Find out more about Ireland's currency & means of payment
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.
Currency exchange
Foreign currency exchange is available at banks, post offices in larger towns and some of the larger hotels and tourist offices. There are also Bureaux de Change, but they tend to charge much higher commission and fees.
You can see current conversion rates on XE.com
Learn about what to expect if you're visiting Ireland from India, Canada, Australia or the USA.
ATMs/cashpoints
Cashpoints (the common local name for ATMs) are widely available and you can usually find at least one in all small towns and villages. Please note that a 4-digit PIN number is required. Cash can be obtained against VISA and MasterCard. Banking fees for ATM withdrawals and foreign transactions vary widely, so please check the rates with your bank(s).
Banks
Opening hours are usually 9:30 AM – 4 or 5 PM, Monday to Friday. Some are open 9:30 AM to 1 PM on Saturdays.
Credit & debit cards
Visa and MasterCard credit cards are widely accepted throughout Ireland.
American Express is not commonly accepted in Ireland (although it is in Northern Ireland and the UK) so we recommend bringing another card if you have one.
Lost or stolen cards
If your card is lost or stolen in Ireland or Northern Ireland, please report it immediately using one of these numbers:
Irish customer service numbers:
- MasterCard & Diners Club: call +353 (1) 800 557 378
- VISA: call +353 (1) 800 558 002
UK customer service numbers:
- American Express: call +44 (0) 800 917 8047
- MasterCard & Diners Club: call +44 (0) 800 864 767
- VISA: call +44 (0) 800 891 725
Report any other lost or stolen belongings to the local police station.
Browse our best-selling tours to come visit Ireland.
Traveller’s cheques
Although less common, traveller’s cheques are also accepted at banks and major hotels or tourist centres. The exchange fees vary by location.
Contact our travel consultants if you want to know more about travelling in Ireland.