Travelling Abroad
Before you go
Check that your cards and passport have not expired
We automatically replace expiring cards, so you don’t need to do anything. You will receive your replacement card about 2 weeks before the end of the expiry month.
Your card will work for the entire month shown on the expiry date.
If you have any more questions check out our FAQ section on Visa Debit replacement cards here.
Make sure we have your up-to-date contact details before you travel
It’s very important that we have the right email or mobile number for you, to make sure your transactions abroad (particularly outside Europe) are really yours. A card may be disabled if we can’t confirm that it’s the genuine cardholder who’s using it. It’s likely that we’ll try to get in touch with you to make sure this is a genuine transaction.
- Before you travel please update confirm your contact details are correct on the Profile page of the Mobile App. Simply click the Profile icon
on the top right of the main page and confirm your contact details are correct - Ensure that when abroad you can check your text messages and emails
If you need to get cash, be aware that many countries only allow a max withdrawal of €100 or £100. Our website has a list, under ATM withdrawal limits abroad (see below)*.
Lost and stolen cards: some important numbers
We’re here to help 24/7. Keep our emergency helpline numbers somewhere safe, so you can cancel any lost or stolen BoI cards and organise replacements. We’d recommend writing them down somewhere handy, along with other important numbers like travel insurance, airline helpdesk, etc., as well as keeping them on your phone or device.
- Outside the Republic of Ireland: +353 56 775 7007
- Within the ROI: 1800 946 764
Calculating the cost of using your debit or credit cards while travelling within the EU and EEA
Use our currency converter to find out how much you would pay using your debit or credit card within the EU and also Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.
Once you arrive
Use Credit and debit card vs cash
Credit or debit cards are preferable to – and safer than – cash. Your credit and debit card can be accepted worldwide when you see the MasterCard/ Visa logo. Use your debit card to take cash out from an ATM.
Pay in the local currency – it’s cheaper
Making purchases outside the Euro zone? Pay in the local currency if possible. Retailers usually apply higher charges if you convert transactions to Euro.
Split your cards
If you are travelling and have both credit and debit cards with you we would recommend that you would keep your cards in two different places. This will be beneficial if one card becomes lost at least you have access to your other card.
Take care at ATMs away from home
Use well-lit, properly maintained ATMs, beside a bank if you can. Don’t get side-tracked by others when you’re using the ATM, and take care not to let your PIN be noticed. Memorise your PIN: writing it down isn’t advisable.
*Fees & charges may apply when using ATMs abroad. Please see terms & conditions to ensure you are aware of the cost of ATM withdrawals - click here.