How Do I Change the Currency on Airbnb UK: Complete Guide

Changing your currency on Airbnb UK is easy. You can update it in a few clicks through your account settings.

Airbnb lets you view prices in British pounds or any other supported currency. You can browse and book in your preferred currency.

To change your default currency, click the menu, select “Languages & currency,” and choose your preferred option. This change updates how prices display when you browse listings and make new bookings.

You can also adjust currency settings for specific reservations during the booking process. This flexibility helps you manage your bookings more effectively and avoid confusion about pricing.

This guide explains how to update your currency preferences. It also covers the difference between payment and payout currencies and shares tips for managing Airbnb transactions in the UK.

How to Change the Currency on Airbnb UK

You can change your currency settings through your account preferences on desktop, in the mobile app, or during the booking process. Each method lets you view prices and pay in British pounds or your preferred currency.

Changing Currency on Desktop

To change currency on Airbnb using your computer, click the Menu button in the top-right corner of the page. Select Languages & currency from the dropdown menu.

Click on Currency and choose GBP (British Pound) or another currency from the list. Airbnb only displays currencies they can process payments in, so you’ll see the available options.

Once you select your currency, prices across the site update automatically. This becomes your default currency for future browsing sessions.

The change applies to all listings you view and any future bookings you make. If you have upcoming payments for existing bookings, you can change the currency for those separately.

Go to your Trips section, select the reservation, and click Get receipts and manage payments to modify future scheduled payments.

Adjusting Currency in the Airbnb App

The mobile app uses a similar process for changing your payment currency. Open the Airbnb app and tap your profile icon in the bottom-right corner.

Go to Account settings and look for Languages & currency or Currency depending on your app version. Tap this option to see the available currencies.

Select GBP or your preferred currency from the list. The app immediately updates to show all prices in your chosen currency.

This setting saves to your account and stays active across all your devices. The mobile interface makes it easy to switch currencies while browsing listings.

Selecting Local Currency When Booking

You can change your payment currency during the booking process without altering your default settings. On the payment page, look for the Price details section.

Click or tap the currency symbol next to your total amount. A dropdown menu appears with available currency options, letting you select GBP or another currency.

This method only affects the current booking. It’s useful when you want to pay in a specific currency for one reservation.

The final price converts to your selected currency, and your payment method is charged in that currency. Your bank’s exchange rates and fees may apply.

Setting or Updating Your Default Currency

Your default currency setting controls how prices appear across Airbnb. It determines your initial payment currency selection.

You can update this preference through your account menu. Changes apply to future bookings while keeping existing payment arrangements the same.

Accessing Currency Preferences

To change your payment currency, go to the main menu on your desktop browser. Click the Menu option, then select Languages & currency from the dropdown list.

Once in the currency section, click on Currency to view available options. Airbnb only shows currencies they can process payments in.

The platform displays prices in your default currency automatically. Your current currency selection appears highlighted in the preferences menu.

Confirming Currency Selection

Choose your preferred currency from the list by clicking on it. The system updates your selection immediately.

Your new default currency takes effect straight away for browsing listings. You can still change currency during the booking process if needed.

The currency you select must be one Airbnb supports for processing payments. If your choice becomes unavailable later, the system may prompt you to update your selection during checkout.

When Settings Apply Across Devices

Your default currency setting syncs across all devices when you’re logged into your Airbnb account. Changes made on desktop appear on your mobile app and vice versa.

The setting applies to new browsing sessions immediately. If you’re viewing listings, you may need to refresh your browser or restart the app to see updated prices.

Existing bookings and scheduled payments keep their original currency. Only future searches and new reservations use your updated default currency for initial price display.

Changing Currency for Scheduled Future Payments

You can change your payment currency for any upcoming payments on existing reservations. After a payment is completed, you cannot change the currency for that transaction.

Steps for Upcoming Reservation Payments

If you have a confirmed reservation with future payments scheduled, you can change the currency before the payment is processed. This applies to monthly stays or bookings with an Airbnb payment plan.

To change your payment currency for scheduled future payments on desktop:

Click Trips and select your reservation
Go to Reservation details
Click Get receipts and manage payments
Under the Upcoming section, select the payment you want to change
Click the currency displayed next to your total amount
Choose your preferred currency from the options
Click Confirm and pay to save your changes

The system only shows currencies Airbnb can process for payments. Review the updated total after changing your currency, as exchange rates may affect the cost.

Limitations on Completed Transactions

You cannot modify the currency for any payments that are already processed. This restriction applies once Airbnb has charged your payment method.

Completed payments stay in their original currency. To pay future amounts in a different currency, change the setting before each scheduled payment date.

The currency change only affects upcoming scheduled payments, not your entire reservation. You can modify each future payment individually as long as it hasn’t been processed yet.

Understanding Payment and Payout Currencies

Airbnb uses two currency systems for your bookings. Payment currency controls how you see prices and pay for stays, while payout currency affects hosts receiving money.

Difference Between Payment and Payout Currency

Payment currency determines how you view prices and complete transactions as a guest. You can change your payment currency any time through your account settings or during a reservation.

The system shows prices in your selected currency. When you book, payment processes in this currency regardless of the property’s location.

Payout currency applies to hosts. This controls the currency hosts receive when guests pay for their properties. The payout currency connects to the host’s bank account country and payment method.

These two systems work independently. A guest might pay in British pounds while the host receives euros.

How Hosts Can Change Payout Currency

Your payout currency depends on the country and payment method you chose when adding your bank details. This currency can differ from your local area’s currency.

