If you’re traveling to Ireland in the near future, you might be wondering does Ireland use the euro.
Well, that depends…
The island of Ireland is actually made up of two countries, the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
The Republic of Ireland uses the euro while Northern Ireland uses the pound. We’ll dig into some of the nuances below.
Feel free to use the table of contents to jump ahead to the sections most relevant to you.
Table of Contents
- Does Ireland Use the Euro?
- Money Currency Exchange in Ireland
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Ready to Explore Your Options?
Does Ireland Use the Euro?
The Republic of Ireland does use the euro while Northern Ireland does not. Instead, Northern Ireland uses the British pound. So, when traveling between the Republic and the North, it’s best to have both currencies on hand as the alternative currency is not accepted in either country.
Of course, it is possible to exchange euros in the North and pounds in the Republic. So, if you only have one currency and you’re traveling between the two countries, you will be able to exchange your funds.
Additionally, many of the retailers and restaurants that are within close proximity of the border will accept both currencies. Though it is recommended to have the local currency on hand.
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Money Currency Exchange in Ireland
In most cases, travelers asking “does Ireland use the euro” should consider converting their currency before traveling to Ireland. This is true whether you are traveling to the Republic or the North. In most cases, local money currency exchange rates are significantly higher than what you can find in your home country.
Alternatively, it is possible to use major credit cards to complete purchases, which often have a preferred (or zero) foreign transaction fee. This can be a very cost-effective way to complete purchases while traveling.
Of course, if you are regularly traveling to Europe, you may want to consider opening accounts locally. These accounts can be opened by most individuals 100% remotely with a low opening deposit.
Having a bank account in Europe can provide access to low fees, affordable deposits, immediate access to funds, and other benefits. To learn how you can start opening accounts today, visit GlobalBanks IQ from the top menu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are three of the most common questions that we receive from people wondering if Switzerland uses the Euro. If you have further questions you would like answered, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us directly.
Why Does Ireland Use Euros and Not Pounds?
The reason why the Republic of Ireland uses euros and not pounds is because it is a member of the European Union and not the United Kingdom. In fact, Ireland was one of the first countries to adopt the euro, which was on January 1, 1999. However, the euro never entered circulation locally until 2002.
Are US Dollars Accepted in Ireland?
US dollars are not accepted in Ireland. This is true whether you are trying to make a purchase in the Republic of Ireland where they use euros or in Northern Ireland where they use pounds. If you do not have access to either currency, you will need to use an accepted payment card or find a money exchange service to convert your US dollars into the local currency.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
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