General travel information Ireland
Travel time
The best time to travel is from spring to autumn. The Gulf Stream and mild, southwesterly winds ensure a temperate climate; there are no hot summers, but also no particularly cold winters. The least amount of rainfall (mostly drizzle) occurs in May, June, and September.
entry
All that is required is a passport or identity card that is valid for at least another 6 months.
Health
The European Health Insurance Card ( EHIC ) is valid for citizens of EU and EFTA countries . The EHIC regulates healthcare provision and reimbursement of costs in case of illness for EU and EFTA citizens. Since January 1, 2006, the EHIC has replaced the previous form E111.
Note:
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) does not cover repatriation following serious illness or an accident abroad. Statutory health insurance providers are not permitted to offer this service. Repatriation is only covered by private travel insurance. It is therefore strongly recommended that you take out comprehensive international health insurance for the duration of your stay, covering risks not covered by statutory health insurance.
The Irish Health Service provides assistance in such cases. Only within the framework of the Irish Health Service is free treatment guaranteed.
Cost of living
Generally, the cost of living in Ireland is somewhat higher than in Germany, although the tourist infrastructure makes accommodation and food very affordable. Spirits and cigarettes are significantly more expensive than on the mainland; from Germany and Austria, you are allowed to import 800 cigarettes and 10 liters of spirits.
Voltage
220 volts AC, 50 hertz. An adapter is required.
currency
The currency unit is the EURO.
Card payment
Paying by credit card should not be a problem in hotels, more expensive restaurants, and department stores in major cities. Most gas stations also accept card payments. VISA and MasterCard are the most widely accepted, and in some cases, card payments are declined if the amount is less than €10.
You'll usually have no luck accepting payments at bed and breakfasts or small, local shops; cash is still the preferred method there. However, exceptions to this rule do exist.
Time difference
Central European Time (CET) -1 hour (also on direct ferries from France to Ireland).
Since Ireland also observes summer time, the time difference remains.
phone
The country code for calling Ireland from Germany is 00353, and for calling Germany from Ireland it is 0049.
Public telephones accept coins or phone cards. Phone cards are available in denominations of 10, 15, and 20 euros.
Emergency numbers: Police, ambulance and fire brigade 999 or 112.
No smoking
Smoking is prohibited in almost all public spaces (including restaurants, pubs, and public transport). Smoking is only permitted in designated areas and on open train platforms.