Most of the UK based online shops used to just have one version of their website with prices in Pounds.
In the past few of years – many of the major UK shopping sites started setting up Irish or EU versions of their websites with prices in Euros. This sounds like a good thing – but it sometimes meant that Irish shoppers couldn’t take advantage of a stronger Euro.
Brexit has resulted in even more UK websites not delivering to Ireland any more (John Lewis for example) . There may also be customs duty and VAT to pay on delivery if a UK site does not charge it at checkout.
Here are some of the UK websites that do allow Irish customers to shop and pay in Sterling .
With No Hidden Customs Fees
Asos allows Irish shoppers to shop in Sterling. Just click on the Irish flag at the top and a box will pop up where you can select the currencey.
We saw a dress priced at £35 – but in Euros they were charging €47.99 (Jan 15th 2021) . If you paid with an Irish Visa card – that £35 would end up costing €39.46 EUR – even with bank charges of 80c – it would still be just €40.26 – more than €7 cheaper than if you paid in Euro.
Amazon – is another UK online shop that allows Irish shoppers to pay in Sterling. They may offer to let you pay in Euros – but don’t bother… the exchange rate will be worse than what you will get on your debit/credit card. (especially in times of a weakening Pound).
If you stick to items sold by Amazon you will see any duty at the checkout – but on orders under €150 you will see very little difference in prices.
It is best to use cars from N26 or Revolut to avoid currency fees.