The Basics: Euro & Sterling
Ireland uses the Euro (€). If you are extending your trip to Northern Ireland (Belfast) or London, you will need British Pounds (£). Most places in Dublin will not accept US Dollars or British Pounds.
💳 Plastic is King (Tap-to-Pay)
Dublin is almost entirely “cashless” in the city center. You can pay for a single coffee or a round of pints with a tap of your phone or card.
- Apple/Google Pay: Widely accepted everywhere from high-end restaurants to tiny cafes.
- Visa & Mastercard: Your best friends.
- American Express & Discover: Amex is accepted in major hotels and some high-end shops, but is often rejected in smaller pubs and boutiques.
- Discover is rarely accepted anywhere in Ireland.
🛑 The “Conversion Trap”
When you pay with a card or withdraw money from an ATM, the machine will often ask: “Would you like to be charged in USD or EUR?”
ALWAYS CHOOSE EUR.
If you choose USD, the local bank gets to pick a terrible exchange rate and charge you a hidden fee (called “Dynamic Currency Conversion”). If you choose EUR, your home bank handles the conversion, which is almost always cheaper.
🏧 Getting Cash
While you don’t need much cash, it’s good to have €50 in your pocket for small tips or “just in case.”
- Avoid Airport Kiosks: The “Bureau de Change” desks in the airport have the worst rates.
- Use a Bank ATM: Look for “AIB” or “Bank of Ireland” ATMs.
- No “Debit” for Shopping: In Ireland, use your Credit Card for all purchases to get better fraud protection. Only use your Debit Card (or debit card option) at an actual bank ATM to withdraw cash.
💰 Tipping Etiquette
Tipping in Ireland is appreciated but not a “mandatory 20%” like it is in the US.
- Restaurants: 10-12% is standard for good service. If a “Service Charge” is already on the bill (common for groups of 6+), you don’t need to tip extra.
- Pubs: You do not tip for a round of drinks at the bar. If you have table service for a long evening, leaving a few Euro on the table is a nice gesture.
- Taxis: Round up to the nearest €5 (e.g., if the fare is €12, give them €15).
🛍️ Tax-Free Shopping (VAT Refunds)
For our Miami shoppers: the price you see on the tag is exactly what you pay—the 23% VAT (sales tax) is already included.
As a US resident, you can actually get most of that 23% tax refunded when you leave!
- Ask the shop for a “Tax-Free Form” or “Fexco Horizon Card” when you buy souvenirs.
- Keep your receipts.
- Visit the Tax Refund desk at Dublin Airport before you fly home to get your money back.
Pro-Tip: Check if your credit card has a “Foreign Transaction Fee.” If it does, you’ll pay an extra 3% on every tap. If you have a travel-specific card (shout out Chase Sapphire!), use that one!