Debit Card
 

We leave for Ireland at the end of Aug. - - we're aware of the surcharges that Visa/ Master Card and banks charge on foreign transactions. We've been advised to use a debit card to avert these surcharges - - OK - - can anyone share with us what charges the banks in Ireland charge if we use a ATM in Ireland? Has anyone had a bad experience from using a debit card in Ireland? Thanks

Here's the easy part of your question:

No bank in Ireland or any other country in Europe will charge you a single penny (or any other currency) for withdrawing money from an ATM. Period. End of story. Any charges for doing so will come from your bank. You need to call them to find out what those charges might be as well as ask if there are partner banks that you might use to avoid all charges from your bank all together.

Hi jf,

Check with your bank. They are likely to charge you an "exchange fee" for using your debit card.

((I))

Patrick's info is correct - but be sure to only use ATMs owned by banks. There are ATMs owned by non-banking companies that do charge - like the stand alone ones in casinos or cafes in the States. Avoid these. But there are so many bank ATMs you shouldn't have a problem finding them.

Thanks for the help.