Do You Tip in Ireland?

Do you tip in Ireland?

Tipping in Ireland is appreciated but more restrained than in the United States. In restaurants with table service, a tip of around 10 to 15 percent is customary for good service, but first check your bill, since some places, especially for larger groups, add a service charge, in which case an extra tip is not needed. In pubs, the key custom is that you generally do not tip for drinks you order and collect at the bar; if you have table service for food or drinks, a small tip or rounding up is fine. Tip taxi drivers by rounding up, and leave a couple of euros for hotel housekeeping. Genuine, modest tipping is the norm.

What currency is used in Ireland?

The Republic of Ireland uses the euro (EUR). One important distinction for travelers: Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom, uses the pound sterling instead, so if your trip crosses the border, you will need both currencies. In the Republic, cards and contactless payments are very widely accepted, so you can travel largely cashless, though carrying some euros is handy for small pubs, rural shops, and tips. Withdraw euros from a bank ATM for a fair rate, and use a card without foreign transaction fees to save money. If you are visiting both Irelands, plan for the currency switch at the border.

What power adapter do you need for Ireland?

Ireland uses the Type G plug, the same large three-rectangular-pin design as the United Kingdom, on a 230-volt supply. Travelers from the United States, continental Europe, and elsewhere will need a Type G plug adapter, which is different from the round-pin adapters used across most of Europe, so do not assume a general European adapter will fit. Check voltage as well: at 230 volts, Ireland is higher than the US 120 volts, so confirm your devices accept 230-volt input. Phone and laptop chargers are almost always dual voltage and just need the adapter, but single-voltage US appliances can be damaged without a converter.

Can you drink the tap water in Ireland?

Yes, tap water in Ireland is safe to drink. It is treated to European Union standards and is clean and safe throughout the country, in cities and towns alike, so you can refill a bottle, drink it in restaurants, and use it freely. Occasionally a local area may issue a temporary boil-water notice after heavy rain or a supply issue, so it is worth noting any local advisories, but these are uncommon and short-lived. Some visitors find the taste slightly different from home, which is normal and not a safety concern. For virtually all travelers, Irish tap water is perfectly good to drink.