FAQ

1 Visa and Immigration Requirements

Q: Do I need a visa to travel to Ireland?

A: British subjects born in the United Kingdom when travelling to Ireland do not require Passports and Visas. However identification is required. Residents of the UK or those travelling to Ireland via the UK do require a passport and may require a visa. From the United States and Canada a valid passport is required. For information on embassies in Britain, United States, Canada and other markets see: Irish Embassies

Depending on where you are from and the purpose of your visit you may need a visa to enter Northern Ireland. You can contact the British Consulate in your country or any travel agent for advice.Or you may visit the official site of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office,

Tel: (020) 7270 1500.

www.fco.gov.uk .

Q: How can I get a working visa for Ireland?

A: For information on permanent residency and work permits in Ireland, contact your local Irish consulate. See Irish Embassies

You can contact the British Consulate in your country or the Home Office London Tel: (020) 7238 3838

or you may visit the work permits UK website:

www.workpermits.gov.uk

Q: Can I use my US driver’s license as ID in Ireland?

A: A valid US or Canadian driver's license is sufficient to drive a car in Ireland, but is not a suitable form of ID. A passport is required.

2 Health Information

Q: How can I get health insurance while in Ireland?

A: The Irish National Health Plan does not cover US or Canadian visitors. Ask your insurance agent before travel if your health plan is valid in Ireland. Visitors from the United Kingdom should obtain an E111 form prior to travel from your local post office and present this in Ireland for treatment from any general practitioner who has an agreement with a local health board. UK nationals in Northern Ireland require no documentation and will receive treatment as they would at home. Visitors from the EU to Northern Ireland should obtain an E1 11 form (available from post offices) prior to departure. Visitors from all non-EU countries are advised to take out medical insurance before leaving home.

Q: Do I need health insurance before coming to Ireland?

A: It is advisable to insure oneself before travel.

Q: What is the quality of the health services in Ireland?

A: The health services in Ireland are excellent.

Q: Can I get US prescriptions filled in Ireland?

A: It is advisable to visit an Irish general practitioner, explain your situation and get an Irish prescription which any pharmacy will service.

Q: What will happen if I get sick while in Ireland?

A: Admission to hospital is usually arranged by the doctor. In the event of an emergency situation you should present identification to the hospital services. Hospital services are provided free of charge in a public ward for British and EU visitors.

Q: What is the emergency phone number in Ireland?

A: Emergency services - dial 999 3

3 Money and Financial Matters

Q: Where can I get the best exchange rate in Ireland, at a bank or at an ATM?

A: The Exchange rate in Ireland is the same either at a bank counter or via an ATM operated by that bank.

Q: Should I convert my money before travelling to Ireland?

A: Either will suffice. It is advisable to exchange some currency prior to travel. In Republic Of Ireland the currency is the Euro and in Northern Ireland the currency is Pound Sterling.

Q: Should I use cash or travellers cheques? Travellers cheques are safer.

A: It is advisable to have some cash upon arrival for incidentals such as tips, taxis, etc.

Q: Will ATMs in Ireland accept my bankcards?

A: ATMs located in most banks accept VISA and MasterCard as well as PLUS and CIRRUS debit cards. In Northern Ireland, bank cards are only accepted once your home bank and UK/NI bank are linked to the same system, it is advisable to check with your home bank before you leave. The majority of ATMs accept Visa, Mastercard and Cirrus.

Q: Will I be charged to use my US bankcard in Irish ATMs?

A: You will be charged the exchange rate and a bank-handling fee. Check with your bank prior to travel.

Q: Are credit cards readily accepted in Ireland?

A: Yes, credit cards are widely accepted in Ireland.

Q: Which US credit cards can I use in Ireland?

A: VISA, MasterCard, AMEX are widely accepted in Ireland. Diners Club is not accepted in most establishments but usually in urban areas. Amex and Diners Club are not widely accepted in Northern Ireland.

Q: How can I get a VAT refund?

A: Be sure to ask for a tax free shopping form with each purchase and present these forms to either the Global Tax Free Shopping or Tax Back counter at the airport prior to your departure. This is not valid for UK or EU originating visitors. The Retail Export Scheme is operational in Northern Ireland. Not all shops operate the Retail Export Scheme and those that do generally set a minimum purchase level. The shop will issue the appropriate form which must be completed at the time of purchase which then must be presented to Customs at the final point of departure from the EU.

