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FXcompared does not include the entire universe of available international money transfer companies.
Exchange rates update frequently and the pricing shown in the comparison tables is indicative only
and based on a first time transfer for a new customer signing up via FXcompared. The pricing does not
reflect any special rates individual customers may be offered by a provider, either on sign up or rates
for any repeat transfers. FXcompared is not an FX trading platform and should not be used to inform any
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The information presented in the review is accurate as of the date of the review.
Check with the providers directly for the most current information.
FXcompared does the research to help you compare international money transfer providers from around the globe.
There are no exchange controls in the UK for the pound sterling (GBP), and transferring money to the UK and sending money from the UK is very easy
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As a member country of the European single currency, the euro (EUR), Ireland has no foreign exchange controls restricting money transfer to Ireland of transferring money out of Ireland
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OFX (previously UKForex in the UK), provides secure and speedy international money transfers to over 300,000 people in 55 currencies at better-than-bank rates
Banks are the most expensive way to do an international money transfer, the quotes from the providers above show you the typical savings that can be made. All providers on FXcompared.com are regulated in the UK by the FCA, in the USA by FinCEN, In Canada SSC and Australia, ASIC.
We check all rates regularly and this quote is an actual quote of the average from UK banks for this month. It includes all major and small banks. Lloyds, Barclays, HSBC, Santander, NatWest, RBS, Coutts, Handelsbanken, Metro bank and more - tracked every month. We obtain our rates via our IMTI platform.
The United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland have long-standing cultural, territorial, linguistic, and economic ties and there are currently many UK expats living in Ireland. Both countries are members of the European Union, which means that several bilateral agreements simplify and streamline the flow of people, goods, services, and money across their borders. There are no restrictions to transfer money from UK to Ireland and convert GBP to EUR for trade or personla reasons.
Visa requirements
UK nationals are able to visit, work, and study in Ireland without a visa. Indian and Chinese nationals with permanent residency in the UK may obtain a visa waiver, under the conditions laid out by the British Irish Visa Scheme. Nationals of several other countries worldwide are exempted from applying for a visa to enter or stay in Ireland for specific periods of time, as well. A detailed list of these exemptions is available on the website of theIrish Consulate.
Study in Ireland
Ireland’s system of higher education is comprised of specialist colleges, universities, and technological institutes. There are about seven public universities in Ireland that are among the top 650 in the world. Ireland is, therefore, a popular choice for higher education for students from all over the world.
UK nationals and students from other countries in the EU and EEA do not need to apply for a student visa in order to pursue studies in Ireland. UK nationals also benefit from the Free Fees Initiative, limiting the payment of student fees to a simple registration fee, which is usually about €2,500. Nationals of countries outside of the EU and EEA should expect to pay between €31,098 and €50,000 for undergraduate studies leading to significant international money transfer needs. This can be higher for more technical courses or for graduate studies. The cost of living in Ireland is fairly high for an EU country and students should budget at least €7,000 per year for living expenses.
Healthcare agreements between UK and Ireland
There are agreements on healthcare between the governments of the UK and Ireland. This means that UK citizens living or working in Ireland, can access healthcare services without having to present a Health Insurance Card, according to the NHS. UK nationals living in Ireland will be required to present proof of UK residency, which can be in the form of a driver’s licence or a passport. However, British citizens must be treated by a state healthcare provider in order to receive benefits. Health services in Ireland are among the best in the world. Unfortunately, the public system is often overbooked, which can lead to long wait times, even for some urgent situations.
Taxation
The tax system in Ireland is no less complicated than that of the UK. The amount of taxes paid is determined by income, residency and marital status. For those living in Ireland fewer than 183 days per year or less than 280 days during a period of two years, it is only necessary to pay taxes on income earned within the country.
Anyone living in Ireland full time must pay at least 20% on all taxable income. UK nationals may be eligible to certain tax exemptions; it is best to see the advice of an Irish tax expert in order to take advantage of these exemptions. Those who pay taxes in Ireland are assigned a Personal Public Service (PPS) number, which qualifies the taxpayer for social welfare benefits like pensions and healthcare services.
Banking and money
The banking system in Ireland is quite similar to that of the UK. The top four banks are the National Irish Bank, the Bank of Ireland, Ulster Bank, and Allied Irish Bank. All major Irish banks offer a range of options to facilitate transferring money, including online banking services. Unfortunately, it is not very easy to open an Irish bank account outside of Ireland, since it is required to present proof of residence in the country, along with other pieces of identification, and it is usually required to submit these in person. It can also take several weeks for a bank account to be activated. This may impose a longer wait time for those looking to transfer money from the UK to Ireland.
