As an avid Airbnb user for both personal and business travel over the past 5 years, I’ve learned how to optimize my experience by customizing settings like the default currency. Having the prices automatically display in my home currency rather than needing to manually convert has saved me time and confusion when evaluating listings and completing bookings. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to update your default currency based on my experience using Airbnb across both desktop and mobile.
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Why Update Default Currency in Airbnb
Setting your preferred default currency in Airbnb ensures that all listings automatically display pricing in that currency. This avoids needing to manually convert the price based on varying exchange rates whenever you browse listings in different countries. Key benefits include:
- Simplified comparison between listings since all prices shown in the same currency
- Accurate understanding of true cost as Airbnb handles conversion behind the scenes
- Saves time by not needing to manually look up exchange rates and calculate conversions
- Avoids confusion that can lead to over or under budgeting for a trip
I always update my default currency before an international trip. Even when visiting countries using the same currency, like traveling from the US to Canada, I still update to avoid any potential discrepancies.
How to Update Currency on Airbnb Website
Updating your default currency on airbnb.com is simple:
- Click profile icon in top right
- Select Account from dropdown menu
- Under Currency, click on current setting
- Choose your desired currency
- Click Save
That’s it! The Airbnb website will now display all listings and transaction totals in your chosen default currency.
Changing Currency in Airbnb Mobile App
Modifying your home currency in the Airbnb mobile app only takes a few extra taps:
- Tap profile icon in bottom right
- Select Payments and payouts
- Tap current Currency at top
- Choose desired currency
- Tap Save in top right
After following these steps in the iOS or Android app, all Airbnb listings will now show prices in your selected default currency rather than the local currency of the listing.
When Does Default Currency Update Take Effect
As soon as you complete the steps to update your default currency in either the Airbnb website or mobile app, you will immediately see listing prices change to reflect your new preference. This occurs both for any listings you already had open and any new listings you browse after updating the setting.
For any bookings already made before the update, the transaction history and emailed receipts will still show the original currency used at time of booking. Only future bookings will reflect your newly selected currency.
Other Considerations When Changing Currency
Here are some additional tips around updating your default currency in Airbnb based on my experience:
- Double check charges with your credit card statement as additional bank foreign transaction fees may apply
- Verify currency availability before traveling to some less common countries
- Manually override currency when needed for individual bookings by tapping price during checkout
- Remember to update currency again after returning home from an international trip
Summary
I always make sure to update my Airbnb currency settings before any international trips. By taking this quick step as one of my pre-travel tasks, I avoid confusion when evaluating listings and save time during the booking process. Whether using the desktop site or mobile app, Airbnb makes it simple to customize your default currency. I recommend everyone update this preference before browsing listings or making bookings for accommodations in foreign countries.
