Currency in Ireland 2024 A Comprehensive Guide

Ireland is a fantastic destination, and understanding the local currency is essential for a smooth trip. Euro is the official currency of Ireland.

You can exchange your money for euros at airports, banks, or currency exchange offices. Credit cards are also widely accepted.

As of 2024, you can withdraw euros from ATMs using your debit or credit card, but be aware of any foreign transaction fees.

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The euro is Ireland's official currency, and it's been that way since 2002. You can spot the euro symbol, €, on everything from street signs to menu boards.

There are seven different banknote denominations available in euro: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, and €500. You can use these to pay for goods and services or exchange them for other currencies if needed.

The euro is one of around 180 currencies worldwide, which means it trades against all other official currencies globally. This gives us exchange rates, a measure of how much of one currency we can exchange for another.

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The European Central Bank (ECB) is responsible for managing the euro and ensuring the stability of the European financial system. You can find more information about the ECB on various currency websites.

Here are some key facts about the euro:

Using currency in Ireland can be a bit tricky due to the country's unique situation. The Republic of Ireland uses the euro, represented by the symbol € and the currency code EUR.

In border regions, you may be able to use the currencies interchangeably, but this shouldn't be taken for granted.

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Ireland uses the euro in the Republic of Ireland and the pound sterling in Northern Ireland.

The euro is represented by the symbol € and the currency code EUR, while the pound sterling is represented by the symbol £ and the currency code GBP.

You may be able to use the currencies interchangeably in border regions, but this shouldn't be taken for granted.

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In shops that accept foreign Irish currency, they will use their own exchange rate, which can sometimes be quite favourable.

Ireland's notes come in denominations of €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, and €500, while the coins you'll potentially use are 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, €1, and €2.

Some places won't accept a €500 if they don't have change, so try and avoid these.

Prices in Ireland are rounded up or down to the nearest five euro cents, with prices ending in one, two, six, and seven cents being rounded down.

You'll find that cash is the most common form of payment in Ireland and is accepted everywhere.

Bank cards with Visa and Mastercard logos are the most widely accepted both in shops and at ATMs, while American Express and Diners Club are accepted in fewer places.

You'll be hit with a fee if you use your credit or debit card to withdraw money from an ATM, and a heavier fee if you withdraw with a credit card.

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Ireland is not a cheap destination, and you'll want to make your euros and pounds stretch as far as possible.

A pint of beer can cost around €5-6 in Dublin, while in Northern Ireland, you might pay around £4-5.

You can get a decent meal in a pub for around €15-20.

Northern Ireland is a little more expensive than its southern neighbour, so you might want to budget accordingly.

A liter of petrol costs around €1.30 in Ireland.

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Exchanging currency in Ireland can be a bit tricky, but don't worry, I've got you covered. If saving money is your priority, consider exchanging cash before you arrive in Ireland to avoid exorbitant bank fees or poor exchange rates.

In general, currency exchange bureaus and Western Union branches have some of the highest rates in Ireland. You can find these in Dublin, Belfast, and other touristic areas.

Dublin, Belfast, and other touristic areas have banks and currency exchange kiosks where you can swap your AUD for EUR or GBP. These are great options to consider.

Exchange rates can fluctuate over time due to various economic, political, and market factors. A higher exchange rate means that the value of one currency has increased compared to another, while a lower exchange rate means the opposite.

You can follow the live exchange rate to the euro with Monito's currency pages, and even set up smart email alerts to follow fluctuations. This way, you'll always be in the know.

Before you head to Ireland, it's a good idea to plan ahead and get your currency in order. You can buy Irish currency before you go, and there are several options to consider.

There are three main ways to buy currency: online, at a local currency exchange store, or at the airport. Try using online currency exchange stores like S Money, which often offer competitive rates.

If you choose online delivery or in-store pickup, be aware that some exchange companies may take between two and five days to process your currency. If you prefer to exchange your money in-store, head to the CBD of your nearest city for the best rates.

Suburban bureau de change outlets tend to have poorer rates and fees, so it's worth the extra trip to the city center.

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Traveling to Ireland can be a breeze when it comes to making payments, thanks to the many forms of payment that have become widely accepted. Credit cards from VISA and Mastercard are widely accepted, especially in touristy establishments.

You can also use debit cards linked to your bank account to make purchases at point-of-sale terminals and withdraw cash. Having some euro banknotes on hand can also be helpful for small purchases, tipping, and emergencies.

Mobile payment services like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Alipay are becoming increasingly popular, but be sure to check beforehand how available these methods are in Ireland. Prepaid travel cards are another option to consider, offering good value, security, and convenience.

Using a prepaid travel card is almost always the best way to pay in Ireland, as they typically incur lower fees on euro currency exchange than credit cards or bank debit cards do. This can save you money on your holiday expenses.

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Here are some popular prepaid travel card options to consider:

Remember to check if your bank offers any similar products or if there are any multi-currency cards available in your country.

You can pay for things in Ireland using various methods, but it's not always as straightforward as it seems.

Some places, especially those off the beaten path or smaller businesses, may not accept credit cards. I had a recent experience where I tried to pay for a coffee with a credit card at a cafe near Dunluce Castle, but they didn't accept it.

Bank cards are widely accepted across Ireland, but you'll have better luck using them in cities than in rural areas.

Debit cards are a convenient way to pay for things and get cash from ATMs, as long as your card has a Cirrus, Maestro, or Plus logo.

Hot tip: If you're asked whether you want to pay in the local currency or your home currency while paying with card, opt for the local currency, as the exchange rates are far better.

Most businesses in Ireland accept Visa and Mastercard, but some won't accept American Express. You can use your credit card to buy things and take out cash from an ATM, but be aware that some retailers may only accept chip and pin transactions.