Hi,
When I was starting off I did a bit of research on sharewatch. I didn't like what I uncovered so I didn't go with them.. Instead, I went with an online a/c with Davys. I am very happy with it..Commissions and charges are pretty too imho..
You need not worry about the FX side of things unless you are trading currency (which is best left to the pros!) Your stockbroker will manage the conversion using the latest exchange rate.
I've had an interest in the stock market for the past year and a half.. I had a number of shares inc. BOI,CRH,AIB and BP.. They have all since been sold at a considerable loss.. I'm holding onto my cash until the markets are less volatile..!
In the next 12 months all the weak banks/companies will be gone bust/bought out..there will also be some good value about..