Irish pounds, or punts, can be bought at all major bus and train stations, ferry ports, and airports. Banks provide a currency exchange service, with many in the city centre providing a dedicated 'Bureau de Change' section. Currency can also be exchanged at independent Bureaux de Change.
Bureaux de Change:
Thomas Cook, 118 Grafton Street, Dublin 2
Tel 353 1 677 1307
Joe Walsh Tour ForEx, 69 Upper O'Connell Street, Dublin 1
Tel 353 1 872 5536
Foreign Exchange Company of Ireland, 12 Ely Place, Dublin 2
Tel 353 1 661 1800
First Rate Bureau de Change, 88 Camden Street Lower, Dublin 2
Tel 353 1 478 3155
American Express Travel Service, 116 Grafton Street, Dublin 2
Tel 353 1 677 2874
Ir£1 is equivalent to 100 pence and divides into coin denominations of 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p and Ir£1. Notes of Ir£5, Ir£10, Ir£20, Ir£50 and Ir£100 are in use.
In January 1999, the single European currency, the euro, was introduced in Ireland and 11 other EU countries. However notes and coins are not yet in use on the streets although many shops will quote prices both in punts and in euros.
1 euro = 79p
ATMs are widely available throughout Dublin and in most Irish towns. Most accept Cirrus cards, Mastercard and Visa and will dispense cash in Irish pounds. Travellers' Cheques are readily accepted, although exchange rates given may be poor value.
While tipping is not de rigueur in Ireland, it is customary to give a tip of between 12 and 15 per cent in restaurants or hotels when a service charge is not already included in your bill. It is generally not necessary to tip in coffee shops, small restaurants or fast food outlets, although staff will always appreciate acknowledgment of good service. A tip of around 10 per cent will suffice for hairdressers, lounge staff or taxi drivers, although in these cases it is best to rely on your own discretion.