Q: Is tipping expected in Irish restaurants, bars, hotels and taxis?

A: Many hotels and restaurants add a service charge of about 15% to the bill (check). However this is not universal. When service is not included a tip of 15% is appropriate. Taxi drivers should be tipped 10% of the fare and porters about 63c/50p per bag.

Q: What are bank-opening hours in Ireland?

A: Banks are open from10am - 4pm Monday to Friday with some branches open later on a Thursday. In Northern Ireland banks are open from 9:30am-4:30pm Monday to Friday generally. Some banks, usually those based in shopping centres are open late on Thursday and all day on Saturday. All banks are closed on public holidays.

Q: What is the exchange rate between my currency and €/£

A: It varies, check with your bank prior to travel. The Universal Currency Converter allows you to perform interactive foreign exchange calculations on the internet, using live up-to-the-minute currency rates, www.xe.com/ucc/

4 Tax and Customs

Q: What are the customs procedures at airports?

A: In the republic this operates under the Green and Red Channels System. Visitors are allowed €180.30 /£141.76 worth of goods per adult - 200 cigarettes, 1 litre of spirits, or 2 litres of wine. US visitors can take home €4,636.35 /£3,651.42 worth of goods per person. From Britain and other EU countries, visitors are entitled to import increased amounts of duty paid goods, as long as they can satisfy authorities that they are for personal consumption.

Customs in Northern Ireland operate a Green and Red Channel System. The allowances for goods obtained that are duty-and-tax free, outside the EU are 200 cigarettes, 2 litres of wine and 1 litre of alcoholic drinks. Duty free allowances on goods bought within the EU ceased on 01 July 1999, you can import as much as you wish provided you can prove that it is for personal use. You may contact the Customs and Excise National Advice Service on 0845 0109000.

Q: Can I bring pets with me?

A: From Britain to the Republic of Ireland there are no restrictions provided your dog/cat is coming directly from Britain, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man. Pets entering the UK and then travelling to Ireland, need not quarantine provided they have come along routes approved by the UK Pets Pilot Project. Certain dogs are required to be kept under strict control. Further information from the Irish Tourist Board office in Britain: info@irishtouristboard.co.uk

Pets entering Ireland from other countries must be quarantined for six months. All pet animals entering Northern Ireland must have a current import licence and will have to undertake a six months quarantine, with the exception of the British Isles. www.maff.gov.uk

If you have pet animals travelling to Northern Ireland that are under the PET Travel Scheme, they are allowed entry without quarantine as long as they meet certain conditions.

Q: Can I bring plants or plant products with me?

A: No plants containing soil or soil residues are allowed into the Republic of Ireland under regulations set down by the Irish Departure of Agriculture and Food. Fresh foods such as dairy and meat products are also banned. If you wish to bring plants/plant products to Northern Ireland for personal use that have been grown in a country which is a member of the EU, you can do so. From non-EU countries contact the Department of Agriculture and Rural Department (028) 9052 4279,

www.dardni.gov.uk

5 Communications

Q: Where can I get Internet access in Ireland?

A: Most 4 and 5* hotels in Ireland offer Internet access direct from your hotel room. Internet cafes are situated in most major cities and towns. Consult your nearest tourist information office when in Ireland. Additionally Airports offer internet access for a fee.

Q: Can I rent a temporary cell phone in Ireland?

A: Yes you can - further information is available from your local tourist information office. They will be happy to supply a list of agents.

Q: How much does it cost to send a letter from Ireland

A: Postal charges to the United Kingdom and other EU countries are 38c per letter. Charges to other countries depend upon the weight and size of the parcel/letter, the destination of the post, and the form of transport chosen - i.e. airmail/surface mail. Postal charges from Northern Ireland are 27p per letter anywhere in the Uk, 37p anywhere in the EU.

Q: When are post offices open?

A: Post offices are open 9am - 5:30pm Monday to Friday and

9am - 1pm, 2:15pm - 5pm on Saturday.

