Travel Smarter: What You Need to Know About Uber’s Preferred Currency Pricing
ravel wellness is all about managing stress, saving money, and staying informed—and Uber’s Preferred Currency Pricing is a topic every savvy traveler should know about. While the feature offers the convenience of seeing ride prices in your home currency, it also introduces a 1.5% surcharge that can silently eat into your travel budget. Here’s how you can avoid hidden fees, protect your wallet, and make smarter travel decisions.
What Is Uber’s Preferred Currency Pricing?
If you’ve ever felt uneasy navigating a foreign city’s transportation system, you’re not alone. Uber has become a trusted tool for millions of travelers worldwide, offering convenience, safety, and ease of use. In February 2025, Uber introduced a new feature called Preferred Currency Pricing, which allows travelers to see pricing and pay for rides in their home currency rather than the local currency.On the surface, this feature seems helpful, but here’s the catch—Uber adds a 1.5% surcharge to your trip fare when you use this option, even though the exchange rate itself remains unchanged. What’s more, this feature is enabled by default, meaning you could unknowingly pay extra for your rides abroad.
Why Does This Matter for Wellness Travelers?
At [Your Company Name], we believe that health and wellness extend beyond physical fitness—they include financial wellness and peace of mind. Extra fees and hidden costs can create unnecessary stress during your travels, distracting from the rejuvenating experiences you’ve planned.For wellness-conscious travelers, it’s important to avoid these extra costs by paying in the local currency, especially if you already use a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. This small adjustment can free up your budget for more enriching experiences, whether it’s an indulgent spa treatment, a nutrient-packed meal, or an unforgettable adventure.
How to Opt Out of Uber’s Preferred Currency Pricing
Avoiding these hidden fees is simple! Here’s how to disable the feature in the Uber app:
- Open the Uber App: Navigate to your Wallet.
- Set Your Currency: Select the option for “Set preferred currency.”
- Avoid the Default Setting: Choose “No preferred currency” to ensure your fare is always charged in the local currency.
This feature is currently available only in the U.S., Canada, and Europe for users whose home currency is U.S. dollars, Canadian dollars, euros, or British pounds. If you’re traveling to a country where this feature isn’t offered yet, your fare will automatically appear in the local currency.
Wellness Tip: Use a Credit Card with No Foreign Transaction Fees
If your current credit card charges foreign transaction fees (typically around 2.5%–3% per transaction), you may feel tempted to stick with Uber’s Preferred Currency Pricing. However, using a credit card with no foreign fees is often the smarter choice. Popular options include:
- Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card: No annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. https://www.bankofamerica.com/credit-cards/products/travel-rewards-credit-card/
- Capital One Savor Rewards Credit Card: Great for travel and dining rewards with no foreign transaction fees.
Switching to one of these cards can save you money not only on Uber rides but on all your international purchases.
Travel Smart, Stay Well
At TrvlPro, we believe that travel and wellness go hand in hand. Staying informed about changes in the travel industry—like Uber’s new pricing feature—ensures you can make thoughtful decisions that align with your health and wellness goals. Whether it’s avoiding hidden fees, managing stress, or staying energized on the go, we’re here to help you design a travel experience that supports your overall well-being. Have questions about organizing a seamless, wellness-focused trip? Contact us to learn more about our custom wellness packs and concierge services, tailored to meet your unique needs.