Money Matters

lighthousefan · Member

Money Matters

youngka · Guru

We are not going till Oct. 6th., ourselves, but if you still have time order Michelle's guide book, there is soooooo much covered in it and she covers a lot regarding your question. I have found in my research that credit cards and ATM's are just about it; however, in the outer edges, in the small communities, there are usually not ATM's available. In several of the books I bought -- Michelle's and Rick Steves and info on the Net -- it does recommend carrying cash so you won't be without in the small villages/cities.

good luck and have, I am sure Michelle will answer this also. BUY HER BOOK, it sure was worth it.

Youngka

wojazz3 · Guru

Hi Heidi:

ATMs are the best and cheapest way to get cash. In the past 8-10 years the availabilty of ATMs has exploded, so you won't have a terrible time finding them. Any town with a bank will have them and you can find then in some grocers also. You won't have to go too far.

I haven't seen your itinerary but since you are going north, be sure to travel out to Fanad Head in Co. Donegal. The lighthouse sits on the rocks and it's truly spectacular. There are also a number of self catering options to stay in a lighthouse, most of them involve stays of 7 days during high and shoulder season and 3-4 days at least in low season.

Bill

Merle · Senior Member

I have a similar question along this line also. We are going to both the Republic and Northern Ireland. We will arrive in Shannon and I know I can use the ATM machine at the airport to get the euros for the Republic. Once we leave Donegal we will be going into Northern Ireland. Where should I get the cash (pounds) to have some available when we arrive in Northern Ireland. A bank here?

Thanks,

Merlene

Andi · Senior Member

ATM's are definitely the way to go, and are usually available. I remember one small town where the only ATM was located in the post offfice, which didn't keep regular hours. In a really small place, you may have to ask where the local ATM is.

Also, it's a good idea to have two different card accounts, in case one malfunctions or doesn't work for some reason. And be sure to notify your bank or credit card provider that you'll be traveling. Some companies will disable a card if charges come through from odd locations if they haven't been notified.

I always carry at least a couple hundred dollars in cash, "just in case," although it's usually never used.

Michele Erdvig · Host

lighthousefan,

Good advice from everyone. Take a look at my "Money" page for tips. ATMs and credit cards are the way to go. But you need to get informed about extra charges, etc. before you go. Below are listings for ATMs in Ireland and No. Ireland:

Bank of Ireland: http://applications.boi.com/locator/FindUs

Ulster Bank: http://www.ulsterbank.ie/ri_branch_locator.asp?id=GLOBAL/BRANCH_LOCATOR

Allied Irish Bank: http://www.aib.ie/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=AIB_BusinessPortal/BP_Tool/bp_d_tool&c=BP_Tool&cid=1015492476886&channel=BHP

Visa/Plus: http://visa.via.infonow.net/locator/global/jsp/SearchPage.jsp

MasterCard/Cirrus: http://www.mastercard.com/us/personal/en/cardholderservices/atmlocations/index.html

American Express: http://go.mappoint.net/expresscashandgns/(tdfx5k55ztxdjhqyo5dses55)/index.aspx

Northern Ireland:

Bank of Ireland: http://www.bankofireland.co.uk/find_us/branch_&_ATM_locator/

There are also cashpoints at many post offices.

Michele

Merle · Senior Member

I guess my question is a little simpler. I've never been to Northern Ireland or crossed the border. Is it easy to get money for Northern Ireland in the Republic just before crossing over, or is there a place at the border to exchange money? I understand about using ATMs and the banks, I'm just concerned with the logistics and location.

Merlene

Michele Erdvig · Host

Merle,

There are "exchange shops" near many of the borders. However, you may get unfavorable rates at them. Best to use the banks, which you will find in most every town. Just go into any bank to exchange your money. Do it after crossing into Northern Ireland.

Michele