Ireland ATM Questions

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.

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.

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.

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!!!

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.

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?

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.