French hotel website gives choice between paying in £ or Euros

[whataboutbob]

What is better value? Should I use my Halifax clarity card in the basis that this will probably give me a better rate of exchange than if I paid in pounds? Thanks for any advice.

Euros. Always pay in the local currency. They offer terrible exchange rates when they apply them at point of payment. Your bank will offer better.

But I would add, if you are travelling overseas you should try and get a bank card that can be used overseas with no charge. I use Monzo and it is absolutely excellent, but I believe there are others. They give an instant and accurate exchange rate and no transaction charge.

Yes pay in euros, the Halifax Clarity card is one of those that can be used in foreign currencies with the best possible exchange rate and no charge.

It also has the advantage over debit cards that you get section 75 protection, which means that, if the hotel goes bust before you stay, or you have a really terrible experience such as your room isn't as described, you can claim a refund from the credit card.

It is useful to have both credit and debit cards like this for foreign currency spending, because many places or cash machines don't accept credit cards, or charge extra for using them, or they did last time I went abroad, pre-pandemic. You also have a spare card if something happens to your main card.

Years ago I lost my 'special cheap overseas payment card' while on holiday in Mallorca and had to use another card. I worked out it cost £20 more in a few days in extra charges and poorer exchange rate.

I would pay in euros using the clarity card as it will most likely have a better rate, and then as PP said have a debit card that also doesn't charge for non GBP payments as a back up

Thanks everyone this is most helpful. I always freeze at the cash point abroad when they ask if I want to pay in £s or €s. Good to have it confirmed it’s euros! I’ll write it on my hand for the day I arrive in Paris 😀. ( menopausal brain).

Always in euros

Always in euros, but make sure that you always use your clarity card!

Thanks everyone. It’s been a stressful few weeks and I’m really looking forward to being in Paris. Will pack my clarity card and make sure I take money out in euros 😊