The Euro is the currency in the Republic of Ireland. Because most places you visit will be able to take your credit or debit cards, you don't need to take much cash.
In fact, you don't really need to get Eurosbefore you leave the US (unless you really want to).
Contact your personal bank to avoid hefty currency fees.
Most banks have a minimum amount of Euros you can order.
Many banks do not carry foreign currency, so you will want to place your order at least 3 weeks in advance.
Be sure to request some small bills –€5 and€10- so you aren't arriving with only€50. At the very least don't get bills larger than€50.
If you have only large bills, consider purchasing something small at the airport (a coffee, water, etc.) to have change for tips, parking, or other occasions where you may need small cash.
Getting Euros Upon Arrival:
You'll find your best currency exchange rate at a bank ATM. Do not, let me repeat, do not use the currency exchange kiosks in the airport or scattered in tourist areas as they charge exorbitant exchange rates.
Five tips to using your credit/ debit card at an ATM in Ierland:
Notify your bank and credit card before you travel. There is nothing worse than having a machine ‘eat' your card due to unexpected charges.
You will need a 4 digit, numerical PIN#.
Keep in mind that not all credit/ debitcards are accepted in Ireland. Anything with a Visa or Mastercard logo will be accepted wherever cards are taken. Discover is not accepted anywhere. American Express is hit or miss (most often a miss).
Depending on the ATM you use you may incur a fee from the Irish bank or ATM owner. Whether or not you incur an exchange fee depends on the card and ATM you use.
For peace of mind use an ATM at a bank. If your debit card is pulled into the machine you can often retrieve it right away.
What Credit Cards Can Be Used in Ireland?
Credit and debit cards with a Visa or MasterCard logo are accepted throughout Ireland and Northern Ireland. American Express may be accepted in some locations, but not all. Discover Card is not accepted within Ireland.
Important Note: do not book your car rental with Discover Card hoping to use the rental car insurance coverage, it will be declined at the pickup counter. Learn more about car rental insurance and credit card coverage here.
When using a credit or debit card you should always pay in local currency. Though Dynamic Currency Conversion offers the ability to pay in your home currency always pay in the local currency – Euros in the Republic of Ireland and Pounds in Northern Ireland- to get the best exchange rate.
Get Cash at the Airport:
At Dublin Airport:
Cash dispensers (ATMs) are available in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. These ATMs are privately owned and will carry a fee. However, this fee is minimal and in many cases will still offer a better rate than you would get when exchanging money with your US bank.
In Terminal 1 (T1) you will find ATM machines in Departures opposite the Area 5 check-in desk, as you exit the Baggage Hall (on the left), and in Arrivals opposite the exit from security clearance.
In Terminal 2 (T2) ATM machines are available in the Baggage Hall and at the Airside Departures Lounge.
At Shannon Airport:
ATM machines are located at departures check-in and in the arrivals hall. There is also an ATM in the Transit Lounge after security clearance.
Using Cash Apps in Ireland
If you prefer to use cash apps both Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted, but you won't find many vendors accepting Venmo in Ireland.
Instead, you'll want to add the Revolut appto your phone and get it set up before you depart. Revolut is an app designed to easily move money between currencies. The standard plan is free.
In Northern Ireland currency is the British Pound sterling.
While there may be a few locations near the border between the Republic and Northern Ireland that will take Euros, most businesses in Northern Ireland will not.
Your credit or debit card will be accepted at most locations or use a bank ATM to withdraw a bit of cash. I find £100 is usually plenty for a few days' in the North.
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Jody Halsted is the charismatic host behind the popular Traveling in Ireland Podcast and the Ireland Family Vacations website. With a deep passion for Ireland and an infectious enthusiasm for sharing its wonders, Jody has become a trusted voice in the realm of Irish travel.
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The best option is to convert money locally, before you travel. If you do find yourself in Ireland with money to convert, you have it's best to avoid currency desks in airports or near tourist attractions. These locations typically charge higher rates and a commission fee.
We think the best way to obtain € euro in Ireland is from ATMs. You should be able to withdraw € euros from ATMs in Ireland using your debit or credit card. ⚠️ IMPORTANT: Withdrawing euros in Ireland with international cards is likely to incur fees.
If you do want to wait until you arrive in Europe to get your euros, a word of caution. It's not usually a good idea to exchange currency at the airport, or even at your hotel. These places are definitely convenient, but you're likely to pay a premium for it. Commission fees can be high and exchange rates unfavorable.
Head to your bank or credit union before you leave to avoid paying ATM transaction costs. You may even receive a better exchange rate. Credit unions and banks will exchange your dollars into a foreign currency before and after your trip when you have a checking or savings account with them.
You'll occasionally find that smaller independent retailers won't accept card payments on low value transactions (€10 or less) because of the bank fees. In general, it's a good idea to carry cash at all times, in case you're unable to pay by card.
U.S. dollars are not legal tender in Ireland and are not an accepted form of payment. There are limited locations to exchange U.S. dollars when in Ireland, should you travel with cash. Payment by credit card and Apple pay is widely accepted throughout Ireland.
Most US, UK and Australian debit and credit cards should be usable in Ireland. Visa, Mastercard (Cirrus and Maestro) and American Express are all widely accepted. However, you may have a little more trouble using a Diner's Club card, and Discover isn't often accepted in Ireland.
Currency exchange shops and kiosks in airports are not the best places to exchange money. For the best rates, try a local bank or a bank ATM to make your currency exchanges. Check to see if your U.S. bank offers foreign ATM fee refunds for using a foreign ATM. Not all currency exchanges charge the same rate.
Often buying euros in cash before you leave home isn't the smartest option: Unfavorable exchange rates: US euro exchange rates aren't always all that good compared to the rates you can get elsewhere.
What is the cheapest way to get euros in the US? You'll need to compare exchange rates and fees for your bank with currency exchange services such as CXI. But a travel card such as the Wise international debit card can be a cheaper option, offering low fees and fairer, margin-free exchange rates.
There is no best day of the week to buy Euro as currency markets are complex and volatile, with many external and unexpected factors. You should buy Euro when you are happy with the rate, on a day that is convenient for you. Is it better to get Euro before you travel? We recommend buying your Euro before you travel.
Local banks and credit unions usually offer the best rates. Major banks, such as Chase or Bank of America, often offer the added benefit of having ATMs overseas. Online peer-to-peer foreign currency exchanges.
Definitely pay in Euro. This happens all the time when travelling, not just in Ireland, and if you choose to pay in your own currency you get stung on the exchange rate. I think there was a previous thread on this very topic. Yup, charge in the local currency.
Ordering currency from your bank before you travel is almost always better than using the airport currency exchange. Sally French is a travel rewards expert who joined NerdWallet in 2020.
Local banks and credit unions usually offer the best rates. Major banks, such as Chase or Bank of America, often offer the added benefit of having ATMs overseas. Online peer-to-peer foreign currency exchanges.
Introduction: My name is Greg Kuvalis, I am a witty, spotless, beautiful, charming, delightful, thankful, beautiful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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