Credit Cards- Amer. Ex?

Creativitychick · Member

Credit Cards- Amer. Ex?

Michele Erdvig · Host

Creativitychick,

MasterCard and Visa are king in Ireland. American Express to a lesser extent. But everyone takes the first two. If you have a gold or platinum MasterCard with a credit limit over a couple of thousand they will cover your car insurance free if you want to do that. So I vote for MasterCard.

They will accept American CCs without the chip and pin. I posted a separate topic all about it.

Michele

cbuchwa1 · Member

I use MasterCard and AmEx; MasterCard is, as Michele said, king here. AmEx is fine in MOST places around Dublin, but I have run into hard times trying to use the AmEx in South and West Ireland. Also, some credit card machines here will freeze up when people try to run an AmEx through, even though the shop accepts them, so some shops will be hesitant to use it.

-Carrie

Susan in Wi · Member

We used our American Express card in Ennis, Clifden and Westport, as well as Dublin, at hotels and restaurants with no problems. We use cash at pubs and B & B's so I cannot help you there. Am Ex also charges in Euros and does not charge us a foreign currency conversion fee which is nice.

Susan

Michele Erdvig · Host

Susan,

Thanks for your personal info about your AmEx usage in Ireland. I hope you didn't fall prey to dynamic currency conversion? There is more about that on my "Money" page under the heading Euros or Dollars.

Michele

Susan in Wi · Member

Hi Michele,

Nope, no dynamic currency conversion - what we were billed by the hotel/restaurant in Euros was what showed up on the Am Ex statement. We are going again in July so we will be sure all charges are in Euros.

Susan

Michele Erdvig · Host

Susan,

You sound like a savvy traveler. What number trip will this be for you to Ireland? If you have a question or two, feel free to post. But perhaps you are an expert yourself. It is nice having you on the forum and I hope you continue sharing your good advice.

Michele