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The Basics

Time: GMT (GMT +1 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in October).

Electricity: Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. UK-style three-pin and round three-pin plugs are in use.

Money: The unit of currency is the Euro (EUR). Currency can be exchanged at banks and bureaux de change and ATMs are widely available. Credit and debit cards, as well as travellers cheques, are widely accepted.

Currency Exchange Rates

€ 1.00 =

A$ 1.23

C$ 1.29

€ 1.00

NZ$ 1.60

£ 0.83

US$ 1.27

R 10.70

Note: These currency exchange rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only.

Language: English, Irish (Gaelic) is spoken in some Western areas.

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements for Americans: US citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Ireland. No visa is required. Entry requirements for UK nationals: British citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Ireland. Passport exemptions apply to holders of proof of nationality issued to nationals of Ireland and British subjects, for travel between Ireland and Great Britain and Northern Ireland only. No visa is required for holders of British passports endorsed British Citizen, British National (Overseas) or British Overseas Territories Citizen. Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Ireland. No visa is required. Entry requirements for Australians: Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Ireland. No visa is required. Entry requirements for South Africans: South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Ireland. No visa is required. Entry requirements for New Zealand nationals: New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Ireland. No visa is required.

Passport/Visa Note: All foreign passengers to Ireland must be able to show proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay in the county. Additionally, passengers should hold return/onward tickets, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination, as immigration officers might demand that they demonstrate proof of their intention to leave Ireland. If the traveller's passport bears a British inadmissable stamp, unless the immigration officer is convinced that they will NOT travel on to the United Kingdom, entry may be refused to Ireland. Note that all visitors need to contact the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), if their stay in Ireland exceeds their visa-free period, or their stay is longer than the period for which their visa is valid. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Travel Health: There are no special health requirements for visitors to Ireland. Health insurance is advisable unless from the UK or other EU countries, most of which have reciprocal agreements with Ireland. A European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) should be obtained before departing for travel to Ireland. Medical facilities are good, and payment for treatment is usually required in cash.

Tipping: A 10% tip will be welcomed in restaurants and cafes, but tipping is not usual in bars and pubs. Tipping is not common for other services.

Safety Information: Most visitors to Ireland enjoy a fairly high level of personal safety. However, travellers should take sensible precautions against petty theft. Terrorism is no more a threat than in other Western countries.

Local Customs: Smoking in pubs, cafes and restaurants is illegal. Visitors should refrain from forcing discussions of political and religious differences, and show respect if the topics are brought up.

Business: The Irish are very sociable and although the usual elements of business etiquette apply (punctuality, formal wear, a courteous manner), expect good conversation and a rather relaxed air. Handshakes are customary on introduction, and take the lead from the host with regards to using first names or surnames. Business hours are usually from 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday, with a lunch break from 1pm to 2pm.

Communications: The international access code for Ireland is +353 (do not dial the first zero of the area code). The outgoing code is 00, or 048 for Northern Ireland, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). City/area codes are in use, e.g. 1 for Dublin. The local mobile phone operators use GSM networks and have roaming agreements with most international operators. Internet cafes are available in the main tourist areas.

Duty free: Travellers over 17 years arriving from non-EU countries do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars, 250g tobacco or a proportional mix of these; 1 litre spirits with more than 22% alcohol volume, or 2 litres dessert wine with a maximum 22% alcohol content, or a proportional mix of these products, and 2 litres table wine; perfume up to 50g or 250ml eau de toilette; and other goods for personal consumption to the value of €175 per adult or €90 for children under 15 years. Prohibited items include meat or dairy products or raw vegetables.