Currency in Northern Ireland
As part of the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland's currency is the pound sterling (£). Those travelling on Ireland vacations and self drive tours which entail both travel to the South and North of Ireland must remember to have both sets of currency on their person (Pound Sterling £ and Euro €).
Unusually, individual currency notes are available from all the major banks operating in Northern Ireland. This can be confusing for visitors as not only will you find standard English (Bank of England) notes in circulation but also but also Sterling from Ulster Bank, Bank of Ireland and Northern Bank as well as notes from Scottish banks and occasional Bank of Isle of Man notes.
All of these notes are accepted in general commerce throughout Northern Ireland. This can mean up to half a dozen different notes for the exact same denomination.
Important to note if traveling to England after your visit to Northern Ireland:
In England, most retailers will only accept standard Bank of England notes so remember to change any notes you have that were issued by a Northern Irish bank if travelling from Northern Ireland to England.
One pound sterling consists of 100 pence.
Available notes are £5, £10, £20, £50 and £100 and available coins are 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1 and £2.
FAQs
As part of the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland's currency is the pound sterling (£).
Do Ireland and Northern Ireland use the same currency? ›
The first thing to note about Ireland is that it's broken up into two parts, and both use different currencies. The Republic of Ireland uses the euro and Northern Ireland uses the pound sterling. So, if you do plan to travel to both parts, make sure your travel money is prepared.
What is the best currency to take to Ireland? ›
💡 Pro Tip: if offered the chance to 'pay in dollars' when billed, always opt for the local currency (€ euros in Republic of Ireland or £ pound sterling in Northern Ireland). This offers the best value!
Can I use US dollars in Ireland? ›
U.S. dollars are not legal tender in Ireland and are not an accepted form of payment. There are limited locations to exchange U.S. dollars when in Ireland, should you travel with cash. Payment by credit card and Apple pay is widely accepted throughout Ireland.
Is it better to use cash or card in Ireland? ›
Using credit cards and debit cards in Ireland
You'll occasionally find that smaller independent retailers won't accept card payments on low value transactions (€10 or less) because of the bank fees. In general, it's a good idea to carry cash at all times, in case you're unable to pay by card.
What currency should I use in Northern Ireland? ›
As part of the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland's currency is the pound sterling (£). Those travelling on Ireland vacations and self drive tours which entail both travel to the South and North of Ireland must remember to have both sets of currency on their person (Pound Sterling £ and Euro €).
Are euros accepted in Belfast? ›
What currency is used in Northern Ireland? We use the pound (GBP). As we are part of the UK. However near the border both pounds and euros are accepted.
Should I buy Euros before going to Ireland? ›
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).
Do you tip in Ireland? ›
It's normal to leave between 10-15% of your bill as a tip after dining in Irish restaurants, bistros, cafés or pubs. Leaving a tip higher than 15% of your bill after dining in Ireland is really only given for outstanding service.
How much is $100 US in Ireland? ›
Options
| USD | IEP |
|---|
| coinmill.com |
|---|
| 100.00 | 71.18 |
| 200.00 | 142.35 |
| 500.00 | 355.89 |
14 more rowsWe recommend bringing a small amount of cash in euros to Ireland with you. Around €300 euro should be more than enough to get you through your first days in Dublin.
Can you drink the water in Ireland? ›
In general, it is safe to drink the tap water in Ireland. According to official stats by Irish Water 99.6% of households currently receive a water supply that is safe to drink.
Can I use my US debit card in Ireland? ›
Most US, UK and Australian debit and credit cards should be usable in Ireland. Visa, Mastercard (Cirrus and Maestro) and American Express are all widely accepted. However, you may have a little more trouble using a Diner's Club card, and Discover isn't often accepted in Ireland.
Do pubs in Ireland take credit cards? ›
Yes you can use your credit card in many pubs. But don't buy just one drink with that card. I know many of us Americans tend to do this.
What is the best way to pay for things in Ireland? ›
Credit and debit cards
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted throughout the island of Ireland; American Express is accepted in some places but not all. Credit cards can be used for purchases and also to withdraw cash from ATMs (although this usually is accompanied by a fee).
Will I get charged for using my debit card in Ireland? ›
Fees will still be charged but at a lower rate to credit cards. Ireland uses a “chip and pin” system for debit and credit card transactions. Retailers may still accept swipe cards but please note this is not always guaranteed. It is recommended that you notify your bank of your travel plans prior to your departure.
Can I use English Sterling in Northern Ireland? ›
Currency Overview in Northern Ireland
The British Pound Sterling serves as the official currency in Northern Ireland.
Does Dublin accept British pounds? ›
No, we use the Euro. Before that we had the Punt, the Irish pound. Before that, we had the pound, the exchange rate of which was tied to the pound sterling. AND before that, we had the pound and shillings and pence, (12 pence in a shilling, 20 shillings in a pound) also tied to sterling.
Does Ireland use the euro or Irish pound? ›
The monetary unit in Ireland is the euro, often represented by the € symbol or abbreviated as EUR. As Northern Ireland is part of the UK, the currency is the pound sterling, often represented by the £ symbol or abbreviated as GBP.
Why does Ireland have two currencies? ›
Ireland uses two different currencies: the Euro (EUR) in the Republic of Ireland due to its EU membership, and the Pound Sterling (GBP) in Northern Ireland, part of the United Kingdom.
