Where do you get the best exchange rate?

Whether you’re popping to Prague for a quick city break, or heading off to Hawaii for a trip of a lifetime, you’ll need a way to pay once you arrive. The same goes for foreign visitors arriving in Ireland - in either case, you’re looking for the best exchange rate in Ireland so your money goes further.

So, where do you get the best exchange rate and how do you know you’re really getting a good deal? The mid-market rate is a good benchmark to use when looking for the best exchange rate in Ireland, and is offered by providers like Wise. This guide walks through all you need to know.

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What is an exchange rate and why is it so important?

Before we look at who has the best exchange rate, let’s think about why it matters.

The exchange rate is the rate used to convert one currency to another. Let’s say you’re off to London for the weekend and need to convert EUR to GBP to spend while you’re there. The EUR/GBP exchange rate is the rate at which you can convert your euros for pounds.

Exchange rates change all the time based on fluctuations in the global currency markets. And different providers and banks set their own rates which can vary depending on the currency and costs included.

So, yes, this can make it very confusing to work out which is the best rate available - but getting a bad rate can mean you end up with less foreign currency you need in the end.

Where can I exchange money in Ireland?

Wondering how to find the best currency exchange rate near you? Here are your most common options.

Exchange money at your bank

If you have an account with an Irish bank you may be able to get your foreign currency in cash before you travel.

You can order foreign currency with AIB¹ or Bank or Ireland² for example. Bank of Ireland has 30+ currencies, but orders do take 5 days to process, so give yourself plenty of time.

Exchange money at a currency exchange office

Another option is to use a currency exchange specialist which usually lets you click and collect, meaning you order the currency online and then pick it up in person.

You can order online and get your money at a credit union with Fexco³, for example, or pick up your pre-ordered cash at a branch of ICE⁴ at Dublin airport if you’re passing through.

Exchange money at a Post Office

An Post⁵ stocks 5 global currencies (GBP, USD, CAD, AUD and PLN) which you can pick up in person in a branch. There’s no need to pre-order, although if you’re looking to exchange a large amount, talking to your branch in advance will ensure the money you need is available when you visit.

Get EUR cash at an ATM

If you’re a visitor in Ireland looking to get EUR cash you can use your debit card in an ATM to get euros as you need them. Check if your debit card has an overseas withdrawal fee, and look out for the foreign transaction fee your bank might charge you.

💡 Keep in mind: If you’re offered, it’s better not to accept the Dynamic currency conversion (DCC) in this case. DCC allows the transaction to be processed in your home currency and not the local one (euros). But this means you’re accepting that the ATM will use their exchange rate (which can be unfavorable), instead of your bank’s exchange rate, which normally it’s better.

If you want to avoid any hassle, you may find you’re better off with a Wise Account and card, which allows you to convert and pay in +40 currencies online - more on that in a moment.

What do I need to know before exchanging my money?

Before you choose where to exchange money, check:

• The exchange rate being used for your currency: compare the quoted rate against the mid-market rate and other providers to check if you’re getting the best deal
• If any extra fees are added: delivery costs or commissions may apply for example, which push up the price of conversion in the end
• If your desired currency is available: some providers only have limited currency availability, or may need several days to source some currencies
• If the provider is reputable and licensed: only use a service you know is legit and can be trusted.

How to find the best exchange rate in Ireland?

To get the best exchange rate in Ireland it helps to know a bit about the mid-market rate, as it’s considered a fair and “real” rate when converting currencies.

The mid-market exchange rate is the midpoint between the buy rate and the sell rate used for wholesale trades. This rate doesn’t include any commissions or fees, and so is considered to be a good benchmark if you’re looking for a fair rate out there.

Some providers, like Wise, pass the mid-market rate on to customers. However, not all providers, banks and exchange services do the same. Instead, they add a markup or margin - a fee included in the rate you’re quoted. This is tricky to see but can mean you’re paying more than you need to for currency exchange.

So, when you’re quoted a rate from a provider, compare it to the mid-market rate for your currency pair, which you can get from the Wise currency converter, for example. If there’s a difference, that’s probably because a markup has been used.

Shop around to find the rate which is as close as possible to the mid-market rate for your currency, so you know you’re getting a good deal.

Convert your money with Wise and always get the mid-market exchange rate

With a Wise Account, you can convert +40 currencies with just your phone, to make online, mobile or in person card payments, and get cash in +150 countries.

Don’t worry about getting foreign cash for your upcoming trip in advance. Instead, get a Wise Account and debit card, to cut the hassle and unlock currency exchange that uses the mid-market rate with no hidden fees or markups.

You can open a Wise Account for free online and in-app, then add money in euros and convert to the currency you need online.

There’s then no fee to spend when you travel, as long as you have enough of the currency you need to cover the costs of your transaction. If not, the Wise card can automatically convert your euros for you, with the mid-market rate and a low, transparent conversion fee.

Use a Wise card for your international spending and cash withdrawals for secure, low cost currency conversion with the mid-market rate - and zero hassle.

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Sources used:

Sources last checked on date: 24th September, 2025