How and When to Get Euros for Your Ireland Vacation
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 Euros before you leave the US (unless you really want to).
How & When to Get Euros for Your Ireland Vacation
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If you do want Euros before you leave the US:
- 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/ debit cards 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.
Money Saving Ireland Shopping Tip
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 app to 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.
Can I use Euros in Northern Ireland?
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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