Navigating international travel often comes with the question of currency. When booking a stay with a global chain like Marriott, it's natural to want to see prices in your preferred currency to avoid surprises. While Marriott's website does offer options to view rates in different currencies, it's important to understand how this works and what to expect when it comes to the final charge.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to change the currency on the Marriott website, illuminate some important considerations, and address common questions. Let's get started, shall we?
Step 1: Let's Dive In! Understanding Marriott's Currency Display
Before we click any buttons, it's crucial to understand a key aspect of how Marriott (and many other international booking platforms) handles currency.
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Initial Display vs. Final Charge: The currency you see on the website during your search and booking process might not be the currency you are ultimately charged in. Often, the displayed currency is for reference only. The final transaction currency is typically determined by the hotel's local currency at the time of check-out, or by your credit card's issuing bank.
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Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC): When you're presented with the option to pay in your home currency at a foreign point of sale (like a hotel's front desk), this is called Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC). While it might seem convenient, it's often more expensive. The exchange rate offered by the hotel's payment processor is usually less favorable than the rate your own bank would provide. Always opt to pay in the local currency of the hotel if your credit card has no foreign transaction fees.
Now that we've set the stage, let's get to the practical steps!
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| How To Change Currency On Marriott Website |
Step 2: Locating the Currency Selector on Marriott.com
The Marriott website is generally user-friendly, but the currency selector isn't always immediately obvious.
Sub-heading 2.1: On the Homepage or Search Results
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Start your search: Begin by going to Marriott.com. Enter your desired destination and dates as you normally would.
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Look for the "Price" or "Currency" option: After initiating your search, or sometimes even before, you'll need to look for a small indicator, usually near the top of the page or in the search results display. This might be a currency symbol (like "$", "€", "£") or a dropdown menu labeled "Currency" or "Price."
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Tip: Sometimes, this option only appears once you've performed an initial search and are viewing the list of hotels.
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Click and Select: Click on this currency indicator or dropdown. A list of available currencies will appear.
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Choose your preferred currency: Select the currency you wish to view the prices in. For example, if you're in India but want to see prices in USD, select "US Dollar (USD)".
Sub-heading 2.2: During the Booking Process (Pre-Payment)
If you've already selected a hotel and are proceeding to the booking details page, the currency display might change or become fixed.
QuickTip: Use posts like this as quick references.
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Review the rate details: As you go through the booking steps, pay close attention to the rate details. Marriott typically shows a "Guaranteed Rate" which is the original rate quoted.
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Currency conversion link: You might see a "Currency converter" link or similar. Clicking this will often open a panel where you can select a different currency to view the estimated cost.
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Important Note: While you can often view the estimated amount in your chosen currency here, the actual payment will likely be processed in the hotel's local currency. Marriott states that "All charges are subject to the hotel's exchange rate at check out."
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Step 3: What to Do If You Can't Find the Currency Option
Sometimes, the currency option might seem elusive. Here's why and what you can do:
Sub-heading 3.1: Browser Cache and Cookies
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Clear your browser data: Your browser might be remembering old settings or geographical information. Try clearing your browser's cache and cookies, then revisit Marriott.com. This often refreshes the site's default settings.
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Try Incognito/Private Mode: Opening a new incognito or private Browse window can also help, as it prevents your browser from using stored data.
Sub-heading 3.2: Geographic Location Influence
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IP Address detection: Marriott's website, like many others, often detects your IP address to automatically display prices in the currency of your perceived location. If you're using a VPN or are located in a region different from your desired currency, this could be a factor.
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Country/Language Selector: Look for a country/language selector, usually in the footer or header of the website. Sometimes changing your country preference can implicitly change the displayed currency.
Sub-heading 3.3: Mobile App Considerations
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App Settings: The Marriott Bonvoy mobile app usually bases the currency on your phone's region settings. While there isn't always a direct in-app currency selector, ensuring your phone's regional settings are correct can help.
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Booking within the App: Similar to the website, the app will primarily show you rates in a default currency based on your location or the hotel's location, and the final payment will be in the local currency of the property.
