The currency used in Ireland depends on where you are traveling. In the Republic of Ireland, the euro is used, with notes ranging from €5 to €500 and coins ranging from 5c to €2. In Northern Ireland, which is part of the UK, the official currency is pound sterling, with notes ranging from £5 to £50 and coins ranging from 1p to £2. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted throughout the island of Ireland, with Visa and Mastercard being the most widely accepted. American Express is accepted in some places but not all. It is recommended that you notify your bank of your travel plans prior to your departure. Contactless payment is increasingly popular, and you can "tap" your debit card to pay for purchases of up to €50 or £45. Foreign currency exchange is available at banks, post offices in larger towns, and some of the larger hotels and tourist offices. Travelers cheques are also accepted at banks and major hotels or tourist centers, although they are less common.