Money, money, money.
...It sure does make the world go around!
You can't use dollars in Ireland so we advise paying for your vacation using a mix of cash withdrawals and card payments.
The Republic of Ireland uses euros (€) and Northern Ireland uses pounds (£).
For Ireland tours visiting Northern Ireland, you'll need a small amount of pounds alongside euros. For the rest, it's 100% euros.
Read on to find out the most vital facts about exchanging currency in Ireland.
💶 The Best Way to Get € Euros in Ireland
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. Check with your bank before you travel about what fees will be applied to your card(s) for ATM withdrawals.
There are alternative ways to obtain € euros, such as currency exchange.
ATMs are ubiquitous. You'll find them in most towns and villages in Ireland. ATMs are located on main streets, outside banks and in service stations, grocery and convenience stores.
🏧 How Much Should I Withdraw from ATMs?
When getting € euros from an ATM in Ireland, we recommend withdrawing €200-250 per transaction.
This is to avoid commission fees and charges. Because Irish ATMs may charge you a flat rate fee for each transaction, it may be more economical to withdraw larger portions of cash.
Your bank at home may charge you a fee too.
All those charges can add up! Ask your bank in advance what exactly their ATM fees in Ireland are.
💡 Pro Tip: Sometimes, Vagabond and Driftwood tours stay in remote locations. ATMs may not be available in small villages and rural hotels. Just ask your VagaGuide about where the next ATM is likely to be.
💳 Will My Bank Card Work in Ireland?
Most likely, your bank card WILL work in Ireland.
Types of cards that are generally NOT accepted in Ireland include American Express, Diner’s Card, JCB and Discovery.
Check with your bank before you travel.
Read our blog about cards, cash and all things money
🏦 Do I Need To Notify My Bank Before I Travel?
Yes. 110%.
It's vitally important to tell your bank and/or credit card company that you'll be using your card in Ireland.
Banks block transactions in foreign countries or currencies if they haven't been forewarned of your travel plans.
Contact your bank at least a week before your departure date.
Don't get caught out! You might find yourself walking away from your first Irish ATM empty-handed.
🧭 What Currency Does Northern Ireland Use?
Northern Ireland uses a different currency to the Republic of Ireland.
You'll need access to Sterling (£) if you plan to visit Northern Ireland
The easiest option is to withdraw some local currency (£ pound sterling) from ATMs while in Northern Ireland.
You need to inform your bank that you'll be travelling in both the UK and Ireland
Are you taking one of the following Ireland tours?
- 🚵 12 Day Vagabond Giant Irish Adventure Tour
- 🏰 11 Day Driftwood Discover Ireland Tour
- 🛶 7 Day Vagabond Magnetic North Adventure Tour
- 💚 6 Day Driftwood Northern Island Tour
If so, it's advisable to bring some Sterling cash with you.
🤔 How Much Cash Should I Bring to Ireland?
It's wise to arrive in Ireland with least €300 euros in cash.
In the worst case scenario, your debit or credit card might not work upon arrival in Ireland. Or it may get lost. In this unlikely event, you'll need backup.
€300 euros in cash is enough to tide you over for at least one day and night.
It will be enough to catch a taxi to your hotel, buy food for your group and get any other important supplies you may need.
💵 Should I Bring Dollars to Ireland?
We think it's a better idea to exchange dollars for € euros at home, before you fly.
This is because your options for currency exchange are limited once you land in Ireland.
Irish banks will only exchange currency with account holders. The same goes for Irish post offices.
If you do bring dollars to Ireland to exchange for € euros, you are limited to currency exchange desks in airports and city locations.
💱 Where Can I Exchange Dollars For Euros in Dublin Airport?
We don't recommend it.
But if you get stuck with no euros at Dublin Airport, there are currency exchange desks located at the following locations:
Terminal 1
Arrivals Hall (Opening Hours: 7:30am-10:30pm)
Departures Hall (Opening Hours: 4:30am-5:30pm)
Airside (Behind Security) (Opening Hours: 4:30am-8:30pm)
Terminal 2
Baggage Hall (Opening Hours: 4:30am-4:30pm)
Check-In Hall (Opening Hours: 4:30am-4:00pm)
You can't pre-order € euros from Dublin Airport Currency Exchange but they should always be in stock.
Where Can I Exchange Dollars For Euros In Dublin?
Find currency exchanges at the following downtown locations in Dublin city:
- No1 Currency Exchange - Westmoreland Street
- Foreign Currency Exchange International - College Green
- Foreign Currency Exchange International - O'Connell Street
Where Can I Exchange Dollars For Euros Elsewhere In Ireland?
How Much Commission Will I Pay?
When exchanging money, be mindful that you'll never be sold the mid-market rate.
Claims by currency exchanges of 0% commission may sound tempting.
But remember that, even with 0% commission, the exchange rate might not be so good!
Check the representative market rate on XE.com before you go to an exchange desk. This will give you a better idea of the rate you should be getting.
💡 Pro Tip: Try to avoid taking out more cash than you'll spend. You'll get hit with the exchange charge twice if you try and change it back to the original currency.
Alternative: Pre-Paid Travel Cards
Pre-paid charge cards that work in ATMs have become increasingly popular in recent years.
Mastercard and Travelex both offer pre-paid travel cards. They can both be pre-ordered to your home address.
You can pre-load them with € euros and use them in Ireland without being charged mysterious fees (as often happens with debit and credit cards).
Can I Use US Money iIn Ireland?
Simple answer = No.
Only euro (€) is accepted in Ireland. Only British pound sterling (£) is accepted in Northern Ireland.
Budgeting For Your Ireland Trip
Wondering how much to set aside for your Ireland vacation?
Read our blog about cards, cash and all things money
Did you have trouble exchanging currency? We'd love to hear from you!
Contact us by email: enquiries@vagabond.ie.
💰 🌼 MAKE A SPRING BREAK FOR IT | Enjoy Discounted Tours in March/April 2023
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