I don't think it is the ATM vs. debit card issue, although I didn't focus on that. I have an ATM card and always have and have never had a Debit card. And I am positive of that, I've had to go out of my way to get an ATM card as the banks want to force debit cards on you as they make more from them. It also says "ATM card" right on it.

And I have always been able to use my ATM card in ATMs in Europe, Mexico and Canada. So I don't think that is the reason they told the OP that, besides they specifically said it was because they wouldn't allow it due to fraud issues.

Thanks, DebitNM. I think that is the best solution for the OP. If s/he visits a bank in her locality and sets up a checking account, they should be able to issue a card before the trip. But it has to be done asap!

I called back and talked to a different person the second time and was told that my card would indeed work overseas. She asked for the dates I would be traveling. I get so frustrated when you get wrong info!!! :( I will use my credit card whenever possible since they don't charge overseas transaction fees.I also plan to purchase a small amt. of euros here even though I KNOW I won't get a good rate. I will use the ATM, but can I use US$ to purchase euros if all else fails?

you "can" maybe use US$ to purchase euros, but don't do it. It might almost be better to get a credit card advance. Plus the inconvenience of finding somewhere that will exchange $$.

A Prepay card may not be the best way but it beats carrying huge amounts of cash and there are actually a few decent cards out there..hence my comment about doing your homework. I have a prepay mastercard which was to negate the €6 admin charge on Ryanair until last year, had a competitive and no charge exchange rate. If your plastic does not permit overseas use then they can be a sensible option.. I will say again do your homework because yes some of these pre pay cards are a rip off.

No need to take dollars or buy a pre-paid card. Now that the issue has been straightened out with the credit union, the ATM card (4 digit pin number) will work, if not in one
ATM then in the next one.

As for using a credit card, Ireland is notorious for merchants using the DCC. If offered to be billed in U.S. dollars, or if the euro amount is also given in U.S. dollars, tell the clerk/cashier that you want the bill in euros exclusively. Otherwise you will be paying a 6% (approx.) conversion fee on your transaction on top of the 1% Visa conversion fee.

But, Tony, do you need large amounts of cash? The most tourists usually need is for a deposit on a rental. And you can get that by multiple ATM withdrawals, possibly at multiple ATMs.

So, Tony, exactly which card was it that had a "no charge exchange rate"? I can't even begin to understand what your comment about the 6 euro Ryanair charge means.

<i>I can't even begin to understand what your comment about the 6 euro Ryanair charge means.</i>

I believe that Ryanair has in its multitude of fees a processing fee that is independent of the Visa conversion fee.

Ah...thanks, Michael.

We had the old (Irish only) Ruby Card brand Pay as you Go Mastercard (€3 or 3% top up charge) to avoid the €6/£6 per seat per trip administration fee effectively €/£24 return on every monthly trip as a couple. Ryanair now issue their own pre pay Mastercard to avoid the fee but it it falls into the total rip off category.

People without cards can pre pay their car hire in the US before coming over here. (Dooley at least offer this service) so having a card is just instead of carrying large amounts of $/€

My answer was an attempt to be of assistance to those without access to credit/debit bankcard's sorry for any confusion.

I didn't think any rental car company would let you rent a car without a credit card -- because the value of the car is so much more than the amount of the rental. Though I suppose you can pay for the rental with cash, maybe when you turn it in.

Rental car without credit card means Pre payment of the rental inclusive of all insurances. There will I suppose be the €100 deposit for the part not covered by insurance. As I said Dooley are the only operator to my personal knowledge that offer this option but there may be others.

As to paying by card, I was stranded without a rental in Killarney back in 05. This was because my card would have expired mid rental and I had not taken the replacement card (stupid mistake). At the time every rental desk I approached needed a month card validity from the End of the rental. Not sure if this is still the case or not.