What Type Of Money Does Ireland Use

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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.

Our picks for traveling to Ireland

Our pick for travel credit card

American Express® Gold Card

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Our pick for multi-currency debit card

Wise Multi-currency

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SoFi Money

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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.

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.

These are your options for spending money in Ireland

Using a credit card

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.

Pros

Protected by PIN & chip
No currency conversion fees
Features such as complimentary travel insurance
Interest-free period on purchases

Cons

Fees and high interests on cash advances
Subject to an annual fee
International transaction fees and interest charges may also apply

Using a debit card

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.

Pros

Secured with a chip and PIN technology
Can be easily blocked by your issuer with just a phone call
ATMs are abundant

Cons

No back-up card
Linked directly to bank account if you card goes missing
Local ATM operator fees may apply

Using a prepaid travel card

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.

Pros

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

Cons

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

Paying with cash in Ireland

Cons

More difficult to manage expenses
Higher risk of theft

Using traveler's checks

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.

Pros

Secure and can be easily replaced if lost or stolen
Need photo ID to cash check

Cons

Fee to cash checks
Initial purchase charges
Not all merchants accept traveler's checks

Compare travel credit cards

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.

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.

The main banks in Ireland are:

Allied Irish Bank (AIB)
Bank of Ireland
Ulster Bank
CitiBank Europe
Permanent Group Holdings

Danske Bank (Ireland)
KBC Bank Ireland
EBC d.a.c.
DePfa Bank
Bank of Montreal Ireland PLC

ATMs in Ireland

Refreshing in: 60s | Sat, Dec 04, 03:21PM GMT

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.

Refreshing in: 60s | Sat, Dec 04, 03:21PM GMT

The main banks in Ireland are:

Allied Irish Bank (AIB)
Bank of Ireland
Ulster Bank
CitiBank Europe
Permanent Group Holdings

Danske Bank (Ireland)
KBC Bank Ireland
EBC d.a.c.
DePfa Bank
Bank of Montreal Ireland PLC

Cash pickup services in Ireland

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

How much should I budget to travel in 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. All prices are in US dollars.

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

_{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.

Case study: Luke's experience

Luke profile photo

Luke

Case study: Interview with Luke about spending in Ireland

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.

Our latest travel deals to Ireland

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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