Your debit card will be fine for the fuel purchases, but you need to use it at ATMs to get cash for most B&Bs. The majority of B&Bs in smaller villages will not except credit or debit cards as payment. Some will, but you need to make sure and check before you go to see if that is the case. Most places prefer cash.
Geno
-- Edited by Geno on Wednesday 31st of October 2012 09:31:25 AM
Having just read a trip report from a first time visitor something I have never considered was Highlighted. You Fuel and then Pay at the Vast,vast, majority of fuel stops rather than paying first. But yes credit and debit cards apart from Amex are widely accepted but most B&B's prefer cash. The cost of running card payments can work out too costly for small B&B's and you might find that B&B's where cards are accepted work out more expensive like for like.
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Two rules for Ireland, Take your time & bring a sense of humour
And make sure they are MC or Visa - Amex and Discover are virtually unknown over there. Smaller villages may not have an ATM, you may have to go a couple villages over, but there is usually one not too far away. Petrol stations are usually not 24 hour, except in the bigger villages and cities, because they are manned rather than automatic. Plan accordingly!
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May the light be your guide and the darkness be your comfort!