Expert: Willie Wallace - 3/9/2004

Question
Last year we had a difficult time in Ireland changing U.S. $100 bills.  Most banks wouldn't take them at all.  Will we have the same problems on our trip to Scotland this spring?
And we would appreciate your suggestions on the best Edinburgh pubs, too!
Thanks!


Answer
Hi Linda,

I don't think you will have as much of a problem in Scotland with $100 bills.  Historically, Ireland has had far more emigrants sending back money and a large turnover of foreign notes, i.e. $100 bills saw a number of counterfeits coming through, so accepting them was discouraged and people encouraged to do bank transfers or send travel cheques.

Why do you want to bring dollars?  Why not buy travel cheques (checks to you :o)?  If you have your dollars stolen, you have no comeback, if you lose or have your travellers cheques stolen, they will be reimbursed.  Alternatively, use your credit card to take money out of the banks here.  It is never safe ANYWHERE in the world to carry a lot of cash!

There are a million good pubs in Edinburgh.  Best to stay away from the Royal Mile and the Grassmarket.  A bit touristy and trendy.  In Rose Street, the Abbotsford and The Kenilworth are worth a look just for their style, wood and wall tiles.  Behind Register House at the East end of Princes Street are the Guildford (great beer) and The Cafe Royal, both real traditional style pubs.  Down in the Port of Leith, which is the up and coming place to be, there are two traditional pubs on The Shore, The Malt and Hops and The Shore Bar, together with about 40 restaurants/bars of various type.  Daniel's Bistro and Skippers Bstro are two of my favourites, straight after Domenico's which I love!!

At Tollcross, Bennett's bar, next to the Kings Theatre is all carved glass, mirrors and wood.

I hope that helps,

Willie Wallace
http://www.rental-cars-scotland.com