INTRODUCTION - Ireland 2014 - page 40

If you're still concerned, you can apply for a chip card in the US (though I think it's
overkill). One option is the no-annual-fee GlobeTrek Visa, offered by Andrews Federal
Credit Union in Maryland (open to all US residents; see www.andrewsfcu.org ).
Dynamic Currency Conversion: If merchants offer to convert your purchase price in-
to dollars (called dynamic currency conversion, or DCC), refuse this “service.” You'll pay
even more in fees for the expensive convenience of seeing your charge in dollars.
Damage Control for Lost Cards
If you lose your credit, debit, or ATM card, you can stop people from using it by reporting
the loss immediately to the respective global customer-assistance centers. Call these
24-hour US numbers collect: Visa (tel. [phone]), MasterCard (tel. [phone]),
andAmericanExpress(tel.[phone]).InIreland,tomakeacollectcalltotheUS,dial
001, then the area code and phone number. European toll-free numbers (listed by country)
can be found at the websites for Visa and MasterCard.
Providing the following information will allow for a quicker cancellation of your miss-
ing card: full card number, whether you are the primary or secondary cardholder, the card-
holder's name exactly as printed on the card, billing address, home phone number, cir-
cumstances of the loss or theft, and identification verification (your birth date, your moth-
er's maiden name, or your Social Security number—memorize this, don't carry a copy).
If you are the secondary cardholder, you'll also need to provide the primary cardholder's
identification-verification details. You can generally receive a temporary card within two
or three business days in Europe (see www.ricksteves.com/help for more).
If you report your loss within two days, you typically won't be responsible for any un-
authorizedtransactionsonyouraccount,althoughmanybankschargealiabilityfeeof$50.
Tipping
TippinginIrelandisn'tasautomaticandgenerousasitisintheUS,butforspecialservice,
tips are appreciated, if not expected. As in the US, the proper amount depends on your
resources, tipping philosophy, and the circumstance, but some general guidelines apply.
Restaurants: At a pub or restaurant with waitstaff, check the menu or your bill to see if
the service is included; if not, tip about 10 percent. At pubs where you order at the counter,
you don't have to tip.
Taxis: To tip the cabbie, round up. For a typical ride, round up your fare a bit (for in-
stance, if the fare is €9, give €10). If the cabbie hauls your bags and zips you to the airport
to help you catch your flight, you might want to toss in a little more. But if you feel as if
you're being driven in circles or otherwise ripped off, skip the tip.