Euros for Dublin

[milly143]

Off to Dublin for a couple of days next month and I'm wondering about money. I have a set amount put aside for spending money while there. Would it be better to get it all changed up to Euros in cash or is it better just to take a small amount of cash and use my debit card for the rest of the spending? (I don't do credit cards).

[sandyRoe]

Don't put all your eggs in one basket. A few Euros and use the card.
Enjoy the craic.

[joggerjayne]

Card.

Unless GBP collapses (again) in the next few weeks, because then you'll end up using your card on your GBP account, to buy Euros at an inflated exchange rate.

Or ... do what I did ... ask your bank to open a Euro account for you. When GBP is strong, buy Euros, but keep them in your account. When you need Euros, you don't have to worry about the exchange rate.

[New Judge]

Yes but beware if you change too much sterling into Euros and want to change it back. Although some Bureaux de Change make no commission charge when changing back you will still lose a fair bit because of the "spread" between the selling and buying prices.

When you buy your Euros you may get (say) €1.12 for your pound. However, when you change the Euros back you will have to pay probably around €1.25 to buy a pound. This means that if you change £100 you will get into €112 Euros. If you do not use those Euros and change them back you will only receive £89.60. This "spread" is always about 10% and the lesson is do not change more than you need as it will cost you, despite the "no commission" deals,

[237SJ]

If you get your currency from Travelex they do a buy back guarantee for £3.99. When you change your money back with them there will be no commission and no difference in the rate. Be careful about using a debit card. They will charge loading on every transaction. You might be better getting a one off wad out of a cash machine with it.

[milly143]

Thanks. Looks like using my debit card might be the best way for the bulk of spending. Better check what my bank will want to charge first though.

[Old_Geezer]

Sponge off of your Irish hosts. Tell them you've been told of the famous Irish hospitality.

[milly143]

Well it is a lovely hotel but I'm not sure their hospitality would stretch to that O_G.

Although thinking about it, I do have a lot of Irish family (who I have admittedly never met) but I'm sure they'd love to help out a relative if only I could track them down.