Trade between the UK and Ireland
The UK is Ireland’s most important partner in investment, trade, and tourism. Ireland imports more from the UK than it does from any other country. Total trade between the two countries amounted to £27 billion in 2012, based on information from the UKTI. Goods and services totaling about €1 billion cross between their borders every week often requiring pounds to euros conversion. Ireland is the largest recipient of food and drink. The main items include fruits and vegetables, meat and prepared meats, dairy products, cereals, and beverages. Ireland is the second largest market for fashion, footwear, and clothing from the UK. The UK’s main exports to Ireland include machinery, chemicals, fuel and lubricants, food and live animals, manufactured articles and transport.
Doing business in Ireland
Ireland has many strong and growing sectors in its economy, encouraging growth and external investment. Among these industries are construction, pharmaceutical and medical device companies, information and communications technology, energy, food and beverage, and agriculture. Ireland is home to a many prominent multinational companies and firms, including Takeda, GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, Roche, Dropbox, Microsoft, LinkedIn, Google, Twitter, and Facebook. Many expats working in Ireland are employed in the pharmaceutical, IT, business services, and food industries.
Ireland and the UK have a common legal tradition and, as a result, the laws that govern business operations in Ireland are quite similar to those in the UK. It is, nonetheless, advised to obtain legal counsel to navigate any differences when operating a business abroad.
The majority of goods and services supplied in Ireland are subject to value added tax. These are charged at varying rates ranging from 0% for certain essential items such as children’s clothing, medicine, education and childcare; to the standard rate of 23%.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the money transfer companies shown above safe to use?
Yes, all the companies are safe and fully-regulated money transfer services.
Each are authorised and regulated by the relevant authority such as the Financial
Conduct Authority(FCA) in the UK, FinCEN in the US, FinTRAC in Canada or ASIC in Australia.
How long does an international money transfer take?
The speed of delivery will depend on where the money is being from and to and how
you are sending and receiving the money. Transfers sent using bank to bank transfers
can depend take anywhere from minutes to days and you should check the time estimates
from the relevant provider. Debit and credit card payments sometimes allow for faster
transfers for smaller amounts.
How do I use FXcompared?
First review the comparison results (such as for a table above) for a given amount
of money sending from UK to Ireland. Then select a provider based on
factors such as price, speed, their rating and click the green button to be taken to
their website. From there, you can register and sign up for an account. Once you have
done that and the provider has verified your identity to ensure the money can be send
safely, you will be ready to transfer money.
What payments methods can I use to send money overseas?
The results shown above are typically for bank to bank transfers. It is possible
via some providers to pay in your funds for the transfer via cash, debit or credit
cards as well but this is usually reserved for smaller amounts. Some providers also
give you different options for how the money will be received - to a bank account
(most common), to a debit card, to cash or to a digital or mobile wallet.
What if the price shown above isn’t exactly what I am offered when I try to transfer money?
There can be a number of reasons why the final price you are offered may be different
to that shown in the table above. Exchange rates between two currencies change all
the time and is the most common reason. Additionally, some providers offer different
pricing depending what method you are using to send funds or how the funds will be
received. Others may offer you a premium service for faster payments. In some cases
FXcompared has a special rate with a provider and this is reserved for first time
customers who sign up to the provider starting from FXcompared’s website.
As prices do change often, be sure to confirm the total cost with the provider
before transferring money.
All the providers listed are regulated by the relevant authority (e.g. the FCA in the UK, FinCEN
in the US, ASIC in Australia) and have been vetted by FXcompared.
FXcompared.com is an fx money comparison site for international money transfer and to compare rates from currency
brokers for sending money abroad. The website and the information provided is for informational purposes
only and does not constitute an offer, solicitation or advice on any financial service or transaction.
None of the information presented is intended to form the basis for any investment decision, and no
specific recommendations are intended. FXC Group Ltd and FX Compared Ltd does not provide any guarantees
of any data from third parties listed on this website. FX compared Ltd expressly disclaims any and all
responsibility for any direct or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever arising directly
or indirectly from (i) any error, omission or inaccuracy in any such information or (ii) any action
resulting therefrom.
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