Report

Hostelworld currency

Front Desk Operations

stozza started this discussion 14 years 2 months ago

I have noticed recently that Hostelworld defaults to Euros, no matter where in the world you are, or for which country you are booking. I think this only started happening recently, in the last week or two. Previously it seemed to default to the currency of the country you were searching.

I have had some problems with customers arriving with their booking confirmation, which lists the price they need to pay in Euros as well as Pounds (I'm in the UK). We accept both Euros and Pounds, however our exchange rate isn't extraordinarily favorable, as we would rather the customer pay in pounds, and the euro option is just for convenience. (It's not a ripoff, but it's better for the customer to exchange their money elsewhere as we cannot bank Euros with ease).

Now on their confirmation, is Hostelworld's exchange rate, which varies quite considerably to ours. For example, we currently have 1.35 Euros to the pound, while Hostelworld's is 1.25ish. (The actual rate probably should be 1.3). Over a €200 booking, this represents a €20 difference, which is quite considerable. Now, I'm never going to be able to get the rate Hostelworld are giving if I bank my Euros, so effectively I'm losing money.

The customer will not accept us charging our rate if the Hostelworld rate is printed on their confirmation obviously.

I haven't discussed it with anyone at Hostelworld yet, but I would prefer they showed our rates in Pounds, and only showed Euros as a guide if the customer requests it, but does the transaction in pounds, and prints the confirmation in pounds. Otherwise, I think I would need them to consider improving the rate in our favour.

Has anyone else experienced such problems, or got any ideas?

Comments

Report

rjd1983

14 years

I think you should make it clear in multiple languages (German, English, French, Spanish) that you do accept Euros, but prices are based on GBP, and you take Euros on your OWN exchange rate, not HostelWorld's. As long as it's clear in your HW/HB/Website that you do not charge Euros by the price HW are quoting, you will be fine.

Do you send any confirmation e-mails when they book? If you do, it's worth mentioning the above so they have no comeback. Also, display a notice in reception saying "as according to our booking T&Cs prices are based on GBP, but Euros are accepted at our exchange rate, now HW" or similar. You just want to make sure you have all bases covered.

Most people will be understanding that they have an option to pay in EUR, but have to pay extra.

If it's still a problem, don't accept Euros. Britain is not in the Euro, and you are under no obligation to accept Euros, so bare that in mind.

Report

hostelworld

14 years

Hi Stozza,

Hostelworld settles in 3 currencies Euro, US dollars and British Pounds. When you search for properties in a destination the currency does default to Euro with the option to change the currency you wish to pay in to USD or GBP. This has always worked like this and has not changed recently. If you change the currency you wish to pay in this will be remembered when you return to the site.

When a customer enters their details they are shown the balance payable in local currency in your case GBP with the amount also displaying in their settling currency which is Euro in this case. This is for the customer’s convenience so that they can see the balance due in their chosen currency. They also have the option to pay in USD or GBP instead of Euro and view the balance due in the same.

Please can you contact me directly at [email][email protected][/email] so we can discuss this further and I can answer any questions you may have?

Kind regards,

Erica

Search form

Report 'Hostelworld currency'?

Report 'Re: Hostelworld currency'?

Report 'Re: Hostelworld currency'?

Join the world's largest community of hostel professionals.

Check Your Email