Tipping

credwings · Member

Tipping

Michele Erdvig · Host

Chris,

Tipping is not expected at B&Bs. At pubs you don't tip unless you have table service or eat there and then you can leave a euro or two at your discretion. At hotels you would tip the bellhop a euro per bag and may leave something for the maids, again at your discretion. At restaurants 10% is normal unless you get extraordinary service. Try to give the tip directly to your server instead of leaving it on the table.

Michele

credwings · Member

michele,

THANK YOU. This helps a lot.

CHRIS

stannseniors · Veteran Member

Chris,

This was one of our questions too...What we would all do without Michele and her advice? She always gives the best answers!

It's funny, the tipping thing. It was so difficult NOT to tip %20 (what we are used to)....so most of the time we did and they treated us like kings. I figure it's worth it - they are all so nice. If you traveled on a cruise ship before and had to pay the tips at the end for your maid, porter, etc. NOT leaving anything at the B&Bs is weird too - they are usually exceptionally nice. We left a little something (a tricket from where we live) and a thank you card on the dresser as we left the B&Bs....

credwings · Member

stanseniors,

i agree on your comment about michele. she has been a great help for my wife and i. we will make sure when we go in june (1st trip) to bring trinkets and note cards. thanks to all. i am sure we will have more questions as the travel days gets closer.

chris

kathy · Veteran Member

Here is something else to think about when paying for meals with a credit card.

They will not leave a line for you to write in a tip, so you either need to tell your waitperson when you give them your card or leave cash.

As of February 14th, a pin number is being required to pay with credit cards... that might take some pre-planning as well.

cheers!

MouseHunter · Newbie

Can you give us details of the requirement of a PIN number to pay with a credit card. Not all credit cards have a PIN number. Is the only in resturants an pubs or all charges in Ireland?

Michele Erdvig · Host

MouseHunter,

As I understand it they are phasing in the PIN number attached to a credit card. Since most Americans do not have a PIN with many CCs I think we are safe in assuming that they will be very happy to take American CCs without a PIN.

However, I have sent an inquiry to a few banks in Ireland with this question. Stay tuned for more info when I hear back.

Michele

kathy · Veteran Member

i apologize for raising an alarm.

the 'chip and pin' was publicized to us here as being required as of february 14th.

I do remember my mother make a credit card purchase at the woolen mills without it just 2 weeks ago.

i was just trying to get across that you need to tell your server that you wish to add a gratuity onto your card when you hand it to them or they will only ring it for the displayed amount.

Michele Erdvig · Host

kathy,

No need to apologize whatsoever! Actually I have been aware of the PIN and chip cards in Ireland for several months. It will take time to change over. I appreciate your letting everyone know about the ongoing developments. Please keep the suggestions coming. We enjoy having comments from those living in Ireland. It keeps us on our toes!

I have had two replies (out of three) to my inquiry:

From Ulster Bank:

"I can tell you that if any card is presented without the chip technology it should still be
accepted by using just the signature but it is up to the shop or who ever the money is going to discretion."

From AIB:

"In relation to your query at present these credit card will be excepted but this will depend on the merchant and we can't guarantee this as for security reason this is why we request the Pin
number. Eventually all merchants will request this but some merchants will allow customer to sign but we can't gurarantee all will."

So there it is from the banks.

Michele