Members Login
Username 
 
Password 
    Remember Me  
Return to IrelandYes.com Website -> Ireland Travel Forum -> Ask Michele: Ireland Travel Forum -> Currency Exchange
Post Info TOPIC: Currency Exchange
murphy


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 728
Date:
Currency Exchange
Permalink  

We have exchanged dollars for Euros, and when we do so, only at major Ireland banks with a Bureau of Exchange booth inside. We only take the newer pink/red 50 dollar bills (they are reportedly more readily accepted). In 4 trips, we computed that exchanging dollars for euros results in a little higher exchange rate than using our debit card. Our small community bank has very good terms, they refund the transaction fee on debit transaction the following month, but we are not always comfortable exposing our bank account to possible hackers. Just a gut feeling that we need to take some 50's along and then use the ATM sparingly when banks are closed on weekends. A stack of 20 newer crisp 50 dollar bills takes up surprising little space in my passport wallet!

Many advise: DO NOT carry substantial amounts of cash, but we always secure the cash WITH our passports in a money belt or in our inside-the-shirt neck pouch, and it has worked for us.

Dan



-- Edited by murphy on Wednesday 18th of September 2013 10:42:37 PM

__________________
Rocky Bay


Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 7
Date:
Permalink  

Any ideas, thoughts, comments on changing dollars for euros? Two weeks ago I read that using an ATM could be the least expensive way to buy euros. I called one of my credit card offices and was told that using an ATM with this particular card would incur charges of  4%!!! A 3% exchange fee plus a 1% processing fee, that is not inexpensive in my opinion. ( Or was it 1% exchange fee and a 3% processing fee???) I have read time and time again not to exchange money at the airport whether it is with a bank, ATM machine of a currency exchange kiosk. 



__________________
squigoh


Veteran Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 37
Date:
Permalink  

We used our Capital One credit card whenever we could as there were no foreign transaction fees and the conversion rate was good.  There are other cards out there that offer the same deal.  In fact, we currently have a Bank of America Travel credit card with no foreign transaction fees and it is also a "chip card" which makes it a bit easier to use in Europe.

When we wanted cash we used our credit union debit card.  Same deal: no foreign transaction fees and good conversion rate. 

Interestingly enough, our credit union had told us that we wouldn't be able to use our debit card in Ireland but so many on this forum said that we probably could, so we gave it a try.  Guess what, the bank was wrong.



__________________
Michele Erdvig


Host

Status: Offline
Posts: 10695
Date:
Permalink  

Each bank, credit union and credit card is different. If you have time to shop around you will find one that offers better exchange prices. I, also, use my Capital One credit card for everything I can in Ireland. No transaction fees from them. For cash I use my credit union ATM card and pay a very minimal fee. I use the ATMs at the major banks as they do not charge. It is your own institution that will charge.

__________________

"Ireland Expert"  Michele Erdvig

Click links for Michele's Book or Custom Ireland Itinerary

Visit Michele's Irish Shop for unique Irish gifts and beautiful photos of Ireland.
Rocky Bay


Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 7
Date:
Permalink  

Do all Capital One cards have the "no foreign transaction charge" feature or is it one particular card that I should be applying for?

__________________
Michele Erdvig


Host

Status: Offline
Posts: 10695
Date:
Permalink  

I'm not sure. You can contact them to ask: https://www.capitalone.com/



__________________

"Ireland Expert"  Michele Erdvig

Click links for Michele's Book or Custom Ireland Itinerary

Visit Michele's Irish Shop for unique Irish gifts and beautiful photos of Ireland.
Rocky Bay


Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 7
Date:
Permalink  

Michele Erdvig wrote:

I'm not sure. You can contact them to ask: https://www.capitalone.com/

 Thank you Michele and to all who have replied.



__________________
Page 1 of 1  sorted by
Quick Reply

Please log in to post quick replies.
Return to IrelandYes.com Website -> Ireland Travel Forum -> Ask Michele: Ireland Travel Forum -> Currency Exchange
Tweet this page Post to Digg Post to Del.icio.us


Create your own FREE Forum
Report Abuse 		Powered by ActiveBoard