Where to find the currency setting in the Airbnb app
Open the Airbnb app and tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner. From there, tap Settings and privacy, then scroll down and select Currency. A list of available currencies will appear — tap the one you want to use, and it takes effect when ready across the app.
The currency you choose affects how prices display when you search for listings, how your payment total appears at checkout, and what currency your confirmation emails show. Changing it does not change what you actually pay — your credit card or payment method will still be charged in the currency your bank uses — but it makes the app easier to read if you prefer to see prices in a different format.
If you do not see the Currency option in Settings, make sure your Airbnb app is fully updated. Open your device's app store, search for Airbnb, and install any pending updates. Older versions of the app sometimes lack this feature.
Key Takeaways
- Currency settings are found in your profile menu under Settings and privacy, then Currency.
- Changing the currency display does not change which currency you are charged in — your bank handles that conversion.
- The currency you select appears on all price displays, search results, and confirmation emails within the app.
- You can switch currencies as often as you want, and the change takes effect when ready.
- If the Currency option is missing, update your Airbnb app to the latest version.
What happens to your payment when you change currency
Airbnb converts prices for display purposes only. If you select British pounds but your bank account is in US dollars, Airbnb shows you the pound amount, but your bank still charges you in dollars at whatever exchange rate your bank applies. You are not paying Airbnb twice or in two different currencies — the app is straightforward translating the price so you can read it more easily.
The exchange rate Airbnb uses for display may differ slightly from the rate your bank uses for the actual charge. This means the amount shown in the app might not match exactly what appears on your bank statement. The difference is usually small, but it exists because Airbnb and your bank use different sources for exchange rates.
Changing currency on the web version versus the app
The web version of Airbnb has a separate currency selector, usually found in the footer or in a settings menu. Changing currency on the website does not automatically change it in the app — you have to set it separately in each place. If you use both the app and the website, you may need to adjust the currency in both to keep them consistent.
Some users find it easier to set currency on the website first, since the web version often displays the option more prominently. However, the app method is faster if you are already searching for listings on your phone.
Why your currency choice matters for searches and comparisons
Displaying prices in your preferred currency makes it easier to compare listings without mental math. If you are traveling to a country with a different currency, switching to that country's currency before you search can help you understand what you are actually paying in local terms. This is especially useful if you are comparing prices across multiple listings and want to see them all in the same currency.
Keep in mind that Airbnb shows prices in the currency you select, but the host may have set their prices in a different currency. The conversion happens on Airbnb's end, not the host's, so you are always seeing Airbnb's version of what that price is worth in your chosen currency.
Resetting to your default currency
If you want to go back to your original currency, follow the same path: profile icon, Settings and privacy, Currency. Select your original currency from the list, and it switches back when ready. There is no limit to how many times you can change it, and no setting gets locked in permanently.
If you are not sure which currency you started with, look at your first Airbnb confirmation email — it will show the currency Airbnb was displaying when you booked. You can always match that currency again by selecting it from the list.
Troubleshooting currency display problems
If prices are still showing in the wrong currency after you change the setting, close the Airbnb app completely and reopen it. Sometimes the display does not refresh until you restart the app. If that does not work, sign out of your account, then sign back in — this forces the app to reload all your settings.
If the Currency option is greyed out or will not let you select a different currency, check whether your account is in a region that restricts currency choices. Some countries limit which currencies Airbnb will display, usually for regulatory reasons. In that case, you may not be able to change it, but you can still see what currency is being used in your Settings menu.
Currency settings and your payment method
Your payment method — the credit card, debit card, or bank account you have on file — determines what currency your bank charges you in. Changing the currency display in the app does not change your payment method or how your bank processes the charge. If you want to be charged in a different currency, you would need to add a payment method from that country or region, not just change the app display.
Before you book, check what currency your payment method uses. If there is a mismatch between the currency Airbnb is displaying and the currency your bank uses, your bank will handle the conversion at checkout. Airbnb will show you the conversion rate it is using before you confirm your booking, so you can see the final amount in your bank's currency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does changing currency on the app change what I pay?
No. Changing the currency display only changes how prices appear in the app. Your actual charge depends on your payment method and your bank's exchange rate, not on which currency you selected in the app.
Can I set a different currency for each booking?
No. The currency setting applies to your entire account. However, you can change it before each search or booking if you want to see prices in different currencies at different times.
What if my country's currency is not on the list?
Airbnb supports most major currencies, but not all. If your currency is not available, select the currency of a nearby country or a major currency like US dollars or euros. You can also use the web version, which sometimes has a longer list of currencies.
Will changing currency affect my past bookings or confirmations?
No. Past bookings and confirmation emails show the currency that was active when you made the booking. Changing your currency setting now does not change what those old confirmations display.
Why does the price in the app differ from the price on my bank statement?
Airbnb and your bank use different exchange rates. Airbnb shows you its rate in the app, but your bank applies its own rate when it processes the charge. The difference is usually small but can add up on larger bookings.