I have a friend going to Ireland, he has a currency question?

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Trust me I'm a Doctor â™¥

ATM machines will dispense Euros in the Republic of Ireland and Â£pounds in Northern Ireland and his bank statement will show the exchange rate for the day of the transaction. He shouldn't need to exchange currency before he travels.

I have an Irish laser (debit) card which I use abroad, if I go to France I receive Euros from the ATM machine. I also have a UK debit card which I use in shops and ATMs in the Republic of Ireland and I have used it in France too and I never have any problems.

magidge

In the Republic of Ireland the currency is the euro.
In the North of Ireland the currency is the pound sterling.

If he brings a debit card, in either country he will receive the currency of that country. So if it's used in the Dublin he will receive euros, and if it's used in Belfast he will receive sterling.

Many people use debit cards when travelling.
If an Irish person was to use their debit card in New York, they would receive US dollars.

bluebell

Any ATM will give him local currency. I used my Irish debit card in Australia, and it gave me Australian dollars. In the North, he will get pounds Sterling, and in Republic of Ireland he will get euros. And I believe that many businesses in Northern Ireland, particularly near the border, will accept euros too. If he has pounds he wishes to change to euro, there are many places including post offices, banks and some stores which operate as bureaux de change, and will do currency conversion for him. I am sure the same service applies in Northern Ireland. Just let him be aware that whatever fee his own bank charges for each transaction using an ATM at home, it is likely to be higher because he is in a different currency zone. That's what I found on my Australian trip. I hope he enjoys his visit.

greenorlagh

The 'hole in the wall' machines will give him euro in the republic and sterling in the north. No problem. I do it all the time as I live on the border.

Orla C

Yes, he can access his cash through the ATMs in most towns, he can withdraw in the local currency. But he should check with his bank first that he has the right type of card, and let them know when he's travelling.

You can do this pretty much everywhere in Europe now. I did it in Prague, Budapest, Portugal, Italy .....

slipstreamer

Tell him to use his debit card and draw money out as he needs it in the North and in the Republic. It's really the easiest way. You will wind up with some leftovers, but you can exchange that at the airport on your way home, or at any bank really. The first time I went to Ireland I was worried about the same thing. Tell him not to stress about it. He really only needs enough money in hand to get a taxi or bus from the airport to his lodgings.

Debit is the easiest way to track your expenses as well.

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