Booking hotel in $ from UK

craigD_2

Hi

I have been looking at booking a hotel for 3 nights for an up and coming trip. The best price I have found is through the hotels website but only quotes and accepts payment in US dollars. If my credit card (barclays) is in pounds what kind of charges and exchange rate can I expect? I'm just trying to work out if the saving by booking them direct in dollars outweighs the difference in booking in £ from another website. Hope this all makes sense and i have posted in the correct location. If there is already information up on the site regarding this subject could somebody re- direct me please.

Cheers

Craig

neilbond007

Can you not reserve using your card, then pay in cash when you arrive? That way you'll know you won't get screwed on the rate.

martyn187

The previous post is good advice.

When I pay for hotels in the USA on my credit card the conversion fee is 2.75%, you will need to check with your issuer what their charge is for using your card overseas.

It is worth remembering as well that the price you pay is also depending on the exchange rate when the hotel charges it (usually after you check-out, unless you are getting an advance rate which you often pay up front, however these are usually cheaper).

Alt

martyn187 wrote: »

The previous post is good advice.

When I pay for hotels in the USA on my credit card the conversion fee is 2.75%, you will need to check with your issuer what their charge is for using your card overseas.

It is worth remembering as well that the price you pay is also depending on the exchange rate when the hotel charges it (usually after you check-out, unless you are getting an advance rate which you often pay up front, however these are usually cheaper).

I don't agree. Unless you have prepared well in advance or live in London then the tourist exchange rate for USD is far lower than the bank to bank rate. Most CCs will use an exchange rate close to the bank rate and even including the 2-3% conversion rate the difference between paying by CC or cash is minimal and for some transactions the CC is a better value option.

Of course the better option is to use a CC with no additional cost like the Post Office Master card;)

debsjc

I find you usually get a better exchange rate on your credit card, than you do buying currency.
If you call your credit card company they will give you the dollar exchange rate they are using that day.

craigD_2

cheers for the advice,

I do really want to pay this online as the rates offered are way better than they will be on the ground and I'll be paying for the time there up front in advance. I'll give my cc a phone and see what their exchange and conversion rates are then I guess it's time to get out the calculator. Thanks one and all

C

buglawton

Dont forget that Quidco has an arrangement with some of the big online booking sites. I saved a fair bit that way when I went to Japan. Most hotels are avail at the same price thru multiple agent sites like booking,com and many others.

ailuro2

Tripadvisor sometimes throws up a good rate from its 'check rates' button aswell, worth checking out all options if you're planning on staying a few nights, the savings can really add up.:)