Q: Where can I find pay phones in Ireland?

A: Pay phones are located all around the country in most cities, towns and some rural areas.

Q: How can I make discounted international calls?

A: Discounted international calls can be made at specific discount telephone & fax booths in major towns and cities. Enquire locally for specific locations.

Q: Where can I use a fax service in Ireland?

A: Most hotels, some shops, libraries, tourist information centres offer access to a fax for a fee.

Q: What newspapers and other media are available in Ireland?

A: At most newsagents and news stalls in major towns and cities, international newspapers and magazines are available. In smaller towns and villages it is advisable to order at least a day before.

6 Transportation

Q: Will I need an international driver’s license in Ireland?

A: British visitors can use their GB driving license in Ireland. A valid US/Canadian driver's license is also sufficient. In Northern Ireland drivers must produce a full UK Driving Licence held for at least one year, or in some cases an international driving licence issued by their home country.

Q: Is there advice on driving on the left hand side of the road?

A: The changeover is not difficult but you must be alert at all times especially making turns and at roundabouts.

Q: Rules of the road?

A: Drive on the left and overtake on the right is the rule of the road. Unless signs indicate otherwise speed limits are 30 mph/50kph in built up areas unless signs show otherwise; 60 mph/95kph on single carriageways and

70 mph/112kph on dual carriageways. In Northern Ireland distances on road signs are marked in miles, not kilometres.

Q: Driving times between major destinations?

A: For advise check on our route planner facility.

To work out distances for your journeys, click here.

Or for a more detailed route planner, click here.

Q: Availability of public transport, timetables?

A:For advice check www.ireland.travel.ie/gettingaround/

For bus and rail services in Northern Ireland contact Translink

Tel: (028) 90 333000,

online www.translink.co.uk

7 Accommodation Reservations

Q: Is it necessary to book a hotel in Ireland in advance?

A: We advise that you book at least your first night's accommodation before you travel to Ireland. For information and reservations check out the relevant section of this website. Alternatively, contact your tour operator or Ireland specialist travel agent.

Q: How can I find inexpensive accommodation in Ireland?

A: A range of inexpensive accommodation in locations all over Ireland is found in the relevant section of this site.

8 Opening Hours / Public Holidays

Q: What times are shops, bars, restaurants and banks open in Ireland?

A: Shopping hours are 9am - 5:30pm Monday to Saturday, with late night opening until 8pm on Thursday in most major towns and cities.

Most large stores open on Sundays from 12noon until 6pm.

Most country towns have a half-day closed each week usually Wednesday or Thursday.

In Northern Ireland shopping hours are generally 9am-5:30pm Monday

to Saturday with late night opening on Thursday until 9:00pm

Some shopping centres/large stores open 1:00pm-6:00pm on Sunday.

Q: What are the public holidays in Ireland?

A: New Years Day (January 1), St Patrick's Day (March 17), Easter Monday (date varies), May Holiday (First Monday in May), June Holiday (First Monday in June), August Holiday (last Monday in August), October Holiday (last Monday in October), Christmas Day (December 25), St. Stephens Day / Boxing Day (December 26).

In addition public holidays in Northern Ireland are Queen's Golden Jubilee, June 3; The Twelfth, July 12; Summer Bank Holiday, August 26.

Note October Holiday is not a holiday in Northern Ireland.

Q: Do shops, banks, attractions and museums close on public holidays?

A: All shops, banks and visitors attractions close on St Patrick's Day, Christmas Day and usually St.Stephen's Day / Boxing day.

However most are open on other public holidays.

Check your desired visitor attraction for details.

9 Electricity and Voltage

Q: What is the voltage in Ireland?

A: The standard electrical supply is 230 volts AC (50 cycles). To use small appliances, you may need a plug adaptor to fit our 3pin flat or 2 pin round wall sockets. If required, small travel transformers and adaptors should be purchased prior to departure. The voltage in Northern Ireland is 240v.

Q: What type of converter do I need to power my electric shaver?

A: Advice should be sought from an electrician or appliance dealer if they are suitable for use with a transformer.

Q: Can I charge my US laptop in Ireland?

A: Most laptops can be charged at your desired hotel. Check locally.

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