Is euro accepted in Northern Ireland?

Thinking about heading up to Northern Ireland and wondering what currency is best to take? Whether it’s a business trip, weekend getaway or extended stay, understanding the local currency and what is or isn’t accepted helps make your visit easier.

To help out, we’re going to take a look at what money is used in Northern Ireland and where you might be able to use euros. We’ll also introduce the Wise card as a convenient, cost effective way to spend money across borders.

Pay directly in Pounds
with the Wise card 💷

Does Northern Ireland use Euro?

Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom so its official currency is the Pound sterling (£).¹ This is the same currency used across England, Scotland and Wales, ensuring consistency through the UK.

The denominations are pounds and pence, with 100 pence being worth one pound. Notes and coins are used, with the amounts that are currently available being listed below:

• Notes: £5, £10, £20, £50 and £100
• Coins: 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1 and £2

In Northern Ireland, the bank notes are issued by designated local banks. As a result, you may see notes from Ulster Bank, First Trust, Bank of Ireland and Danske Bank (Northern Bank), as well as Scottish banks, the Bank of England and even the Bank of Isle of Man in circulation.

Using Northern Ireland pounds in England

If you're planning to travel on from Northern Ireland to England, keep in mind that most retailers there will only accept notes from the Bank of England. As a result, it’s a good idea to exchange any Northern Ireland land notes before you leave, just to make sure they’ll be accepted. A currency exchange office or local bank branch may be able to help with this.

Can you use Euro in Northern Ireland?

In general, you can’t use euros for cash payment in Northern Ireland.² Some large stores, tourism related businesses or businesses close to the border may accept them as a courtesy, but you would want to check if there is a fee for this, and what the exchange rate is.

If you have euro in cash that you want to exchange for Pounds sterling this can be done in a number of places including:

• Post offices
• Marks & Spencer stores with a M&S Travel Money Bureau
• Eurochange
• Travelex
• No1 Currency Exchange
• Sainsbury's Bank Travel Money counter

To get the best deal, compare the exchange rates to the mid-market rate, and check for any commission fees before converting your money.

💡 The mid-market rate is the midpoint between the buying (bid) and selling (ask) prices of two currencies in the global foreign exchange market. That’s the rate the market naturally sets, and considered the fairest rate out there.

Wise card: Pay directly in Pounds in Northern Ireland

If you don't want to worry about getting in line to exchange your money and also want transparent exchange rates, the Wise card might be your best travel companion.

This card is connected to the Wise Account (a multi-currency account), and for a one time fee of 7 EUR, you get access to a debit card that allows you to:

• Spend in +40 currencies (including Pounds) from your account balances. If you're paying in the currency you have in your account it means that there are no currency conversions needed, and there are no spending fees.
• Don't have enough money in the local currency? No problem. Thanks to the Smart Conversion technology, money will be automatically deducted from the balance where the exchange rate is the best.
• Withdraw money at ATMs abroad for free up to the monthly limit.*
• Get your money converted always at the mid-market exchange rate
• Create free virtual cards and add them to mobile wallets like Apple Pay.

Open your Wise Account
for free 🚀

Should you pay in cash or card in Northern Ireland?

Northern Ireland is generally a card friendly place to travel, with most shops, restaurants and tourist attractions accepting debit and credit cards, including for contactless payments.

However, it can still be a good idea to carry a bit of cash for smaller purchases or situations where card payments aren’t accepted, such as at local markets and food stalls, for example.

The Wise card can be especially handy here, because you can pay by card and also withdraw money at ATMs for free when making 2 withdrawals per month up to 200EUR.* And you'll always get the mid-market exchange rate for any currency conversion transactions.

A note on card payments and ATM withdrawals

Card payments in Northern Ireland are processed in Pounds sterling unless you choose a Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) at point of sale. Doing this allows the merchant or ATM operator (if you're withdrawing cash) to charge you in euros using their own exchange rate, which generally isn’t as favourable as your bank or provider would give you. As a result, it’s best to make card payments always in the local currency.

* You get 2 free withdrawals per month, up to 200 EUR. For amounts over 200 EUR, a 1.75% fee applies to the excess. After your two free withdrawals, each additional withdrawal costs 0.5 EUR. Wise will not charge you for these withdrawals, but some additional charges may occur from independent ATM networks.

Sources used:

Sources last checked on date: 22 July 2025