MONEY, money, MONEY

Currency Discussion here>

The question of how much Euros for overseas travel is always difficult, because of each individuals spending habits.  I know some of the couples are only bringing 250 Euros and depending on credit cards with no foreign transaction fees for places that accept them.  If you do have a Master Card or Visa with zero foreign transaction fees, I think you may be okay with 500 euros or less.  If you think you will spend 100 Euros a day, then 1000 euros is the answer.



If you decide to dine at the hotels for dinner, you can close out the account with a credit card when we depart the hotel. Unlike the US, the Irish hotels have excellent restaurants.  Especially the 4 and 5 star hotels where we have reservations.  But you will spend more on food at these places than in pubs or cafes.  Of course breakfast is included, except for on Sunday 19 May when we are checking in.

I would save 50 euros x 2 persons for Terry’s tip at the end of the tour as a minimum.  Other tips to waiters, are the bill rounded to the next dollar.  For instance, if you bill at a bar is 18.24 euro, you would pay 19 euro.  If you leave to much, the waiter may be offended as they are paid a good salary to be a professional server.  If your bill is 15.98 euro, you could leave 17 instead of 16, your choice.



If you order room service at a hotel, a 1 euro tip is fine.  If you have more luggage than the 1 per person which is included in the tour price, then a 1 euro per piece is customary for the bellman.



You won’t receive any coins when you order foreign currency.  But at the first coffee stop, café, or bookstore, you can buy something small and receive coins in return.



The Euro coins are very much like American coins, with denominations including 1 cent, 2 cents, 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, 1 euro, and 2 euro.  Bring a separate coin pouch to separate these from your bills.  Sometimes I am so slow looking at the coins that I hold out my hand and let the cashier pick the right ones!

Euros for the Republic of Ireland and France.
Pounds for Northern Ireland, Scotland, Southampton, and Guernsey.