KrysJohn
Unregistered User
(8/12/05 2:45 pm)

What about using the ATM and Debit cards?

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Here at home we use our debit card for everything! My daughter will probably never know about the old fashioned checkbook. But, do they work well in Ireland too? Of course we'll need cash for some of the vendor shopping, but can we use it in stores, hotels, resturants, gas stations?

And, here at home, the ATM's are everywhere! What about on the road in Ireland? Are they few and far between? And do you know what an average service fee is for using one?

yesiree100
Registered User
Posts: 56
(8/12/05 3:08 pm)

Re: What about using the ATM and Debit cards?

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Just got back a few weeks ago and used my debit card for just about everything.

I could use my bank debit card the same as at home (it's a Visa with Pulse and Cirrus logos on the back and has a 4-digit PIN #).

All my purchases in stores, B&Bs and restaurants were subject to the 1% International Service Fee my bank instituted this year (fees vary from 0 to 3% depending on your bank or credit card). The fee appeared as a seperate "charge" on my statement (i.e. INT'L SERVICE FEE $1.22 or whatever 1% of my purchase was...there was a seperate charge correspeonding with each purchase)

Cash withdrawals from ATMs were a different story. All my withdrawals from Bank of Ireland ATMs were not charged the fee by my bank, but other ATMs (store and petrol station ATMs) were.

My bank told me that it was because the ATMs in stores and petrol stations treated my transaction like a charge even though it was only dispensing cash (this is common in the US as well)...the Bank of Ireland ATM processed it differently and thus the withdrawal was not subject to the International Finance Charge.

Michele Erdvig
Administrator
Posts: 3338
(8/12/05 6:45 pm)

Re: What about using the ATM and Debit cards?

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KrysJohn,

You have received excellent advice from Corey (yesiree100). Also take a look at my "Money" page and "Tips & Tricks".

Michele