When travelling to a new country we all face similar challenges; What are the Banks like? What is the currency? Do I need a Visa? Should I tip? What to do in an emergency? In the next few paragraphs we will give you enough detail to solve any of the obvious challenges you might face during your time in Ireland.

Currency

Ireland has two currencies in operation and depending on the part of the country you are travelling to you should prepare accordingly, If you are travelling to Northern Ireland you will need to bring sterling and when travelling to the Republic of Ireland, euros. Both currencies break down into units of 100, pennies in the case of sterling and cents for euros. Both coins are available in 1's, 2's, 5's, 10's, 20's, 50's, in cents and pence and 1's and 2's in pounds and euros.

Banking

The main banks in both jurisdictions are open Mon - Fri from 10am - 4pm. There are ATM's in supermarkets and small shops as well as petrol/gas stations. It is possible to transfer and receive money from well known transfer companies such as Western Union. Also all major credit cards are acceptable almost everywhere you go and you can also use these to withdraw cash at the ATM machines.

Driving

In Ireland we drive on the left hand side. The road system has been modernised over the last 10 years and there is now a major road service to most parts of the country. Don't be afraid to get off the motorway and take the scenic route. Scenic routes are well sign posted and are well worth the extra hour you might spend travelling.

Safety belts are a must for front and back seat passengers and stay off the telephone or you will find yourself being pulled over. For the more adventurous that are travelling by motor bike you must wear your helmet or face a fine. Road safety is a topical issue in Ireland because of a higher than European average of road deaths. You will find that most roads, especially motorways, are well policed.

Speed limits are as follows: Motorway 120kph; National Roads; 100kph, Non-National Roads 80kph and small Urban Areas 50kph to 60kph.

AA roadwatch provide daily updates on traffic and driving conditions; www.aaroadwatch.ie

Passports/Visas

Depending from where you are travelling from you may require a Visa to enter Ireland. If travelling from the UK you only require photographic ID however it is advisable to bring your passport. When travelling from within the EU you do not require a Visa you will however need to bring your passport with you.

For those of you that need further information on Visa and passport requirements the Department of Foreign Affairs can provide you with the latest information. Ireland has diplomatic relations with 107 countries and all details can be acquired at the Dept. of Foreign Affairs.

Tipping

Similar to most countries, tipping is now customary in restaurants in Ireland. The expected rate is at least 10% but this will not be imposed and it is generally up to the customer how much they wish to leave. Tipping in bars is not customary however it still occurs and will help to grease the wheels of your next order. If a service charge is included in your bill you can at your own discretion decide to leave a small tip.

Shopping

Shops now open 7 days a week between 9am and 6pm. The larger supermarkets such as Tesco and Dunnes stay open, in some cases 24 hours, 'til 9pm. The larger shopping centres and malls are open until late usually 9pm. The smaller rural towns may close early on a Sunday, if they open at all, or may close early one day during the week, often a half day Thursday.