Questions? Money? Do i need to exchange? Are credit cards widely accepted? Car rental companies? Car insurance? Does my insurance in US cover me? I an traveling from Dublin to Kilkenny to Killarney to Kenmare: are there any specific attractions I need to ore book in thise areas? ( yes I kniw Killarney is touristy) thanks for your input
Posted by
Houston
3522 posts
This isn't twitter. You can be wordy.
Having a difficult time sorting out all your questions. Could you expand on them into complete thoughts?
Posted by
Huntsville, AL, USA
8319 posts
Car rental companies want credit card payment. Wreck the car or run up traffic violations and they have the security of assessing additional charges to the credit card.
Most U.S. car insurance will not cover rentals outside the U.S. Credit cards often come with rental car coverage, but not in Ireland or Italy where customers are required to purchase CDW coverage.
Your best scenery to see in Ireland is in the southwest--Ring of Kerry outside of Limerick. The island is much larger than people realize, and roads off the beaten path can be some tough driving.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
Don't know where you are going but assuming it is Ireland. It is not a third or fourth world country. It is a modern country that follows modern, conventional financial arrangements. Of course, you need to exchange your money OR use a debit card at bank owned ATMs. And credit cards are widely accepted just like in the US. If you want to know what to see, get a good guidebook and read a little or watch travel DVDs of Ireland.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
These two sections of this web site have articles that address your topics:
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
7152 posts
Yes you will need to exchange some currency at some point. Northern Ireland uses the British pound while the Republic of Ireland uses the Euro. Exchange some prior to arrival or use an ATM upon arrival. CCs are widely used, but American Express is less accepted than MC or Visa. I always rent from Avis but there are other companies. I generally get insurance from Allianz when traveling in Europe, but ensure whichever company you choose will cover you in Ireland. Most don’t, so consider getting it from the rental company. I doubt your U.S. insurance will cover you, but with a quick phone call, you can find out,
Posted by
42 posts
My experience is that you lose much less money if you simply get money from an ATM at the airport after you arrive (assuming your credit card doesn't charge an exorbitant international exchange fee) as compared with going to your local bank in the US and exchanging money before you go. Just make sure you know the PIN for your debit card. And it doesn't hurt to notify your bank that you're traveling abroad.
Posted by
Houston
3522 posts
Paul,
I think the issue is converting actual USD cash into Euro or GBP vs just withdrawing from the local ATM and receiving local currency. I'm sure everyone knows (or quickly learns) that USD doesn't spend well in Europe or the UK.
The best option for US travelers is always to get cash from an ATM in the country you are visiting (unless your debit / ATM card has super high fees for doing so).