From this Thursday (February 27) your Uber account will automatically set British pounds as your ‘preferred currency’ if you’re booking a trip in Canada, the US or any country using the euro
Uber is introducing major changes for people using the app abroad.
From this Thursday (February 27) your Uber account will automatically set British pounds as your “preferred currency” if you’re booking a trip in Canada, the US or any country using the euro. There will also be a 1.5% conversion fee added on top of this.
However, you will be able to change this setting in the Uber app. You can do this by clicking on “account” after Thursday, then “wallet” – scroll down, and you’ll find the “preferred currency” section. If you tap on this, you can select “no preferred currency” then “confirm”.
MoneySavingExpert.com is also advising Uber users to keep an eye out for an email which details the changes, and says this should contain a button which will take you straight to the correct setting page in your Uber app. Whether you’re charged extra on top of this depends on your payment card.
MSE currently recommends the Chase Mastercard Debit Card as this gives you “near-perfect Mastercard exchange rate” and doesn’t charge fees for spending or cash withdrawals overseas. MSE continued: “It also gives an ongoing 1% cashback on most purchases – up to £15 a month – meaning you get a little back on your holiday spending.”
If you decide to use a travel credit card, you need to make sure you repay the balance in full each month to avoid being charged interest. Uber argues that the changes are being introduced to make it “easier to know how much you’re paying while abroad”.
In a new page added to the Uber website, the firm said: “Prices will be shown in the currency of the region you’re in. You may be charged variable conversion fees with an exchange rate set by your payment method provider, and foreign transaction fees may apply. Check your credit card or payment method terms for more information.
“By default, Uber may assign your home currency as your preferred currency. The currency may be assigned to users gradually over a period of time but you can make changes to your currency preferences at any time in your Wallet within the Uber app. Your currency change will be reflected starting the next eligible trip.”