Its a big hidden fee in my opinion. It took me about 3 bookings to even realize it. You can switch the currency to match the country your booking in but if your card is issued in the US then no mater what I do to switch to euros I still get 1: a crappy exchange rate and 2: a 3% conversion rate. That’s is even with a Chases Sapphire Reserve card that has NO foreign exchange fees - an airbnb money rip off. From what I read on line, airbnb changed it from what your described a couple years back.
I can't comment on your exact situation, but I have over 30 stays in Italy, UK, France, Scotland, Ireland and Costa Rica and have not found a way - nor have I read online of a way.
Airbnb told me that my card is issued in the USA and so I will not get changed the 3% if I book in USD. All others and I get charged 3%!
Its really sneaky - read near the bottom of the invoice page.....but your
Its a big hidden fee. It took me about 3 bookings to even realize it. You can switch the currency to match the country your booking in but if your card is issued in the US then no mater what I do to switch to euros I still get 1: a crappy exchange rate and 2: a 3% conversion rate. That's is even with a Chases Sapphire Reserve card that has NO foreign exchange fees - an airbnb money rip off. From what I read on line, airbnb changed it from what your described a couple years back.
I can't comment on your exact situation, but I have over 30 stays in Italy, UK, France, Scotland, Ireland and Costa Rica and have not found a way (yes I switch to pay in the hosts currency) - nor have I read online of a way to get around this.
Help …. am I missing something? I can only get a US credit card.
Its really a sneaky fee - read near the bottom of your invoice page:
Cancellation policy: Strict. Certain fees and taxes may be non-refundable. See here for more details.
A 3% conversion fee was applied to this booking.
Airbnb Payments, Inc. ("Airbnb Payments") is a limited payment collection agent of your Host. This means that upon your payment of the Total Fees to Airbnb Payments, your payment obligation to your Host is satisfied. Refund requests will be processed in accordance with: (i) the Host's cancellation policy (available on the Listing); or (ii) Airbnb Payment's Guest Refund Policy Terms, available at Questions or complaints: contact Airbnb Payments at 855-4-AIRBNB (855-424-7262)
Explanation of Security Deposit
If the Host reports damages to Airbnb within the 48-hour window following checkout, Airbnb Customer Service will be in contact with both you and your Host to make sure both parties are represented fairly. Additional details regarding the Security Deposit are available
From the airbnb website (which is confusing)
Exchange rates and currency conversion
When the currency you’re paying with is different from the default currency of the country where the listing or experience are located, we convert your payment automatically.
The base exchange rate uses data from one or more third parties, such as OANDA. It’s updated regularly, but may not be identical to the real-time market rate. If you’re paying in a currency different from the default currency of the country where the listing or experience are located, we also charge a 3% conversion fee on your total cost; the conversion fee accounts for Airbnb’s holding costs and foreign currency risks.
The exchange rate used will display on the checkout page before you confirm your booking.