In Ireland now, but freaking out about the Euro!

Gina · Member

In Ireland now, but freaking out about the Euro!

Gina · Member

PS: I'm in Dublin

oopsy · Senior Member

Hi Gina,

A quick reply since I don't know how long you will be online. Your hotels should charge you in euros. If they try to charge you in us dollars say no. If they refuse to change it write "local currency not offered" on the charge slip. Having them charge you in dollars will cost you more money in the long run.

Sorry to hear that the exchange rate is getting worse for you but try to do the math to see how much it is really impacting you. For instance, using 2900 for lodging costs, and comparing euro=1.18 and euro=1.25 I came up with a difference of about 200. Don't know if that is more or less than what you were thinking, but perhpas with a number you can adjust other costs a bit.

I know money can be a stressor but do try to not let it consume your trip!

oopsy

yesiree · Guru

Good advice Oopsy.

I will reiterate...DO NOT let them put anything in dollars, no matter how much of a "service" they say it is for them to convert it! Some of the hotel credit card machines "default" to the cardholder's home currency and the staff will need to override the default.

When changing money, hotels generally charge a higher exchange rate, and it probably won't help to protest. Instead, take your business elsewhere. I change money at banks and use my debit card with a 4 digit PIN at a bank ATM (not at gas station or shop ATMs which has allowed me to avoid the International Service Fee charged by my card for regular credit card purchases).

Good luck and do your best not to let this hang a dark cloud over you trip.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Gina,

Take a deep breath and let it out slowly. There is no need to panic over the currency. It always fluctuates a bit and there is nothing you can do about it anyway.

As oopsy and Corey have correctly advised, when it is time to pay your bill tell the hotel to charge only in euros. This will assure you of the very best low rates that your credit card offers. Do not let them charge in dollars! If they insist, speak with the manager. As a last resort do as Corey said and write on the charge slip "local currency not offered" or "local currency refused".

This is your honeymoon. Relax and enjoy it. Maybe the currency will have changed in your favor by the time you check out.

Michele