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Ireland ATM Questions

Posted by (Omaha, NE, USA) on

I have read quite a few posts on here that recommend not taking much money over with you and using the ATM's in Ireland. I have called my bank here in Omaha, First National Bank, and asked them if my debit card/credit cards will work in the ATMs in Ireland and no one seems to be able to answer my question. One person told me if the ATMs in Ireland don't have the same symbols as on the back of my cards I cannot use them.

I'm really unsure what to do at this point. I would hate to get all the way over there and find out neither of my cards will work! Does anyone have any experience with First National Bank of Omaha's cards working in Ireland ATMs? There are 3 symbols on the back of my Visa card: 1(inside a circle)ATM, a triangle with the word PLUS in lower right hand corner, a rectangle with an N inside.

If not, should I open another card somewhere else and if so, where???

Posted by
9363 posts

If it's a Visa branded card it will be fine. I have used my cards from small local credit unions all over the world with no problem. Just make sure that your bank knows you are traveling and for how long. And it's not surprising that your bank doesn't know if it will work. My credit union was surprised to find out that it worked with no problem. Apparently, they don't deal with too many people from this area traveling internationally. But now they know what to say to the next person who asks.

Posted by
484 posts

The card with the Plus system will most definitely work. What Nancy said about calling your bank and also your credit card company if they are different accounts is very important or you could have charges declined or unable to get cash from an ATM.

Posted by
8700 posts

It's also a good idea to open a checking account with a second financial institution so you will have the use of a totally separate ATM card. If one card is rejected at an ATM or the card gets "eaten" by the machine, then you'll have another one to use.

Posted by
5 posts

Thank you for all of your help. I do have a check card and a credit card from my same bank. Should I also open another account with another bank? I believe First National Bank is the largest bank in this area.

And, yes, one of them is Visa and the other is Master Card.

Oh, and I will be calling my bank to let them know I am going when it gets closer. Thank you!!!

Posted by
9363 posts

Connie, the two cards need to be linked to two different accounts. It's not entirely necessary for them to be with two different banks, though that's usually what people do.

Posted by
22 posts

This is quite a good topic and I just wanted to clarify a point with a question. Nancy, are you recommending two Visa accounts and that one would notify each that we are going to travel internationally on certain dates? Are there any USA banks that are also in Ireland, by the way?

Posted by
9363 posts

I'm recommending two checking accounts with ATM cards. They can be Mastercard or Visa, whichever that bank works with. My local credit union charges no additional fees for withdrawing money abroad, so I use that one as my primary account. And yes, I notify each one of my travel plans and dates. I don't know of any banks that are in both countries.

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