My husband and I are taking the Heart of Italy tour in September and staying an extra night so we can visit Siena. I went to the hotel site (name Torre Guelfa) to book the extra night and there is a question “Currency?” In the credit card area. There is a drop down box with the default of Euro. There is no choice for American dollar in the extensive list. Should I leave it at Euro?
Posted by
SE Pennsylvania
2740 posts
Yes, always pay in the local currency to avoid extra charges.
Posted by
Green Bay
21274 posts
Yes, in Italy, they use Euros. Any other currency invites the bank to name its own exchange rate, rather than the credit card clearing's instant spot rate. The bank's exchange rate will not be in your favor. Google "Dynamic Currency Conversion".
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16190 posts
When in Rome pay as the Romans do.
Today it’s with Euro, many years ago it was with Sestertii. (But I don’t think the ATM has the Sestertius as one of the choices anymore).
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
Yes and when you use your card for anything - make sure it’s processed in euros - they may offer to do it in dollars , but say no thanks !
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
Otherwise, if you don't use the local currency, then you will probably fall victim to the Dynamic Currency Conversion scheme. A merchant will offer to charge you in some other currency, such as US Dollars. However, the merchant is the one who gets to set the currency conversion rate.
Paying $6 for a 2Euro cup of coffee might be an example. Pay for the 2Euro cup of coffee in the local currency (Euros) and your credit card will use the prevalent currency conversion without you having to worry about it. That 2Euro coffee will come across your credit card as a more appropriate $2.27
Posted by
northern CA
2861 posts
@Roberto -- you're here in the Bay Area now, so you should get with the times and encourage payment in ether or bitcoin.
Posted by
WPB, FL & Firenze
3112 posts
The other currencies may be just for reference, so that clients from non-Euro countries can get an idea of the cost in their home currency. The hotel will expect payment in Euro.