We've been asked to send a deposit in Irish punts for a B&B reservation. I thought it would be easy - but both the main branch of our bank here in the US & the post office (referred there by bank) have advised us they can not do a foreign draft in Irish punts. Any suggestions? (B&B won't take a Credit card number.)Thanks!

I don't really know about Irish punts, but your bank probably can't do it because they have no ties or account to an Irish bank. I've never heard of the post office making out checks, so that's a new one to me. Unless there is something really odd about Irish punts, you should be able to do this at a foreign currency exchange company, like Thomas Cooks, as they have foreign bank accounts. That's how I get my checks made out in foreign currency when I need them. If you don't live in a large city with one, I'd phone the closest one to you if that place is really worth it.

What I used to do (before opening a UK bank account for this very reason) is contact the B&B (phone is best but e-mail would also work) and explain that "in my small town" - an exageration but it works - I am unable to get checks in foreign currencies. Would they be willing to accept a US $ check and hold it until we arrive and we will then pay cash in punts/pounds. I sometimes offered to pay the entire amount this way, instead of just the deposit. <BR> <BR>They are protected because they can cash the check if you don't appear. I did this approx 8 or 10 times over the years and only had one place decline the offer.

Thanks for the help. I'll try the email approach & try the Thomas Cook at the airport... Everywhere else took my credit card - even though they don't accept credit cards. Oh well - I can always try somewhere else in Salthill/Galway! Thanks again.

Hi Bridget, <BR>Ypu can purchase irish punt travelr's check or bills at Chase foreign currenecy to go. There is a $10.00 shipping charge if you don't order $500.00 dollars worth , but maybe you need some cash for immeadiate use when you get to where you are going.

Go to a larger bank. <BR> <BR>Alternatively, ask the B&B if they will take (British) pounds. You shouldn't have any trouble getting an international money order at the post office in pounds, assuming they won't do punts. <BR>

Try American Express or Thomas Cook. Here are a couple of internet sites who may help: (the first one is well known) <BR> <BR>http://www.westernunion.com/ <BR>http://www.firstgiro.com/ <BR>http://www.onlinefx.co.uk/travellersweb/transfer.htm <BR>

Stay somewhere else--at a place that doesn't have that requirement.

I agree with the last message. We found all of the B&B's were very kind, and didn't mind taking our VISA card. If they wanted cash or a deposit, we found another B&B. We stayed two nights in the Salthill/Galway area at Marliss House.(can be found on the internet by marlisshouse.com) Mary was a perfect hostess, with very comfy rooms, an elegant dining room, and an Irish breakfast beyond belief. We ate grapefruit sections, cereal, soda bread, the full Irish breakfast plus french toast. We traveled to Kylemore Abbey, which was so beautiful, then back the next night, then on to Dingle Peninsula, Slea Head, Old Head, Muchross House (Great fun!! They take you to the glorious home and gardens in a jaunting cart with a horse and driver) also, we ate lunch at the Muckross Hotel. Very nice. Then on to Waterford and the tour of the factory, so interesting, but don't forget to go to Kinsale and stay at a B&B called Crossways. Beautiful view of the bay with the boats, and the village is so neat. Sorry I got carried away. Ireland is a wonderful vacation. Have fun!