Change your currency in account settings
To change the currency Airbnb displays prices in, go to your account menu, select Settings, then choose Payments and payouts. Under the Payments section, you will see Preferred currency. Click on it and select the currency you want from the dropdown list. Airbnb will show prices in that currency from that point forward.
The currency you choose is purely for display—it does not change which currency you actually pay in or receive. If you are booking a listing in Japan but your preferred currency is US dollars, Airbnb will show you the price in dollars, but the actual charge to your payment method will depend on your card's home currency and your bank's conversion rate.
Key Takeaways
- Your preferred currency setting is found under Settings > Payments and payouts > Preferred currency, and you can change it anytime.
- Changing your preferred currency only changes what you see on screen—your actual payment currency is determined by your payment method and the listing's location.
- Airbnb converts prices using its own exchange rate, which may differ from your bank's rate, so the final charge can vary from what the app displays.
- If you are traveling or moving, updating your currency preference helps you compare prices more easily in the currency you use locally.
Why your actual payment currency differs from your display currency
When you book a listing, the host sets their price in their local currency. If you are in a different country, Airbnb converts that price to your preferred currency so you can see it on screen. However, the actual transaction still happens in the host's currency or in a currency tied to your payment method.
Your bank or credit card company then converts that charge to your home currency at their own exchange rate. This means the final amount on your statement may be slightly higher or lower than what Airbnb showed you, depending on the difference between Airbnb's conversion rate and your bank's rate. Always check the payment details before you confirm a booking to see the exact amount you will be charged.
How to find your preferred currency setting on mobile
On the Airbnb app for iPhone or Android, tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner. Scroll down and tap Settings. Select Payments and payouts, then tap Preferred currency. Choose your currency from the list and confirm. The change takes effect when ready.
If you do not see the Preferred currency option, make sure your app is up to date. Open your device's app store, search for Airbnb, and install any available updates. Older versions of the app may not have this feature or may display it in a different location.
What happens if you change your currency mid-booking
If you change your preferred currency after you have already booked a listing, the change does not affect that reservation. Your confirmation email and payment receipt will show the currency and amount you were charged at the time of booking. Future searches and bookings will display prices in your new preferred currency.
If you want to see what a past booking cost in a different currency, you can view your booking history and payment details under Trips and then Your reservations. The original currency and amount will always be listed there.
Currency options available on Airbnb
Airbnb supports over 30 currencies, including USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, AUD, CAD, CHF, CNY, INR, MXN, and many others. The exact list of available currencies may vary slightly depending on your location and payment method. When you open the Preferred currency dropdown, you will see all the currencies available to you.
If the currency you want is not in the list, it may not be supported in your region yet. In that case, you can choose the currency closest to your location or the one used most widely in the countries where you book. You can always change it again later if your needs change.
How exchange rates work when you book
Airbnb uses its own exchange rates to convert prices from the host's currency to your preferred currency. These rates are updated regularly but are not always identical to real-time market rates or your bank's rates. The rate Airbnb uses is typically competitive, but you may see a small difference between what Airbnb displays and what your final charge is.
To understand the exact conversion, look at your payment summary before you confirm your booking. Airbnb shows the nightly rate, the number of nights, any fees, and the total in your preferred currency. It also shows the exchange rate used. If you want to compare this to your bank's rate, you can look up the current rate online, but remember that rates change constantly throughout the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different currency for each booking?
No. Your preferred currency setting applies to all your searches and bookings. However, you can change it anytime before you search for a new listing. If you travel frequently between countries, you may want to update your preferred currency when you arrive in a new region.
Will changing my currency affect my payment method?
No. Your payment method (credit card, debit card, or other payment option) remains the same. Changing your preferred currency only changes what currency prices are displayed in. Your bank or card issuer will still convert the charge to your home currency at their own rate.
What if Airbnb's exchange rate is worse than my bank's rate?
You cannot control which rate is used during the booking process. Airbnb's rate is set at the time of payment. If you want to minimize conversion costs, you can use a payment method that offers competitive exchange rates, such as a travel credit card or a multi-currency account. Compare your options before you book.
Does my preferred currency setting affect the host's payment?
No. The host always receives payment in their local currency or the currency they have set in their account settings. Your preferred currency is only for your view of the prices. It does not change how much the host gets paid.
Can I see prices in multiple currencies at once?
No. Airbnb displays prices in only one currency at a time—the one you have set as your preferred currency. If you want to compare prices in different currencies, you would need to change your preferred currency setting, search again, and note the prices. This is not practical for quick comparisons, so most users stick with one preferred currency.