I am going to Ireland. Is it best to exchange my money for Euros when I get there or not. What is the exchange

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The Shadow

You'll get the best exchange rate if you use your ATM card to withdraw cash instead of exchanging cash or travelers checks.

Using an ATM card gets you the wholesale exchange rate which is much better than the retail rate given for exchanging cash and travelers checks. You'll pay ATM fees, but they are generally no worse than paying a commission to a bank or money changer. And, ATMs are open 24 hours. You don't have to worry about exchanging enough money to get you through weekends or bank holidays.

Most major airports have ATMs, so you can get cash as soon as you arrive. You can check the website of your bank's ATM network if you want to verify it in advance.

Just be sure to call your bank before you leave and tell them that you're traveling to Ireland. Their security system may flag your withdrawals as "suspicious" and cut off your card. You'll have no problem as long as you tell them in advance.

I've been doing this for eleven years and it's much more convenient. I never exchange cash or carry travelers checks anymore.

Currently, one euro equals $1.58. However, that's the published wholesale rate. You'll get a less favorable rate if you exchange cash or travelers checks.

Christine

You never said where you are travelling from, if the US than wait till you get here to get your euro (no 's', it shouldn't be pluralised, not that anyone notices). When I was in the US my friend was given a terrible rate to exchange her Euro to dollar, so just bring your ATM card and take it out of the cash point machine when you land. This gives you a better rate, however most banks do charge you for this facility, its based on the total withdrawn, not on the number of transactions.

Another option would be to use your credit card to purchase items. Don't use traveller cheques! Complete waste of time. And what currency are you exchanging to Euro?

greenorlagh

Where are you travelling from?

an bhuil gaeilge agat?

I agree with the shadow. I've been twice - the first time I dealt with loads of exchanging and traveler's checks and blahblahblah. What a pain. The second time I got off the plane and headed straight for the ATM (if you fly into Shannon it's out in the room where all the car rental/bus info places are, right after you get passed customs, off to the left) - I'm sure there are a few in Dublin airport. That's what I'd do for sure. BUT do remember that your bank will probably add a surcharge for every withdrawal from an ATM that's not theirs. Also you may want to notify your bank that you're going abroad - so they don't think someone stole your card.

Have fun!

Courtney B

Exchange where you bank. The fees are usually waived to bank members, and rates are often better. The rate is now up to $1.58 for one euro. Tourist places and airports inflate their rates and sometimes charge commission on top of this. Also, many Irish banks charge commission of you are not a member.

brasiedub

If you're coming from the US, check at your city which bank offers you the best rates. When you arrive here, you probably won't want be shopping around to find out, you'll have better things to do. About cash cards, of course, you can use them all over the place. But it depends, check with your bank the fees for that service, it might not be worth. You have to decide between the safer and the more economical. Traveller checks are safe, but only if you buy them in EURO denominations, and the bank GUARANTEES you won't be charged an extra, ie. you'll get â‚¬1 per 1. Some TC users are worse off when they get to the destination, as they may be charged "fees" or all kinds of rip-offs. I'd say AMEX or Thomas Cook checks, if you're going for the TC option.

T. M

The last I heard it takes $1.53 american to equal 1 uro dollar. Your trip will be most expensive. Also go to a bank,not "street corner" money changers, the changers will rip you off every time.

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