Pay in euros or pounds?

zaksmum

We are checking into a hotel in Tenerife next week, and have used a credit card to guarantee the booking.

We will pay on checking in, and will have the choice to pay in euros or pounds.

Given the low exchange rates at the moment, which is the best option?

The price for 7 days is 620 Euros. Thanks

Gloomendoom

Always choose whatever the local currency is.

eDicky

zaksmum wrote: »

Given the low exchange rates at the moment,

This has no bearing on the general rule - to pay in the local currency, ideally using a suitable card for overseas, without fees. What do you intend to pay with?

Voyager2002

You have the choice: did they say how many pounds they would require?

macca1974

Generally speaking, as has been said, it is always best to pay in the local currency. This is nothing to do with the current exchange rate (GBP Vs Euro), but it because if you pay in Euro's then when it is converted back to GBP, it is your bank that does it and depending who you bank with means that you will get a more competitive rate. If you let the hotel convert the currency then they will usually add a little bit on top for themselves through the rate and it will end up costing you more.

The other option is to get one of the credit cards that has the best exchange rate on it (Halifax clarity I think it was, but I've never used them) and then use that, pay in Euro's and then pay off the card in full. I think that there is a guide to this on MSE somewhere.

firefox1956

Make sure that you tell them you want to pay in euros.
Its getting very sneaky abroad now.
Sometimes they don't ask you & just presume that because you speak English you want to pay in GBP.......they will press the buttons on the card machine BEFORE handing it to you !!
HTH