When dining in restaurants, please check your bill to ensure there is no service charge. If no service charge is on the bill, a gratuity of 10-15% will be in order. If taking a cab, a tip of 10% is adequate. On an extended escorted or private tour, we generally recommend tipping your driver/guide around eu7.00 per person per day.
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Money Money Money
Travel with money on your mind...
If you're worried about your finances when abroad, here's some tips we've found handy in the past. If there's something else you're curious about, let us know!
Gratuities
Take Note
- The unit of currency in the Republic of Ireland is the Euro. In Northern Ireland and Great Britain, it is the British Pound.
- The exchange rate is subject to constant fluctuation but is posted daily in banks and hotels.
- An easy way to handle your finances is to use a cash card (ATM.) The same 4 digit pin that you use at home will work with your card overseas and provide cash in local currency.
- It is more expensive to purchase foreign currency before you leave home.
- It is worthwhile checking the daily limit on your cash card and perhaps having your bank increase the daily withdrawal limit for the duration of your trip to a level that is comfortable for you.
- Note that you may pay an out of network fee for withdrawal, check with your bank to see if they have any agreements with overseas banks. Ask about any fees.
- Do NOT bring $100 bills as it most likely will be very difficult to exchange them.
- Visa & MasterCard are widely accepted, American Express and Diners Cards not as frequently. Discover Card is NOT accepted in Ireland. Check with your card issuer about their exchange fees, they can vary. Some card issuers like Capital One do not charge foreign exchange fees. Avoid taking cash from your credit card where possible.
- It is advisable to let your bank and credit card company know you are travelling overseas to avoid them cancelling your card when they see unusual charges.
- Always pay in the local currency when using your credit card in order to avoid additional exchange fees. always have cash on hand for some small purchases as many European countries will not take credit cards for small amounts.
You are ready for your long haul flight. The clothing has been rolled and the socks have been shoved inside shoes…making the most of each inch of space in the suitcase. Has everything been marked off your list? Have you forgotten anything?
NO, we aren't going to give you the whole low-down on it, because that would take way too long and we'd be gushing about our meals and giving you chopstick tips. For now though: DO - Try the coffee DO - Try the local dishes DO - Give everything a chance DON'T - Feel obligated to use chopsticks
Culture Shock is real. Whether you're off on an adventure for a good time or a long time, you're going to run into one or two cultural speed-bumps and the worst thing that's going to happen? You'll learn and grow from those encounters.
Have you ever found yourself lost in conversation when it comes to the political basics of Ireland? We may not be able to give you all the answers, but here are a few basics to get you started.
