Using your credit or debit card abroad

What you should know about using your credit or debit card abroad

You can use your debit or credit card at ATMs or to pay for goods and services abroad. Cards with a Mastercard or Visa symbol are generally accepted worldwide. If you are unsure if your card will be accepted in a specific country, check with your bank before you travel.

Do you need to tell your bank before travelling abroad with you credit or debit card?

Before you go on holiday, tell your bank you will be travelling. This helps prevent the bank from flagging any unusual transactions (outside Ireland) as potentially fraudulent and freezing your card.

What fees apply when using my card abroad?

• If you are travelling in the eurozone , you pay the same ATM, credit and debit card fees as in Ireland.
• Outside the eurozone, check with your card provider for applicable fees.
• Banks charge for converting transactions into euro every time you use your card abroad.
• For security, your bank may reduce the daily cash withdrawal limit from ATMs outside the EU. Check this limit before you travel.

How can you compare charges and manage costs when using your credit or debit card abroad?

You can use our current account Money Tool to compare charges for using your cards abroad.

Are prepaid foreign exchange cards a good option for accessing money when travelling abroad?

A prepaid foreign exchange card works like a debit card, but you preload local currency before you travel. This option gives you the protections of a debit card and allows you to choose when to add currency so you can get the best available currency exchange rates.