Hello all you Travelers,
The Big question is when to get Euros for the best exchange rate? Before leaving for Ireland or once we are in Ireland at the airport or an ATM outside of the Airport. and where is the best place to get them.
Thank you,
Patty
An ATM at a bank. You're not likely to need a lot of cash, as most places will take a card.
I was in Ireland in June.
I only used cash once….E10 only.
The rest was tap and pay, even for E2 chocolate bar.
Maybe have E50 on hand, just in case.
I will repeat everything EJ said, except I was there in April. Used Google Wallet everywhere, except once had to use the actual credit card. $50 should be fine.
The cheapest and most convenient way to obtain local currency is a debit card at a bank owned ATM where ever you are. Recently it has become a good idea to avoid ATMs in airport as they may (not always) to owned by the currency exchange companies. If clear bank owned you will be fine.
Get your Euros at an ATM at a bank in your first city in Ireland, not at the airport, and not before you leave for Ireland. Some people want foreign currency before they leave from home, for convenience or for already possessing the cash before they land, but you’ll get the best exchange rate over there, not in the U.S.
I normally have up to €200 in cash which I either buy at home or have left over from the last time. But I have a Wise card which I use to tap and pay, and use that for most things. I always have cash left over, and particularly large-denomination coins are handy, and I just keep it all for the next trip. With Euros there is always a next trip. But the best exchange rate will be from a bank-owned ATM in town, not at the airport, and I would avoid a situation where you have to get money out at the airport for this reason. Probably it is not the best rate at your local bank or currency exchange bureau in your home city either, but at least you can shop around a little and just limit what you get out before you get to Ireland.
Honestly the cash will just be emergency funds, most places nowadays card is perfectly acceptable.
Lavandula
I am in the "get the Euros before you leave home" camp. We are lucky to have a friend who travels extensively, and keeps a stash of GBPs and Euros. We buy them at the current BofA exchange rate. I sell my leftovers to someone else.
Ask around - maybe you know someone who wants to unload their Euros.
I too am in the buy before leaving home club. Yes it costs a bit more when I buy from my bankf but I like the convenience of landing with local currency. I do not want to deal with ATMs when I am tired and jet lagged.
Yesterday I bought euros from my neighbor for my upcoming Italy trip. The “transaction” was at the Forex rate so neither of us paid a mark up or mark down. It’s a win-win.
The Big question is when to get Euros for the best exchange rate?
The Big Question is if you will actually need any cash Euro at all.
Be aware of Dynamic Currency Conversion.
You might be asked if you want to convert or pay in Euros or US Dollars. Always choose Euros. The conversion rate given by your bank will be better than the one offered by the Irish bank or restaurant/retailer.
Make sure the credit cards you plan to use don't have any foreign conversion fees and are available for tap and pay.
