What's the best way to pay for things while in Ireland?

Question

I am going to Ireland as an inexperienced travelor. I would like to know whether I should carry US currency, Euros gotten over there, or use a US credit card, hitting ATM's along the way?

Answer 1

All banks accpeted ATM cards of all types . And the only thing you can do is bring your us currency over to the banks . And get it changed into euro .

Answer 2

daddys from ireland, we go back all the time. best route is to caryy your debit ((AS LONG AS U DONT PLAN ON SPENDING OVER $200 A DAY)) cos then maybe you'll wanna bring along some cash. cos its pretty easy to spend more than that in a day, especially because its such an expensive country! but if ur plannin on making just many small purchases then go for the debit card cos u get ur euros right there when u need them, and well u know urself, if u lose cash then ur just screwed but u could always cancel a card! so enjoy urself! have a bulmers for mee...soo jealous!!

Answer 3

Take your bank card and credit cards as first line of use.  They are going to give you the best exchange.  Don't carry more cash than you can afford to loose, be careful of your cards and passports.  Leave a photo copy of all of them with a loved ove back home.  They can fax them to you quickly if need be if trouble arises.

Have fun and watch out for the Blumers fizzy hangover!

Answer 4

I just went to Ireland last year and it was my first trip abroad as well. If you exchange US currency you're going to end up losing some money with the exchange rates and commission fees.

You're best bet is to take your debit or credit card and hit the ATMs along the way.

Also, you may want to look into getting a hostel membership. The membership costs $28 for a year, but gets you a slight discount on staying at hostels, free travelers insurance when you're traveling between hostels, and commission free currency exchange at Travelex as well as 2 free overnight stay coupons for hostels here in the USA if you want to travel domestically as well. Their website if www.hiusa.org

Answer 5

try not useing your credit card,as you pay extra on it ,try and use euro.

Answer 6

well the dollar is p**s poor so dont change all of your money, Visa or Am Ex would work!

Answer 7

I have been there several times, and the best thing to do is get, travelers checks because ATM cards and credit cards will give you whatever exchange rate they want, on top of the fees for using an ATM.  I would have a credit card as back up.  The Bank of Ireland gives good exchange rates.  The hostel idea is very good also. Lonely Planet is a guide you can see online or if you can buy the book at barnes and noble, and it will give you amazing information on how much things will cost, and even the names of reputable hostels and hotels.

If you decide to only take your ATM card, be careful you will do a lot of drinking and could loose it.  I say that from experience, I had to have $$ western unioned to me and it was very expensive.  If you are going to stay in the south all you will need are Euros, but if you go to the north you will need British Pounds as well, dont pay in Euros, because you will pay more.  Exchange your money there in local banks, but you will need to have change for the bus or whatever transport you are taking from the airport, so have Euros ready when you get there or exchange a small amout at the airport when you arrive.  Good luck and have fun.  Ireland is great, the people are amazing.  

Three pieces of advice.  If someone buys you a drink buy them one back.

Stay away from politics no matter how much people ask, US and Irish politics are always a sore subject.

Finally, try a drink called Bulmers, it is cider, and alcoholic fizzy apple flavored drink, it is my favorite!!!

Answer 8

ATM .....Unless you can sing and dance

Answer 9

Just to mention Visa and Mastercard are accepted in majority of places.. Amex is not nearly as widely accepted, but you will still find places.