raz1024

Does anyone know if there will be a problem using or exchanging 200 Euro notes in south Ireland? Will be there in another week or so and was given these large notes -didn't think about what I was being given til it was too late - while I am attempting to exchange for smaller currency (having difficulty with this!), wondered if it will be an issue exchanging at an Ireland bank. Someone told me hotels would likely exchange them for me but I am a skeptic. Won't they be concerned about counterfiet bills? And if I am not a member of a bank, the bank may also not wish to deal with me. And unless I spend a large amount for a purchase, retail outlets certainly won't want to take these... Maybe I could try exchanging for smaller currency at the Dublin Airport where I am flying into? Has anyone had experience with this? Thanks!

hetismij2

You will have a problem in shops, most won't take bills over €50. Hotels may take them, but I doubt it. They may take them if they have the means to check them for counterfeit, and as payment, but they won't carry enough smaller notes to be able to just change them for you.
Many banks don't actually carry money nowadays, not sure how it is in Ireland though, so you may struggle there too. If they have money they should be able to exchange the notes though, without a fee.

Why did you get euro notes already rather than using ATMs in Ireland?

Rubicund

All of the banks I've been to in Ireland had money and will usually change your bills for you. They will have the wherewithall to check that they are not counterfeit! Hotels too will usually take them in payment for accommodation.

As hetismij2 asks, why take currency instead of an ATM card? Can you not take them back to where you got them ask for smaller denominations?

Ackislander

I have had trouble changing €50 notes and above everywhere in Europe unless the purchase amount was close to the face amount. Example: would not accept €50 bill for €3 purchase. No problem with €50 toward €40 restaurant bill.

Tony2phones

As a Local, I would recommenced that the largest note you should carry would be a €50...

As a forum regular I would recommend that you find a local (to you) bank card that has low charges for foreign transfer and use ATM's for your cash withdrawals here in Ireland rather than bringing large sums with you..

littlejane

I second the above - you will have trouble spending notes of more than EUR50 in shops, some notable exceptions being the "high end" department stores such as Brown Thomas in Dublin.

Some hotels will accept them, if less than the total amount due, and if you pay at the beginning of your stay, giving them time to check that they are not counterfeit.

You may have trouble exchanging them for smaller bills even in banks - sometimes banks will want you to lodge large bills into your bank account and withdraw cash separately from the ATM, the idea being that you are withdrawing the existing cash and not the new large bills, in case there is a problem with them.

raz1024

Thanks all! With persistence, I have been able to exchange the notes - will never make that mistake again! I usually do not travel with a large amount of money, however, every time I have travelled overseas, I have had difficulty using my debit card, and that can be so frustrating when you need money and can't access it. Last time it happened, the friend I was travelling with, had brought all the cash she anticipated using, with her, and I envied that.
I appreciate all of your helpful comments. Looking forward to my trip...



that at the the time