Using Pounds At Dublin Airport: What You Need To Know

can you use pounds at dublin airport

Dublin Airport has ATMs and currency exchange services across both terminals. While some sources suggest that shops in the duty-free area may accept US Dollars and Pounds Sterling in addition to Euros, it is not clear whether this is the case. It is recommended that you pay in the local currency, Euros, to get the best exchange rate. If you need to exchange a large amount of currency, it is worth checking in advance if the airport exchange services will be able to accommodate this.

Characteristics Values
Currency exchange at Dublin Airport ICE Currency Exchange and Fexco
ICE Currency Exchange Available across both terminals
Fexco Operates out of the Aviate Credit Union store
Fexco working hours 10.00 am to 4.00 pm on weekdays, closed on weekends
Using credit or debit cards Pay in local currency
Cash dispensers (ATMs) Available in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2
ATM fees Minimal
Using Pounds in Dublin Airport May be accepted in some duty-free shops, but change will be in Euros

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Dublin airport currency exchange options

Dublin Airport provides a variety of currency exchange options for travellers. The airport has ATMs, banks, and bureau de change services, allowing you to withdraw local currency or exchange foreign currency.

ATMs are conveniently located across both terminals and are provided by ICE Currency Exchange. You can use the interactive map on the Dublin Airport website to find the nearest ATM during your visit. This can be a quick and convenient option to obtain Euros directly if you are carrying a card that is compatible with international withdrawals.

Bureau de change services are also available at the airport. International Currency Exchange (ICE) is a well-known foreign exchange provider with branches at Dublin Airport. You can order your foreign currency in advance through their website or by email and take advantage of their best exchange rates without any additional fees. This option allows you to reserve your currency online and pick it up before your flight, ensuring a stress-free experience.

In addition to these options, banks are also present within the airport premises. However, specific bank details and operating hours are not readily available. It is recommended to check the Dublin Airport website or inquire upon arrival for more information regarding bank locations and services.

While currency exchange facilities are available at Dublin Airport, it is worth noting that some travellers have expressed concerns about unfavourable exchange rates. If you intend to exchange a significant amount of money, it may be worthwhile to explore other options, such as exchanging currency before arriving at the airport or using a credit card for purchases, as suggested by some travellers.

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Using pounds in Dublin airport duty-free

Dublin Airport has ATMs located in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 where you can withdraw Euros using your bank card. These ATMs are privately owned and will carry a fee, but this is usually minimal and often still offers a better rate than you would get when exchanging money with your US bank. In Terminal 1, you will find ATM machines in Departures opposite the Area 5 check-in desk, as you exit the Baggage Hall (on the left), and in Arrivals opposite the exit from security clearance. In Terminal 2, ATM machines are available in the Baggage Hall and at the Airside Departures Lounge.

If you are looking to exchange currency, there are two companies offering currency exchange at Dublin Airport: ICE Currency Exchange and Fexco. ICE Currency Exchange has multiple locations across both airport terminals, and Fexco operates out of the Aviate Credit Union store and is open from 10 am to 4 pm on weekdays but closed on weekends.

It is generally not recommended to exchange money at the airport as you will get a worse rate than you would at a bank. If you are looking to exchange pounds for euros, you can do this at a bank with a 'bureau de change' or currency exchange service. The Bank of Ireland in Ballsbridge, Dublin, has an FX counter and is located close to the British Embassy.

Some international duty-free shops do accept a variety of currencies, and it may be possible to pay in pounds at Dublin Airport's duty-free shops. However, it is more likely that they will only accept physical sterling notes if you are paying by card, and you will receive your change in euros at a poor exchange rate.

If you are looking to use up leftover pounds, it may be a better option to save them for a future trip to Northern Ireland, where pounds are the local currency, or to exchange them in advance at a bank for a better rate.

