A Guide to Currency in Ireland and Scotland

Ireland and Scotland may use the same language, but their currencies are quite different. The official currency of Ireland is the Euro.

You'll find that many businesses in Ireland accept major credit cards, but it's always a good idea to have some cash on hand, especially when traveling to rural areas.

The Euro is divided into 100 cents, and you'll see a variety of coins and notes in circulation.

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Ireland uses the euro, represented by the symbol € and the currency code EUR, except in Northern Ireland, which uses the pound sterling (symbol: £ and currency code: GBP).

In border regions, you may be able to use the currencies interchangeably, but it's not a guarantee.

In shops that do accept foreign Irish currency, they will use their own exchange rate, which can sometimes be quite favourable, and return change in the local currency.

In the UK, pound sterling is the standard currency, but Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own bank notes that are not officially legal tender in England and Wales.

Most shopkeepers will accept Scottish and Irish bank notes without complaint, but they're not legally obligated to do so.

Standard English bank notes are almost always accepted throughout the U.K.

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The Republic of Ireland uses the euro, represented by the symbol € and the currency code EUR.

In Northern Ireland, you'll need to use the pound sterling, symbolized by £ and with the currency code GBP, as it's part of the United Kingdom.

You might be able to use both currencies interchangeably in border regions, but it's not a guarantee.

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

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The Pound Sterling is the official currency in Northern Ireland, made up of 100 pence. You'll find it widely accepted in the region.

One pound is divided into eight coin denominations, ranging from copper to gold coins. Copper coins include the one and two pence, while silver coins come in five, ten, 20, and 50 pence denominations. The gold coin is worth £1, and the silver with gold coin is worth £2.

Pound banknotes are available in denominations of five, ten, 20, and 50 pounds. However, £50 notes are still relatively rare and might be refused in some places.

You'll find a mix of Bank of England banknotes and notes from Northern Irish banks and the Bank of Ireland being used in Northern Ireland. Even Scottish banknotes might make an appearance!

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In the UK, you'll find that Scotland and Northern Ireland use pound sterling, just like England and Wales, but their bank notes are different. Most shopkeepers will accept Scottish or Irish notes, but they're not legally obligated to do so.

Standard English bank notes are widely accepted throughout the UK, making them a safe bet for your transactions. This is especially true in England and Wales, where English bank notes are the norm.

The euro is not a widely accepted currency in the UK, except in a few iconic department stores like Harrods, Selfridges, and Marks & Spencer. These stores will give you change in pound sterling, but it's still worth noting that the euro is not British currency.

Visa and Mastercard cards are widely accepted everywhere, making them a convenient choice for your transactions. However, American Express, Discover, and Diners Club cards may not be as readily accepted, especially outside of London.

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In Ireland, you can pay with cash, credit cards, and debit cards, but some businesses also accept contactless payments, which is a convenient option for small transactions.

The Euro is the official currency in Ireland, and it's widely accepted in shops, restaurants, and hotels. You can also withdraw euros from cash machines using your debit or credit card.

Many businesses in Ireland also accept mobile payments, such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, which can be linked to your credit or debit card. This option is especially useful for tourists who don't want to carry a lot of cash.

In England, cash is still king, with many people preferring to pay with notes and coins.

You can withdraw cash from over 70,000 cash machines across the country, with many accepting foreign cards as well.

Contactless payments are also widely accepted, with many retailers allowing transactions of up to £30 without needing a PIN.

Credit and debit cards are also popular, with many businesses accepting American Express, Mastercard, and Visa.

Some businesses, like small shops and market stalls, may only accept cash or certain types of cards.

The UK has a strong culture of tipping, especially in the service industry, where 10-15% is considered standard.

Travellers Cheques are virtually redundant in 21st-century travel due to advances in bank fraud protection.

Few Irish traders will accept them, making them a hassle to use.

If saving money is your priority, consider exchanging cash before you arrive in Ireland to avoid exorbitant bank fees or poor exchange rates.

Exchanging cash before you arrive in Ireland is a great way to save money, as it avoids those pesky bank fees and poor exchange rates.

If exchanging cash before you arrive isn't an option, there are still ways to get the best deal.

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If saving money is your priority, consider exchanging cash before you arrive in Ireland to avoid exorbitant bank fees or poor exchange rates.

You can buy currency online and have it delivered or collect it in-store, or exchange it at a local currency exchange store, or buy it at the airport. Try S Money or a similar online currency exchange store to get rates that reflect the comparisons you see on XE or Google.

Check the processing time if you choose online delivery or in-store pickup, as some exchange companies suggest allowing between two and five days to process currency.

If you prefer in-store currency exchange, head to the CBD of your nearest city for the most competitive exchange rates; suburban bureau de change outlets tend to have poorer rates and fees.

Here are your main options to buy currency before you head to Ireland:

If you're looking for the best exchange rates in Ireland, you're in luck because currency exchange bureaus and Western Union branches have some of the highest rates.

In tourist areas like Dublin and Belfast, you'll find banks and currency exchange kiosks where you can swap your money for euros or pounds.

Airports might be your first thought, but it's worth waiting until you arrive in the city to get better exchange rates.

In general, the rates at currency exchange bureaus and Western Union branches are better than what you'll find at airports.

In Scotland, you'll find a range of banks and building societies with various types of accounts to suit every need.

Most banks in Scotland are open Monday to Friday from 9:30am to 5:00pm, with many also open on a Saturday morning.

You can easily find cash machines everywhere in larger towns and cities, and even in rural areas, there's usually at least one place where you can withdraw cash.

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Bank cards are the most convenient way to pay for things in Ireland, especially considering the dual currency situation on the island.

You'll have better luck using your bank card in cities than in rural areas, so plan accordingly.

Some of the best travel money cards include debit, credit, and prepaid cards, so do your research before choosing one.

Bank cards with Visa and Mastercard logos are the most widely accepted in shops and at ATMs.

Opt for the local currency when asked to pay in either your home currency or the local currency, as the exchange rates are far better.

American Express and Diners Club are accepted in fewer places, so it's best to stick with Visa and Mastercard.

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Ireland isn't a cheap destination, and Northern Ireland is a bit pricier than its southern neighbor.

You'll find that prices can vary depending on where you are in Ireland, but a euro can get you a decent cup of coffee or a pint of beer.

A euro can also buy you a sandwich or a light meal at a café or pub.

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Scotland has a long history of banking, with over 300 years of experience to back it up.

You'll find a wide range of banks and building societies in Scotland, each offering different types of accounts to suit every need.

Most banks in Scotland are open Monday to Friday from 9:30am to 5:00pm, making it easy to pop in during the week.

Many banks in Scotland are also open on a Saturday morning, giving you even more flexibility.

Cash machines (ATMs) are readily available in larger towns and cities, and you can usually find at least one in rural areas too.

These cash machines will accept international bank cards and credit cards, as long as they have a four-digit PIN code.