Q. What is the time difference between Malaysia and Ireland

A. The time difference is minus 8 hours (7 hours during daylight saving, which commences on the last Sunday of March until the last Sunday of October).

Q. What is the climate like in Ireland?

A. The weather in Ireland can change quickly even within a day. During August it is pleasant with high temperature averaging between 20 – 25℃ with low humidity. It is windy from October to February making it feel colder than the actual temperature that it is.

Q. What sort of clothes would be appropriate for traveling in Ireland?

A. Packing a windbreaker or raincoat is advisable, as the weather tends to change very easily during any given day. It is also windy, especially in the western part of the island such as the cliffs of Moher, so wearing layered clothing is recommended as it allows you to adjust your attire according to the surrounding conditions.

Q. What is recommended regarding money exchange?

A. It is recommended that you change some of your local currency into Euros for the Republic of Ireland, and Pound Sterling for when visiting Northern Ireland, either in your home country before leaving or after arriving in Ireland. Travelers cheques tend not to be so widely accepted requiring visits to the bank to cash them, which also attract a transaction fee. Another alternative is to bring your credit cards and use them for cashing services at local ATMs.

Q. Are credit cards widely acceptable?

A. Most shops accept credit cards, such as VISA and MasterCard. Credit cards are also convenient for their cashing services at ATMs should you require extra cash, renting a car, reserving flight tickets, or as sureties for when staying at a hotel.

Q. Is Ireland safe?

A. Ireland with its low unemployment rate has the lowest crime rate in Europe. Nevertheless, standard levels of alertness and safety precautions are naturally advised, with women traveling alone taking the normal necessary personal precautions. For those worried about the political situation in Northern Ireland be assured that Northern Ireland is both peaceful and safe, with no extraordinary precautions required.

Q. Is it safe to drink the tap water in Ireland?

A. Tap water is perfectly safe and suitable for drinking. You can even order tap water instead of mineral water in restaurants!

Q. Are taxis in Ireland safe?

A. Taxis in Ireland are professional and safe. There are both metered and non-metered taxis in operation, but no matter what type of taxi you use, it is always a good idea to ask how much it would cost before departing.

Q. When renting a car in Ireland what sort of license is required?

A. An international driving license, credit card, as well as your valid driving license from your home country is required in order to rent a car in both the Republic of Ireland and in Northern Ireland (United Kingdom).

Q. What side of the road do people driven on in Ireland?

A. In both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, cars are right-hand drive, with the cars running on the left-hand side of the street as in Great Britain.

Q. Is it customary to tip in Ireland?

A. Generally prices at hotels include a 15% service. Where a service fee is included in the price there is no need to tip. When a service fee is not included in the bill at a hotel restaurant or when having a meal it is normal practice to provide a tip that is 10 – 15% of the total bill. For porters in hotels generally the going tipping rate is 75 Eurocents per suitcase in the Republic of Ireland, and 50 pence per suitcase in Northern Ireland. A tip of around 10% is the norm for taxi drivers.

Q. What are the normal banking hours in Ireland?

A. General banking hours in the Republic of Ireland are:

Monday to Friday 10:00 – 16:00. Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays are closed.

On Thursdays some banks remain open until 17:00

General banking hours in Northern Ireland are:

Monday to Friday 09:30 – 16:30. Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays are closed.

On Thursdays some banks remain open until 17:00.

Q. What is the voltage and plug type for electrical goods in Ireland?

A. In the Republic of Ireland the voltage of electrical goods is 220 volts, 50 Hertz. In Northern Ireland it is 240 volts. The plugs and sockets used in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland is the same and consists of 3 prongs (BF type). Additionally some 2 prong types (C type) are also used.

Q. Should I find myself in trouble while in Ireland whom should I call?

A. The below are a number of number you may wish to contact in an emergency:

- Police/Fire Department/Ambulance Emergency Hotline:

Tel: 999 (for both Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland)

- Helpful Contacts for the Republic of Ireland:

Embassy of Malaysia in Dublin
Level 3A-5A, Shelbourne House, Shelbourne Road
Ballsbridge, Dublin 4
Tel: 01 6677280
Fax: 01 667 7283
E-mail: mwdublin@mwdublin.ie

Tourist Victim Support
Garda HQ, Harcourt Square, Dublin 2.
Tel: 01 478 5295
Website: www.touristvictimsupport.ie

- Helpful Contacts for Northern Ireland:

Malaysian High Commission in London, UK
45 – 46 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8QT
Tel: (4420) 7235 8033
Fax: (4420) 7235 5161
Email: mwlondon@btinternet.com