Useful information when travelling abroad

Pay in the local currency

If you buy something when abroad you may be asked if you want to pay in Euro or the local currency. We recommend that you always pay in the local currency. Retailers sometimes charge more if you choose to convert your transaction to Euro.

By paying in the local currency you know exactly what rates and fees will be charged to your account. Visa or MasterCard determine the exchange rate on the banking day we take it from your account. The Visa and MasterCard websites indicate what exchange rates will be applied. We apply a cross-border handling fee of 2.25% to MasterCard, to all non – euro purchases and 2% to Visa Debit.

If you choose to pay in Euro the exchange rate and any associated fees and charges will be set by the retailers. The fees applied vary from retailer to retailer and are confirmed by the specific retailer on the day of the purchase.

Lost or stolen cards

Bring our phone number for lost and stolen cards with you. Our 24 hour customer service means you can report any lost or stolen card without delay.

As soon as you call us, we can cancel the lost or stolen debit/credit cards and send new cards to your account address. Remember, thieves work quickly – so you should too.

If you lose your Bank of Ireland cards, or have them stolen, please tell us immediately. Otherwise, you will be liable for any losses incurred up to the time you report the loss to us.

To report your Bank of Ireland cards lost or stolen, please phone the appropriate 24-hour number:

• Republic of Ireland Freephone:  1800 946 764
• Outside of these locations:  +353 56 775 7007

To see our lost or stolen checklist, click here

Cross border handling fee on Visa Debit transactions

• What is the Cross Border Handling Fee that I will be charged if I use my Debit Card abroad?

  International Fees and Charges brochure

  Visa Debit

  	Using a debit card for purchases in Euro	Using a debit card for purchases in a foreign currency
  	Within EU/EEA	Outside EU/EEA
  Visa Debit (Point of Sale)	No Charge	2% of transaction value. Maximum €11.43 per transaction
  Visa Debit Contactless (Point of Sale)	No Charge	2% of transaction value. Maximum €11.43 per transaction

  	Within EU/EEA	Outside EU/EEA
  Visa Debit (Point of Sale)	2% of transaction value. Maximum €11.43 per transaction	2% of transaction value. Maximum €11.43 per transaction
  Visa Debit Contactless (Point of Sale)	2% of transaction value. Maximum €11.43 per transaction	2% of transaction value. Maximum €11.43 per transaction

  Cash withdrawal

  	In euro within EU and EEA	All other transactions (cross border handling charge)
  Visa Debit (ATM)	No Charge	3.5% of transaction value. Minimum €3.17, Maximum €11.43 per transaction

  A cross-border handling fee can apply if you use your Visa Debit Card outside of the EU/EEA, this will include Northern Ireland and Britain in the event that they leave the EU. The fee varies depending on how the card is used. There is no fee for using your Visa Debit Card in a Bank of Ireland or Post Office ATM in Northern Ireland or Britain when making a sterling cash withdrawal.

  You will be charged a cross-border handling fee if you use any other ATMs in Northern Ireland or Britain. (3.5% of transaction value, minimum of €3.17/ maximum €11.43 per transaction). All point of sale purchases incur a fee of 2% of transaction value, and are limited to a maximum fee of €11.43 per transaction.

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Please be aware of lower ATM daily withdrawal limits when abroad. If your transaction is declined, we recommend that you try it again with a smaller amount.