash back	$495	Receive an annual $100 air travel credit toward flight-related purchases including airline tickets, baggage fees, upgrades and more.	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Marriott Bonvoy Bold™ credit card	50,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months	3x points at Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 2x on travel and 1x on all other purchases	$0	50,000 bonus points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from your account opening.	See offer View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
IHG® Rewards Club Traveler Credit Card	75,000 points after spending $2,000 in the first 3 months	15x total points at IHG hotels, 2x points at gas stations, grocery stores and restaurants and 1x points on all other purchases	$0	Earn 75,000 points after spending $2,000 in the first 3 months from account opening.	See offer View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card	40,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months.	2x points on Southwest Airlines and 1x points on all other purchases	$69	Earn 40,000 bonus points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.	See offer View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
British Airways Visa Signature® Card	50,000 Avios after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months, plus 50,000 Avios after spending $20,000 in the first year	3x Avios on British Airways and partner airlines, 2x on hotels and 1x on all other purchases	$95	50,000 Avios after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months, plus 50,000 Avios after spending $20,000 in the first year	See offer View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card	40,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months.	2x points on Southwest Airlines and 1x points on all other purchases	$99	Earn 40,000 bonus points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.	See offer View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...

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Disclaimer: Exchange rates change often. Confirm the total cost with the provider before transferring money.

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.

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.

Case study: Luke's experience

Luke

Case study: Interview with Luke about spending in Ireland

Where did you visit?
Luke visited Dublin, Limerick (Ireland), Belfast (Northern Ireland) and then headed over to Edinburgh (Scotland) and London (England).

What cards did you take with you?

Travelex travel card
Barclaycard Arrival Plus World Elite MasterCard

Why did you take these cards with you?

Luke preloaded both euros and pounds sterling the Travelex travel card for everyday purchases and ATM withdrawals. He didn’t pay anything to withdraw pounds in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Island because of a global ATM alliance between Barclays and Bank of America.

He used the Barclaycard to pay for purchases like flights, car rental and hotel bookings. A low purchase rate and no currency conversion fee are the main reasons he used this card. He avoided using his card for ATM withdrawals so he wouldn’t get hit with cash advance fees.

What about ATM withdrawals?

Luke withdrew the pounds and euro equivalent of about $250 dollars each time from his travel card. He saves on ATM fees because of the Global ATM Alliance with Bank of America and Barclays Bank. Luke did pay ATM fees in the Republic of Ireland of two euros per transaction.

Could you use your cards everywhere?

Even though Luke’s Travelex travel money card didn’t have his name printed on the front, he didn’t have any trouble using it in any of the cities he visited.

What do you think is the best way to travel with money to Ireland?

Luke says use a combination of products: a debit card or travel card and credit card. Start with looking at products that don’t charge for currency conversion and then compare fees.

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.

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.

Skip exchange kiosks and hefty fees by bringing a Travelex Money Card on your next trip overseas.

Our pick for a prepaid travel card
Travelex Money Card

See offer
Read review

Load your card with your choice of 6 available currencies: Euros, British pounds, Australian dollars, Japanese yen, Canadian dollars, and Mexican pesos
Lock in your exchange rate
Use your card abroad at millions of locations

Compare money transfers to Ireland

Plan how you’ll spend your money on your trip to the Emerald Isle to save money. If Ireland isn’t your only destination, have a look at our other travel money locations guides:

You might be also interested in:

Thank you for your feedback!

Kyle Morgan

Kyle Morgan is a writer and editor for Finder who has worked for the USA Today network and Relix magazine, among other publications. He can be found writing about everything from the latest car loan stats to tips on saving money when traveling overseas. He lives in Asbury Park, where he loves exploring new places and sipping on hoppy beer. Oh, and he doesn't discriminate against buffalo wings — grilled or fried are just fine.

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Travel money guide: Ireland