You cannot change an existing payout method’s currency once it’s set. However, you can add new payout methods in different currencies at any time.

To check your payout currencies, visit the Payments & Payouts section in your host dashboard. Here you’ll see all active payment methods and their currencies.

Adding more payout methods lets you choose which currency to receive for each booking.

Key Benefits of Customising Currency on Airbnb

Changing your currency settings on Airbnb provides clear pricing. You’ll see costs in your local currency from the start, making budget planning easier.

Transparent Pricing and Budgeting

When you set your local currency as the default, you know exactly what you’ll pay. This prevents surprises from exchange rate changes on your bank statement.

You can track your travel spending more accurately. Instead of converting prices from other currencies, you see costs in pounds immediately.

Your payment method processes transactions in the currency you selected. This often reduces foreign exchange fees banks charge when converting currencies automatically.

The default currency setting applies to all future searches and bookings. You don’t need to change it each time you browse properties.

Enhanced Booking Clarity

Clear pricing in your chosen currency removes guesswork during checkout. You see the final amount before confirming your booking.

Multiple payment schedules are easier to understand in a familiar currency. If you’re paying in instalments, you’ll know exactly when each payment will be taken and for what amount.

Your booking confirmations and receipts show amounts in your selected currency. This makes it simpler to reconcile expenses with your bank statements later.

Extra Tips for Managing Currencies on Airbnb

Smart currency management goes beyond just changing currency on Airbnb. Choosing the right payment methods and understanding exchange rates can save you money when booking international stays.

Minimising Fees and Exchange Risks

Check exchange rates before you book to know the real cost in your local currency. Banks and payment providers often add hidden fees when converting currencies.

Use your credit card’s own conversion instead of Airbnb’s currency conversion service. Many banks offer better rates than third-party services.

Avoid dynamic currency conversion at checkout. When Airbnb offers to show the final price in your local currency, it can include poor exchange rates and extra fees.

Book during favourable exchange rate periods if your travel dates are flexible. Exchange rates change daily, so booking a few days earlier or later could save you money.

Using Travel Cards and Payment Methods

Travel credit cards designed for international use usually offer the best exchange rates. These cards often waive foreign transaction fees and provide better rates than standard credit cards.

Prepaid travel cards let you lock in exchange rates before your trip. Load the card with the destination currency when rates are good to avoid surprises at checkout.

Avoid debit cards for international Airbnb bookings when possible. Banks often charge higher fees for debit card foreign transactions and may block overseas payments for security reasons.

Set up payment notifications with your bank before booking international stays. This helps prevent your card from being declined due to fraud protection systems.

Conclusion

Changing your currency on Airbnb UK is easy and only takes a few clicks. You can update your default currency through the Languages & Currency settings, or change it while booking a reservation.

You can only modify currencies for future payments, not completed transactions.

If you manage properties on Airbnb and want guidance on maximising your rental income, JF Property Partners can help. Our team understands short-term rental management and currency considerations.

Whether you are a guest booking a holiday or a host managing listings, the right currency settings ensure smooth transactions. Visit our contact page to learn how we can support your property investment journey.

We help you navigate the world of short-term rentals effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can change your display and payment currency on Airbnb. Adjust your default settings or make changes while booking specific properties.

How do I change the default currency in Airbnb?

Click the menu at the top of your screen when using Airbnb on your computer. Select “Languages & currency” from the dropdown options.

Choose “Currency” and pick your preferred option from the list. Your new default currency will apply to all future browsing sessions.

This setting affects how prices appear when you search for properties.

Can I alter the currency display for listings on the UK version of Airbnb?

You can change the currency display for any listings you view on Airbnb UK. The platform shows prices in your selected default currency automatically.

When you browse properties, the system converts all rates to match your currency preference. Some listings may display in different currencies at first.

If you are a host, you can update these through the listing editor.

Is it possible to pay in a different currency when booking a stay through Airbnb in the UK?

You can change your payment currency during the booking process before you complete your reservation. Look for the currency symbol next to the total price under “Price details” when reviewing your booking.

Click this symbol to select a different payment currency. Airbnb processes payments in multiple currencies.

You can also change the currency for future scheduled payments if you have upcoming reservations with payment plans.

Where can I find the option to change my billing currency on Airbnb while using it in the UK?

Access your currency settings through the main menu on Airbnb’s website or app. Go to “Languages & currency” to find billing and display options.

You can adjust these settings before making a booking or change them for future payments on existing reservations. For scheduled payments on current bookings, go to “Trips” and select your reservation.

Click “Get receipts and manage payments” under reservation details to modify upcoming payment currencies.

How can I set a preferred currency for my account on the UK Airbnb site?

Set your preferred account currency by accessing the menu and selecting “Languages & currency”. Choose your desired currency from the available options.

This becomes your default setting for all future sessions and bookings. Your preferred currency affects both price displays and payment processing.

The platform remembers this setting across different devices when you log into your account.

What should I do if my desired currency isn’t available for selection on Airbnb’s UK platform?

Airbnb only shows currencies they can process for payments. If you don’t see your preferred currency, choose the closest alternative that Airbnb supports.

You can select major international currencies like euros or US dollars as alternatives. Contact Airbnb support if you need help with currency options.

They can give you information about supported currencies and suggest other options for your payment needs.

About the Author

Joost Mijnarends

Joost is the co-founder of JF Property Partners, a family-run property business in the UK. His journey began with a £1 course that led to their first rent-to-rent property in 2023, and today he helps landlords and tenants find better property solutions.