Step 4: Understanding the Final Payment
This is perhaps the most critical step in the entire process.
Tip: Highlight what feels important.
Sub-heading 4.1: The Local Currency Rule
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Hotel's Local Currency Reigns: Despite being able to view rates in different currencies online, the final charge at the hotel will almost always be in the local currency of the property. So, if you're booking a hotel in Paris, France, your credit card will be charged in Euros (€), regardless of whether you viewed the price in USD or GBP.
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Why this matters: Your bank or credit card company will then perform the currency conversion from the local currency to your home currency. This is generally more favorable than Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) offered by the merchant.
Sub-heading 4.2: Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) at Check-out
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Beware of the "Pay in your currency" option: When you check out at an international Marriott property, you might be asked if you want to pay in the local currency or your home currency. Always choose to pay in the local currency.
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Hidden Fees: Opting for your home currency via DCC means the hotel's payment processor applies its own exchange rate, which includes a markup. This markup can be significant, costing you an extra 5-10% (or even more) compared to your bank's exchange rate.
Step 5: Recommendations for International Bookings
To ensure a smooth and cost-effective experience when booking Marriott stays internationally:
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Use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees: This is paramount. Many travel-focused credit cards offer this benefit, saving you 2-3% on every international transaction.
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Always choose to pay in the local currency at the hotel: When presented with the option at check-out, select the currency of the country you are in.
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Monitor your bank statements: After your stay, cross-reference the charged amount with the expected cost (in the local currency) and your bank's conversion rate.
By following these steps and understanding the nuances of international currency transactions on the Marriott website, you can confidently book your stays and avoid unnecessary fees!
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to changing currency on the Marriott website, with quick answers:
How to change currency on Marriott website for a specific hotel search?
During your search on Marriott.com, look for a currency symbol (e.g., $, €, £) or a dropdown menu labeled "Currency" usually near the search filters or top of the results page, then select your desired currency.
QuickTip: Don’t rush through examples.
How to ensure my Marriott booking is charged in my home currency?
You generally cannot guarantee that the final charge will be in your home currency from the website. The hotel will typically charge in its local currency. At check-out, you may be offered Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) to pay in your home currency, but it's usually more expensive; it's better to pay in the local currency.
How to find the currency converter on the Marriott booking page?
Once you proceed to book a specific room type, look for a "Currency converter" link or similar phrasing often near the price breakdown. This allows you to view the estimated cost in other currencies, but the actual transaction remains in the local hotel currency.
How to change the default currency setting in my Marriott Bonvoy account?
Marriott Bonvoy accounts don't typically have a persistent "default currency" setting that applies across all bookings. The website often determines the displayed currency based on your IP address or selected country/region.
How to deal with Marriott showing the wrong currency initially?
Clear your browser's cache and cookies, or try using an incognito/private Browse window. You can also look for a country/language selector on the website to adjust your perceived region, which can influence the displayed currency.
QuickTip: A short pause boosts comprehension.
How to know the exact exchange rate Marriott uses for currency display?
Marriott's displayed exchange rates are usually estimates and may not reflect the exact real-time interbank rate. The actual rate applied will be determined by your credit card issuer at the time of the transaction, or by the hotel if you opt for Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC).
How to change currency in the Marriott Bonvoy mobile app?
The Marriott Bonvoy mobile app usually defaults to the currency based on your device's regional settings. There isn't typically a direct in-app currency selector for booking, so ensuring your phone's region is set correctly can influence the displayed currency.
How to avoid high currency conversion fees when booking Marriott internationally?
The best way is to use a credit card that has no foreign transaction fees. When at the hotel, always choose to pay in the local currency rather than your home currency if offered Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC).
How to see prices in a different currency if the option isn't visible?
Ensure you are on the main Marriott.com website and not a localized version of a specific hotel. Try initiating a hotel search first, as the currency selector often appears within or near the search results.
How to confirm the currency I will be charged in before completing a Marriott booking?
On the final booking summary page before confirming, the currency of the "Guaranteed Rate" or final total will usually be specified. However, remember that even if it's shown in your home currency, the actual charge at the hotel will almost certainly be in the local currency.
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