Uber's Hidden International Setting: How to Avoid Extra Fees on Your Next Trip

At Platinum Events & Travel, we love helping travelers make smart choices that enhance their trips. From picking the perfect cruise itinerary to choosing the best way to get around a new city, every decision adds up. One thing many travelers don’t realize? Uber has a new sneaky little setting that could be costing you extra when you’re traveling internationally.

Uber’s International Payment Setting: A Hidden Fee You Can Avoid

If you’ve ever taken an Uber while traveling abroad, you might have noticed an option called "Pay in Your Home Currency." It sounds convenient, right? Instead of seeing your fare in the local currency, Uber converts it for you so you know exactly what you’re paying in dollars (or your home currency). But here’s the catch: this comes with an extra fee built right in.

This type of conversion, called dynamic currency conversion (DCC), adds an extra 3-6% to your fare without really telling you. That means every ride you take is a little more expensive than it should be. And that's money that could be better spent on an extra cocktail, a museum ticket, or a local treat. While the percentage might not seem like much on a single ride, over the course of a weeklong vacation, these little charges can add up to a surprising amount.

And here’s the kicker, most travelers never notice this charge because Uber doesn’t clearly disclose it. Since the app is designed to be seamless, users often don’t pay attention to the finer details of their payment settings. But that small, seemingly harmless convenience fee can make a difference in your overall travel budget.

Why This Matters Even More Now

Ride, share prices have been creeping up lately. A recent Los Angeles Times report (February 19, 2025) found that Uber and Lyft fares have increased by an average of 7.2% in major cities. Why? Several reasons, including:

• Higher driver wages to keep up with demand
• Increased regulations and compliance costs
• Rising inflation and higher operating expenses
• Investors pushing for profit, which means higher prices for riders

For travelers, this means that rides are already more expensive than they used to be. So if you’re also paying an unnecessary fee on every international Uber ride, those costs really start adding up.

A 7.2% fare increase combined with a 3-6% currency markup means you could be spending up to 13% more per ride than you should be. That’s like tipping Uber, except you don’t get to choose how much you’re giving away.

The Simple Fix: How to Avoid Uber’s Extra Currency Fees

The good news? This is an easy problem to fix. All you have to do is change one setting in the Uber app. Here’s how:

Steps to Disable "Pay in Your Home Currency" in Uber:

1. Open your Uber app
2. Go to the Account section
3. Tap on "Wallet"
4. Select your preferred payment method
5. Look for the "Pay in Your Home Currency" option and turn it OFF

By disabling this setting, you let your bank or credit card handle the exchange rate, which is almost always a better deal than Uber’s conversion. Many travel, friendly credit cards offer zero foreign transaction fees, so this small setting change can help you save significantly.

And don’t just check Uber. The other ride, share apps, like Lyft and Bolt, may have similar settings that you need to adjust before you travel. A few minutes spent making this change can result significant savings over the course of your trip.

A Real, World Example: The Cost of Keeping It On

Let’s say you’re spending a week in Barcelona and taking about three Uber rides a day. With fares now averaging €18 per ride, you’ll end up spending about €378 for the week.

If you leave "Pay in Your Home Currency" on and Uber adds a 4% currency markup, here’s what happens:

• Your new total becomes €393, an extra €15.
• At an exchange rate of 1 EUR = 1.12 USD, that’s $16.80 more out of your pocket.
• That could cover a few tapas and a glass of wine, or an entrance ticket to a local attraction!

Now imagine if you’re traveling with family, and you’re all using Uber regularly—those extra charges multiply quickly. Over a two, week vacation, that’s potentially $30-$50 lost just on unnecessary currency conversion fees.

Should You Even Use Uber When Traveling?

This brings up another important question: is Uber still the best option for getting around internationally? According to the same Los Angeles Times report, as ride, share prices rise, many travelers are switching to other forms of transportation like:

• Taxis (which, in some cities, are now cheaper than Uber for longer rides)
• Public transit, which can be faster and much more affordable
• Rental cars, depending on where you’re traveling

Pros and Cons of Ride, Sharing Abroad

Pros: 

• Convenient and easy to use
• No need for cash. Just pay through the app
• Often safer than hailing a random taxi

Cons: 

• Can be more expensive than public transportation or taxis
• Surge pricing can make fares unpredictable
• Hidden fees like dynamic currency conversion can inflate costs

At Platinum Events & Travel, we always help our clients figure out the best way to get around based on their destination. In some places, Uber is still the easiest option, while in others, taking a train, renting a car, or using a local taxi service may make more sense.

Other Travel Payment Tricks to Save Money

Uber’s currency setting is just one of many little “convenience” features that can end up costing travelers extra. Here are a few more common ones to watch out for:

• Hotel check, out payments: Always choose to pay in the local currency rather than having the hotel convert it for you.
• ATMs abroad: Some machines will ask if you want to be charged in your home currency — always say no!
• Credit card purchases: If a store or restaurant asks if you want to pay in dollars instead of the local currency, choose the local currency for a better exchange rate.
• Use a no, foreign, transaction, fee credit card: This ensures you aren’t paying extra fees every time you swipe your card internationally.

Travel Smarter, Spend Smarter

At Platinum Events & Travel, we want you to get the most out of every travel experience, including your budget. The little things, like adjusting an Uber setting or knowing when to say no to currency conversion, can add up to real savings that you can use to enjoy more of your trip.

If you’re planning a big adventure and want expert guidance on how to travel smarter, stress less, and maximize your budget, we’re here to help. Let’s create a trip that’s as seamless as it is unforgettable - reach out to us today!