Here are a few tried-and-tested tips for traveling on the cheap in Dublin. They all worked for me this very week!

1. Change money at the bank

We usually recommend taking money out of ATMs when traveling in Europe–even if some banks charge a one-time transaction fee as well as a percentage of the money taken out. (Read much more about ATMs in Europe here.) However, in Dublin I recommend changing your money at a bank.

Just this week I got a competitive exchange rate at AIB (Allied Irish Bank) with no pesky fees. You don’t need a bank account or to fill out any forms: Just get in the line marked “foreign exchange” and voila, you’ve got your euros. You can also ask for small bills—instead of those annoying 50 euro notes that ATMs give and no one wants to accept.

2. Look for hotel deals

During the Celtic Tiger boom in Dublin, a LOT of hotel rooms were built in the city. That means there are deals everywhere – particularly for Cheapos who are willing to do a little research. There are two popular deals going on in Dublin right now. One is an advance purchase rate (usually 10 – 15% off the total cost of your stay – paid in advance with no refunds), while another deal offers the incentive of an extra night for free. Examples I’ve seen include stay “Two nights and get a third free,” or “Stay three nights and get a fourth free.”

Also look for a hotel that offers a hearty breakfast, as this will set you up for a day of exploring Dublin without expensive snacking. When you do a hotel search on EuroCheapo, you’ll see examples of discounted room rates and plenty of options offering Irish breakfasts.

3. The Early Bird

Dublin was once known as an expensive city for food, but this has all changed. Cheapos with a refined palate can dine at Dublin’s best restaurants—affordably—simply by eating early. The Irish capital is full of incredible value for those who are willing to sit down before 7 p.m. Deals can be found for as little as €19 for two courses or €25 for three courses.

Especially during the week, this is also a great way to meet the locals. Many Dubliners take advantage of these specials by heading out for an early dinner after work.

4. Freebies abound

Once you arrive, be sure to check out the newspapers and even turn on the radio (Ireland has excellent radio) for up to date details on free events and entertainment. Just this week I enjoyed an outdoor afternoon summer concert and checked out a new exhibition at IMMA (Irish Museum of Modern Art).

The post Dublin: 4 ways to keep it cheap appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

The country was granted permission by the European Union to make the switch during the summer of 2008, when the exchange rate was pinned at 30.126 koruny to the euro. The currency, however, didn’t switch until January 1, 2009.

In the months leading up to its circulation, Slovakia hosted Euro-themed events to raise awareness and entertain, and also pay tribute to the exiting currency. (Among these, chocolate euro coins were thrown to children, and a theater troupe staged a play about the demise of the koruna.  Sad clowns.)

What it means

The introduction of the euro in Slovakia could mean that Cheapos heading to Bratislava or other Slovak cities will notice restaurant prices and hotel rates listed in both currencies (euros and Slovak koruny), a trend that will last until January of 2010.

Others may notice that prices have jumped a bit. According to a piece in Slovak Today, consumer prices increased 0.5% in the 10 days following the changeover.

In case you’ve got a koruna or two hanging around the house, banks in Slovakia will still exchange banknotes through the end of 2009 and coins through June 2009 (although they may charge you for it!).

Need help with your own euro conversion? Check out xe.com to see today’s euro exchange rate.

The post Goodbye Koruna: Slovakia joins the euro club appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.