Your Travel Money Guide to Traveling in Ireland (2024)

FAQs

Should I exchange money 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).

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.

Payment by credit card and Apple pay is widely accepted throughout Ireland. However, it is important to note that not all U.S credit cards are universally accepted. Most Irish banks will not accept U.S. $100 bills. Many Irish financial institutions no longer accept or cash traveler's checks.

You can't use dollars in Ireland so we advise paying for your vacation using a mix of cash withdrawals and card payments. The Republic of Ireland uses euros (€) and Northern Ireland uses pounds (£). For Ireland tours visiting Northern Ireland, you'll need a small amount of pounds alongside euros.

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.

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.

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.

Is Visa or Mastercard better for Ireland? Both Visa and Mastercard are globally accepted. Look out for the logo on ATMs and payment terminals in Ireland.

The US Preclearance (USCBP) facility at Terminal 2 in Dublin Airport is a purpose built facility that allows US bound passengers to undertake all US immigration, customs and agriculture inspections at Dublin Airport prior to departure.

Google Pay is the fast, simple way to pay with Google and Bank of Ireland Debit and personal Credit Cards. When you use your phone to pay in shops and online, Google Pay will not send your Bank of Ireland card number to make your payment – your card details stay safe in your Google account.

What documents do I need to travel to Ireland? ›

Preparing for entering Ireland

You must have a passport or recognised travel document if you are coming from a country outside the EEA. You may also need to have a visa. You should have proof of the reasons you are coming to Ireland.

If you are coming to Ireland from a country outside the EU with €10,000 cash or more, you must present a completed cash declaration form (pdf) to the Customs at the airport or seaport when you enter Ireland. If you fail to submit a declaration your cash may be detained by Customs and you could be subject to penalties.

An annual income of €100,000 is chosen as representing very high income earners – it represents the top 6.5% of earners (180,000 earners) according to Revenue Commissioners data and is over twice average earnings.

By most European standards, Ireland can be quite expensive. Accommodation and food are generally priced at the upper end of the scale, which means a sizeable daily budget is needed.

Carrying cash - If you enter or leave the European Union (EU) at an Irish airport or port carrying cash of €10,000 or more, you must make a declaration to Customs. Sending cash - If you send or receive cash of €10,000 or more by post, freight or courier, you may have to make a cash disclosure declaration.