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Pounds vs euros in Ireland

Dublin Airport has ATMs and currency exchange services that can help you obtain euros. However, it is generally not recommended to exchange money at the airport due to unfavourable exchange rates and fees. While some international duty-free shops at Dublin Airport may accept multiple currencies, including pounds, it is not standard practice, and you will likely receive your change in euros at a poor exchange rate.

In Ireland, the official currency is the euro, and it is always best to use the local currency to get the best exchange rate. While some sources suggest that you may be able to spend pounds at the airport or major hotels, this is not guaranteed, and you may still lose out due to the exchange rate.

It is recommended to use a credit or debit card for purchases, as they are widely accepted, and you will get a better exchange rate than using cash. Cards with a Visa or Mastercard logo will be accepted wherever cards are taken. Additionally, Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted in Ireland.

If you need to exchange pounds for euros, it is best to do so at a bank or through a service like Wise, which allows you to convert money between 40+ currencies online without the need for a physical exchange office. Fexco, one of the currency exchange services at Dublin Airport, also offers online currency ordering with their Click & Collect service.

In summary, while it may be possible to use pounds at some locations in Dublin Airport, it is not common practice, and you will likely receive a poor exchange rate. The best approach is to use euros for transactions and obtain them through a bank or online currency exchange service rather than airport kiosks.

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Best places to exchange pounds for euros

Dublin Airport has various options for exchanging pounds for euros. The main foreign currency exchange office is ICE Currency Exchange, which has multiple locations across both terminals. ICE also operates five private ATMs from which you can withdraw euros using your bank card. However, the exchange rate and fees may be less favourable than using a local bank ATM.

Another option is Fexco, a currency exchange service that operates out of the Aviate Credit Union store. Fexco offers online Click & Collect and Click & Sell services, allowing you to pay for the exchange in-store with cash or through a Credit Union account. They are open from 10 am to 4 pm on weekdays and closed on weekends.

It is worth noting that some shops in the duty-free area may accept pounds in addition to euros, but your change will likely be in euros and at a less favourable rate.

If you are looking for the best exchange rates, it is generally recommended to exchange money before arriving at the airport. Services like Wise allow you to convert and spend money as you go, holding multiple currencies simultaneously. Additionally, withdrawing euros from ATMs in Ireland using your debit or credit card is an option, although this may incur fees.

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Using credit/debit cards in Ireland

Ireland uses the "chip and pin" system for credit and debit card transactions. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted throughout the country; American Express is accepted in some places but not all. It is recommended that you notify your bank of your travel plans prior to your departure.

Credit cards can be used for purchases and cash withdrawals from ATMs, although this usually attracts a fee. You can also withdraw cash from ATMs with your Mastercard or Visa debit card, but fees will still be charged. Debit cards are generally not recommended for purchases due to higher fees and security concerns.

ATMs are widely available in cities and towns but can be harder to find in rural areas. The majority of ATMs do not charge a fee, although your bank may levy charges for using them. It is best to stick to ATMs attached to banks to avoid big charges.

Contactless payments are increasingly popular in Ireland, and you can "tap" your debit card to pay for purchases of up to €50 or £45.

While credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Ireland, it is worth carrying some cash, especially in smaller towns and villages, where some retailers and restaurants may prefer cash. Additionally, some businesses may experience issues with their card readers, so having cash as a backup is advisable.

Frequently asked questions

Some sources suggest that shops in the duty-free area at Dublin Airport may accept US Dollars and Sterling, in addition to Euros. However, it is recommended that you pay in the local currency, which is Euros, to get the best exchange rate.

There are two companies offering currency exchange at Dublin Airport: ICE Currency Exchange and Fexco. ICE Currency Exchange has multiple locations across both airport terminals and also operates five private ATMs. Fexco operates out of the Aviate Credit Union store and is open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on weekdays but closed on weekends.

Yes, you can exchange currency at banks or local ATMs, which typically offer better rates than airport exchange kiosks. Alternatively, you can use a service like Wise or Revolut, which allows you to convert and spend money in multiple currencies without the need for a physical exchange.

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