The Currency Guessing Game

[Doug20]

Why doesn't AirBnB list the currency with their prices when people are looking for AirBnB style lodging in a different country?

o   Do they think people enjoy  guessing?

o   Do they think that a 25% difference in the amount doesn't matter to people?

o   Do they think that frustrated potential renters don't go to other sites that more clearly disclose pricing?

I am both an owner and a renter.  

As an owner I don't want to lose bookings due to this issue.

As a rentor, whenever I look for lodging outside of the US on AirBnB, I encounter this issue, and decide to go to certain other listing sites that are more consumer friendly.

[Christine1]

Hi There,

Currency confusion can be annoying; finding the relevant buttons on a webpage can also be confusing, and it’s frustrating to get lost in online searches. Like the supermarket-everything is probably there, but what shelf is it on?!

I have made a habit of logging on to Airbnb when I watch TV. During the ad breaks, I type keywords into the search bar under the HELP menu. Then I just get comfortable with a cup of tea and read through the range of FAQ’s and articles that will show up. I have learnt heaps this way over the years, and if I cannot find something specific this key word search method works well.

By using this technique I have solved many hosting mysteries and gained the knowledge I need to assist potential guests and coach new Airbnb members as they begin navigating the site .

https://www.airbnb.com.au/help/article/95/can-i-pay-with-any-currency

The following information is from Airbnb.

"Currency view

You can view Airbnb listings in many currencies, but this won’t affect what currency you’ll be asked to pay in. To change your currency view, scroll to the bottom of any page on airbnb.com and click on the currency field to select what currency you want to view listing prices in.

1. Can I pay with any currency?

No. The currency you pay in is controlled by your payment method and, in some cases, by your country. It’s not possible to manually choose what currency you'll use to pay.

When you select your country and payment method on the checkout page, the currency in which you'd be charged will be clearly displayed before you confirm your reservation request.

1. Exchange rates and currency conversion

When the currency you’re paying with is different from the default currency of the country where the listing is 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 is 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.

1. Third-party fees

If you pay in a currency that’s different from the designated currency of your payment method, your provider or third-party payment processor may apply a currency conversion rate or fees to your payment. Contact your provider (for example, your credit or bank card issuer) for information on what fees may apply, since they’re not controlled by Airbnb"

I hope this suggestion and the Airbnb information is helpful to yourself and others.

[Clare0]

@Doug20 Way to go!  Actually anybody can chose the currency they want to see in searches.  I'm in the US but if I wanted to see what a listing in the UK is in Euros all I have to do is change my currency selection at the bottom of every page when I'm logged in.  I've done it several times when helping hosts In this Community....and once forgot to change back to USD!

[Doug20]

Thanks for the education.  But if all this info and functionality is on the site, why didn[t a search of Help on the word "currency' bring any of this info forward.

The other piece that I don't think you addressed:  A bit part of my point was the info should be WITH the price.  I'm not a bit surprised to find out there is a link to click on somewhere on the web page.   But the first time visitor isn't on the site because they want to learn the site, they are there because they want to rent a property.  And they can't do that if they can't figure out what the price of the product is.    

There are a lot of web sites that work great for the people who know their way around the site, and don't work at all for the actual target audience.  The target audience is not people who have the time and the interest to fully explore the site.   The target audience is those who want to find the perfect property at the best possible price, quickly, and then get back to family or work or personal interests.

Either way -- thanks for filling me in on things I didn't know about.

[Clare0]

@Doug20 Your overall point about Airbnb's help section is well taken.  I would love to see them totally revamp that area and get rid of the questions to find a help topic.  How in the world can people figure out that to get info on 3rd party bookings you have to know to ask "Can I book on  behalf of a friend or family member?".  They should just have a key word search instead.  

In the meantime, here's a helpful link to common hosts questions that a friend of mine put together for the Community Center.  I would suggest you book mark this for future use. 

https://community.airbnb.com/t5/Community-Help/Community-Help-Guides/m-p/23100#U23100

And, keep asking questions here!  There are many hosts who have had similar experiences that can not only answer questions but can give you helpful advice. 

[Christine1]

Actually @Clare0 and @Doug20, I have learnt pretty much all the stuff I know including how to manage all these things from the FAQ sections, either by browsing, or by entering a keyword into the help search box. That's exactly how I did it.

Clare you are correct that a keyword search facility would be a good thing and it is. Perhaps we can just advertise it more.

Early on I realised that my guests would expect me to know every thing they did not and be their personal guide. So I got busy reading regularly. I really wanted to do everything I could to become a successful Airbnb host and in doing so I became my own best Airbnb friend and guide.

Yes, it's time consuming in the short run, but worth while for the problems saved.