Unregistered User
(9/8/03 3:41 pm)
 
how to get cash while in Ireland

---

Hi everyone, I may sound a bit old fashioned, but I've never used an ATM -- I just go to the bank when I need cash. However, I've read much about ATM's being an excellent way to get cash while abroad. Hence, I called Master Card and they sent me a PIN#. After getting it, I called them up and asked what the daily limit on withdrawal is. They told me they have no limit, that I could withdraw any amount up to my credit limit (don't worry, I won't). Now here's the confusing part: they said there MAY be a limit imposed by the bank owning the ATM, but they weren't sure. So now I don't know how much I'll be able to withdraw in any given day. My card is through MBNA, if that makes a difference. I plan on calling my own local bank, too -- just to see about getting cash out through an ATM card they may offer. Is that a good decision -- to be able to withdraw both from MC and my local bank in case I get into a bind? Does anyone know if the Irish ATM's impose a daily limit?
I called AX, but getting cash from their card is more involved: it must be tied to a personal checking or savings account. I want this to be simple. Also re: AX, I read that if a traveler brings a blank check (i.e. from my checking acct.), that the AX office will cash it up to $2,500. Does anyone have infor on that? I called AX and they didn't know. The rep. tried calling the AX office in Dublin, but couldn't get through (too late in day).
My main concern is getting cash through ATM's or banks using my MC or local bank card. I'd hate to get over there thinking I was all set and find out there was a step to take that I wasn't informed of and then I couldn't get cash. (I'd hate to have to get a job while on vacation, just to pay for things.)
Again, please don't think me naive, I've just never needed an ATM before. Thanks so much. J2spring

DebbieK
Registered User
Posts: 100
(9/8/03 3:16 pm)
 
Re: how to get cash while in Ireland

---

I wouldn't get cash using any CREDIT CARD. You will be charged as if it were a Cash advance.

Call your bank and ask if you can get an ATM card attached to your CHECKING account - or checking/savings, but it MUST be linked to your checking. For some reason, the ATM machines in Ireland only take money out of checking.

You may have to pay a rush fee to be sure to get it in time for your trip - but it is a fabulous way to get cash while there. Double check with your bank what , if any fees will be for using the ATM card out of the country. If they say none, double check what the "OUT OF NETWORK" charges are- Ireland will most likely fall under that category , it did for my bank.

Lastly - try out your new ATM card at home before you leave , to be sure the pin , etc is correct.

Debbie

DebbieK
Registered User
Posts: 101
(9/8/03 3:21 pm)
 
Re: how to get cash while in Ireland

---

I just re-read your post.

Having your PIN for your MC is an ok backup - but use the ATM card for your primary source of cash.

You should be able to get plenty of cash out on a given day. I think I took out 300euros at a crack. (split between 2 of us)

Verify with your B&B's if they take credit cards - that is often a nice way to pay , and not eat up a lot of cash.

Use your CC wherever possible to make purchases. It will give you the best exchange rate, and will make the VAT refunds easier.

j2spring
Unregistered User
(9/8/03 4:48 pm)

cash from ATMs and M/C

---

Hi Debby K,
Thanks so much for all that info. You mentioned that getting cash from MC will be treated like a cash advance. I wasn't sure what that meant since I haven't gotten cash thru MC before so thanks to your warning I phoned them. They told me that they're having a promotion whereby through April 2004 there are no finance charges on cash -- just a 3% charge for each transaction for the cash. I am leaning toward the local bank ATM card (only $1-$2 per transaction) so I called my banks today. They are sort of small banks. One said they are on the "star network" for ATMs. (Now remember, I'm new at ATM's so I don't quite understand.) Do you think a little bank associated with star network will have enough ATMs around Ireland to make use of the card worthwhile? (The other small bank said their card was associated with star, cirrus, time, and plus -- but she said that doesn't really matter -- that most cards are accepted at most ATM machines -- IS THAT TRUE? DOES IT MATTER?)
Thanks for the info and thanks for not laughing at what must seen like silly questions. J2spring

DebbieK
Registered User
Posts: 102
(9/8/03 5:04 pm)

Re: cash from ATMs and M/C

---

The 'star' network part doesn't really matter - except that you will be Out Of Network , while in Ireland - verify the Out of Network charges.

What is important is that your card have Cirrus or Plus on the back. That is what makes it usable overseas. Each ATM machine you go to will have all of the logos of cards that you can use there. Cirrus is very widely used - My card is a Cirrus and I have never had any problems getting money from an ATM in Ireland.

I don't recall your Itinerary just now, but if you are heading into small towns - be sure to get money from an ATM before you get there. I was surprised to find out that Doolin did not have an ATM . Luckily I had brought enough euros to get us through till the next day / where we could find an ATM.

Debbie

cjmford
Unregistered User
(9/8/03 10:47 pm)

how to get while in Ireland

---

Agree with everything Debbie has said, including not using your cc for regular withdrawals, although the no finance charge promotion is something I've never heard of. We just got back. We used our cc for everything we could (for the miles), but did need cash for a few B & Bs that wouldn't take cc and for the pubs, odds and ends. We had no problem using ATMs, if your PIN # has four digits. Ireland banks don't charge a fee, but my credit union charged only 75 cents per transaction. Found them everywhere we went. Example, on September 21 $200 Euros cost me 227.00 US dollars on my statement back home, plus the 75 cent fee. It was better than the exchange rate I got at the bank, cashing in US dollars. By the way, don't bring $100 bills; even Irish banks won't take them for exchange. Seems crazy. If a bank can't tell a counterfeit, who can? Hve fun.

Chris

Michele Erdvig
ezOP
Posts: 1838
(9/9/03 12:25 am)

Money, Money, Money

---

Hi j2spring,

Debbie and Chris have about said it all. Try to use your ATM card whenever possible. The credit card withdrawal should only be used in an emergency.

Michele

j2spring
Unregistered User
(9/9/03 9:19 am)

atm cards

---

Hi everyone,
Thanks SOOOOOOOOO much to Debby, Chris, and Michele for the tutorial on ATM cards. I presented the info you provided to my bank. They said their card is star network, but that their card SHOULD(????) work in ireland. They advised me to go to "star.com" which I did and it clearly states that "star" in primarily for use in the States. Hence, I called the bank back and got a different answer -- that they believe the back of the card says "cirrus" and "plus." (It's sort of like dealing with the airlines -- if you don't like the fair you're quoted, you just keep calling back until you get one you like.) So it sounds like I'm all set, UNLESS this last person was incorrect.
But, basically, what I'm hearing you all say is that even if it's a "star" card, it should work in Ireland if it has a 4 digit PIN#. I was quoted out-of-network fees as $1.50 -- does that sound about right?
Again, thanks much for your help. J2Spring

Michele Erdvig
ezOP
Posts: 1842
(9/9/03 10:51 pm)
 
ATM Cards

---

Hi j2spring,

I would tend to think that all ATM cards would be compatible with the most widely used systems all over the world. If it says "plus" and/or "cirrus" on the back it should work in Ireland. But do test it first at home. I have heard of cases (very few) where the strip on the back can become de-magnitized and not work. So test first. That is why having a backup of credit cards and a few traveler's checks never hurts. And make sure you have enough money in your checking account to cover your withdrawals. Yes, the 4-digit PIN is what you need.

Michele

j2spring
Unregistered User
(9/10/03 9:32 am)

atm cash

---

Michele, again, thank you for your help. I think I've gotten the hang of it. Wish me luck. j2spring