From ShowBandOfTheSouth.com
Ireland FAQ
By Travis Coakley & Flint Hassell
Jun 14, 2007, 19:17
Q. Will my medical insurance work in Ireland? A. For visitors from the United States, private medical insurance is highly recommended. Please check with your carrier before departure regarding your coverage. Most health insurance policies cover you if you get sick away from home -- but check, particularly if you're insured by an HMO. With the exception of certain HMOs and Medicare/Medicaid, your medical insurance should cover medical treatment -- even hospital care -- overseas. However, most out-of-country hospitals make you pay your bills upfront, and send you a refund after you've returned home and filed the necessary paperwork. Members of Blue Cross/Blue Shield can now use their cards at select hospitals in most major cities worldwide (tel. 800/810-BLUE or www.bluecares.com for a list of hospitals).
Q. How does currency work? A. The euro is the currency of the Republic of Ireland. One euro consists of 100 cent. Notes are €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200 and €500. Coins are 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, €1 and €2. Currency rates fluctuate daily but one euro averages $1.30 American dollars.
Q. Can I use credit cards? A. Any credit cards that bear the Visa, MasterCard or American Express symbol will be widely accepted in Ireland. Visitors with other cards should ask in advance or check if that card is on display where they wish to use it. If you plan on using credit cards while in Ireland contact your credit card company in advance.
Q. What time zone is Ireland in? A. Ireland is on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and, in accordance with daylight saving, clocks are put forward one hour mid-March and back one hour at the end of October. During summer it stays light until as late as 11pm but by mid-December it can be dark by 4pm. Ireland is six hours ahead of Pensacola.
Q. Do they speak English in Ireland? A. English and Irish (Gaelic) are the official languages of the Republic of Ireland and street and road signs are all bilingual. In Gaeltacht areas, Irish is spoken daily; however, everyone also speaks English.
Q. Will my cell phone work in Ireland? A. Only digital phones with GSM subscriptions and a roaming agreement will work on the island of Ireland. Visitors should consult with their supplier before departure. Pre-paid phone cards are widely available both in the Republic and Northern Ireland and both are convenient and effective to use. If calling the Republic of Ireland from abroad all telephone numbers must be prefixed with 00 353 (drop the first 0 of the local code).
Q. Is the water safe to drink? A. Yes. Tap water throughout the island of Ireland is generally safe. If you prefer bottled water, it is readily available at all hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, and pubs.
Q. What is the food like? A. A Full Irish Breakfast is very hearty and delicious. It can often sustain you throughout the day. This meal generally consists of eggs, rashers (bacon), bangers (sausage), baked fresh tomatoes, fresh mushrooms, white pudding, black pudding, fresh fruit, brown bread, or toast, or scones, with a bit of butter and marmalade. Add some juice, a pot of tea or freshly brewed coffee with cream and a bit of brown sugar and you truly have a meal. In Northern Ireland, the fully cooked breakfast is called an 'Ulster Fry' and includes the addition of a fried potato farl. Did you know bacon and eggs are of Irish origin? Naturally raised lamb is used in many recipes from Irish Stew to Roast Leg of Lamb. Beef is the traditional Sunday roast, and is still prepared in many homes to this day. Potatoes are still an important part of the Irish diet. Potato in Irish is 'pratai', translated as praties. Beef stew is another meal popular in Ireland.
Q. Do I need a convertor for electronic devices? A. The Irish electric system operates on 220 volts with a plug bearing three rectangular prongs. To use standard American 110-volt appliances, you'll need both a transformer and a plug adapter. Most new laptops have built-in transformers, but some do not, so beware. Attempting to use only a plug adapter is a sure way to fry your appliance or, worse, cause a fire.
Q. What will the temperature be? A. Here are the high/low averages for Irish cities in the month of March.
Dublin 49F/38F, Cork 49F/38F, Waterford 50F/36F, Limerick 54F/32F
For more information please visit these websites.
Ireland Consular Information Sheet http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1145.html
Embassy of the United States: Dublin http://dublin.usembassy.gov/index/embassy-news/ambassador.html