Thanks, APC, for that reminder - I have been to that part of the UK before - and also to Scotland (which has its own bank notes as well). I did not have any troubles using the "left-over" banknotes in other parts of the UK (Scottish notes in North Ireland, North Irish in Wales...). The only money NOT excepted in England was the Isle-Of-Man-Notes this year.

I had no problem using my bank card in Warrenpoint, Cushendall and Coleraine in Summer 1999 - and I think the situation should have become better, not worse in the meantime.

It would be much easier if the UK had the Euro though...

24 days...