Currency exchange in Ireland?

Question

What's the best way to carry money during a trip to Ireland? Do they have regular ATMs? So I need to exchange for Euros? Can I use my debit card to access more money as the trip goes on?

Answer 1

I took over an American Express Travelfund card on my visit and things went perfectly.  The way the card works is just like a debit card.  It can be used at ATMs, which I found all over the country, and at businesses that take the American Express card.

Basically its a pre-loaded card that you put money on, and the cool thing is you can load US dollars or Euros onto the card, which ever you prefer.  All ATMs will distribute Euros (obviously) regardless of what's loaded on to the card.  On my last 3 trips overseas (including a couple weeks in Eire) I carried the AETF card and pre-loaded it with Euros.  The good thing is you aren't carrying your own personal bank card or credit card, so if its lost or stolen the worst that can happen is you lose the money that's been loaded onto it.  The other good thing is you can call a toll free number to add funds to it at any time.  The added funds are just drawn from your bank account or credit card when you established the card itself.  Like I said, I got one a few years ago and have used it on three trips.

I used the card itself at certain restaurants or hotels or giftshops as a credit card.  I spent cash I was able to get from ATMs with the card on all other purchases.  It was a great way to travel.  I've recommended it to others that I knew were traveling abroad, including my father, and they found it a easy way to make purchases and get cash on a trip.

Another piece of advice...if you use your own credit card or debit card during your trip be sure to notify your bank or issuing card company prior to your trip so any overseas purchases will get approved quickly.

Answer 2

Yes, you will need to exchange $$ for euros, but it won't be a problem. As others have pointed out, ATMs are frequent. You can use your credit card if you have a pin # to get cash, or use your ATM card. Be sure to notify your bank/credit card company before you leave so they won't put a stop on your card. Don't bother with traveller's cheques. They are more hassle than they're worth these days, with ATMs and other exchange places easily accessible. And, as someone else pointed out, it is safe to carry cash in Ireland. I have been in Ireland twice, hope to go again, and never had a moment's worry about having money or anything else stolen.

Answer 3

Yes we have regular ATM's in Ireland!! You'll find them everywhere; outside banks, in petrol stations and in supermarkets etc...

The Cirrus and other systems work here the same as everywhere else and I suppose as long as your card is compatible with some sort of international system you'll have no probs withdrawing money from your account back home! Just check with your bank before leaving.

It's very safe here too so carrying cash around is fine! Hope this helped! Enjoy your trip! ;-)

Answer 4

Ireland does use the Euro.  The current rate right now is $1 U.S.= 0.741507 Euro.  You can go about cash/traveling many ways.  You can trade your currency, use travelers cheques, or credit cards.  Currency rates will fluctuate, so you might keep an eye on the rates and exchange when they seem to go up.  You can check multiple sites online for this.  A few are:

http://www.xe.com/ucc/  &

Online-Currency-Exchange.net                                                                      

You can exchange currency at banks and bureaux de change.  They do have ATMs.  Cirrus and +Plus system cards can be widely used at these.  All major credit cards are accepted at most places.  You might make contact with a bank in the area of which you are traveling to to double check information about whatever monetary system you choose to use.  Also, contact all banks at home.  I believe we did cheques, Euros, and credit cards (but we were also traveling through other countries; I believe that was the only reason for cheques).  Check these sites, perhaps you will find them to be useful:  

www.aib.ie  

www.bankofireland.ie

If I am correct in remembering, all banks in Dublin will exchange your currency.  If you use travelers cheques bring your passport and I believe your ID too, with you to cash them.  

On a personal note, it is always good to carry cash for cabs, etc.  Travelers cheques are good because they can usually be replaced if stolen and can be accepted where credit cards may not be.  Hopefully this is helpful.  Any other questions you may have, I will try to answer.  Happy travels; Ireland is a splendid place.