We went to Ireland in May of last year and the best rate we got was 72 irish punt per 100 U.S. dollars. This was at a credit union in a small town. Does anyone know what the exchange rate is at this time? I am talking about just walking into a bank in Ireland. We are going to Ireland the first of next month.

Hi Bob, <BR> <BR>You will definitely get more money this time around!!! Last year the exchange rate was about 1.4 - hence the 72 IRP. But it's now @ 1.23....which will give you about 81 IRP to 100US$. Great for you for not for me, if I want to go to the states!! <BR> <BR>Enjoy your stay, <BR> <BR>Fiona.

Yesterday's closing USD/IEP rate was 1.24. That is an interbank rate, and only banks trading large sums would get that rate. It means USD1.24 for IEP1.00. The dollar is at an all time high against the European currencies - youre going at the right time!

I should clarify - The $ is at an all time high against the Euro, not the separate legacy currencies of the individual countries.

Thanks for the responses. One more quick question,,,does anyone know if I would do better at my bank in the U.S., or wait and go to a bank in Ireland?

Your best bet is to charge everything you can on a U.S. credit card. Credit card companies are able to pool all of their cardholders charges in a particular currency and therefore get a better rate when converting them to USD than an indivdual can converting a few hundred dolars at a currency exchange. As weel, the credit card company takes no commission.

On a similar subject, Ireland was one place where we kept running into the problem of hotels wanting to charge us on our credit card in US Dollars. Do not let them do it. They will convert their Irish rate to US at their horrible hotel rate and then the local bank changes it back to Irish. By the time it appears on your US card, it is a whole lot higher. They think (or act like they think) it will be to your advantage, but it is not!!! Even though the credit cards charge you 2 to 3 percent, they start with such a good rate of exchange that you still come out ahead being charged in punts.

Thanks for the responses and tips. I check with my credit card company, and yes, this seems to be the best exchange rate,,,so, will use credit card when possible. Regarding cash exchange, after talking with my bank, I found that I will do as well as, or maybe better, by changing my U.S. dollars at a bank in Ireland. Also, thanks for the excellent tip about making sure my credit card is charged in Irish Punts.