The official currency in Belfast, which is the capital of Northern Ireland, is the Pound Sterling (£/GBP). Because Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, it uses the same currency as London, Edinburgh, and Cardiff. However, a unique feature of Belfast is that local banks (such as Bank of Ireland, Danske Bank, and Ulster Bank) issue their own Northern Irish banknotes. These notes are legal currency and are widely accepted throughout Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK, although some shops in England or Scotland may occasionally be hesitant to accept them due to unfamiliarity. In 2026, Belfast is a highly "contactless" city; you can pay for almost everything, from black cabs to "Ulster Fry" breakfasts, using a credit card or mobile wallet. If you are traveling to Belfast from the Republic of Ireland (e.g., from Dublin), you must switch from Euros (€) to Pounds, as the Euro is not accepted as legal tender in Northern Ireland, although some shops near the border or major tourist hubs may offer a (usually poor) exchange rate at the register.