Planning your first international flight can be exciting, but also a little daunting, especially when it comes to navigating different currencies and potential fees. Like many first-time international travelers, you might be looking for the best deals and ways to save money on your flight. If you’re considering booking a flight with Norwegian Airlines from Los Angeles to London Gatwick, you might be wondering about the currency options. You’ve noticed a fare quoted at 210 euros, which converts to around $300 USD when paying directly in US dollars. However, you’re also exploring the idea of paying the 210 euros fare in euros using a US credit card, hoping to take advantage of potential savings. Let’s break down whether this strategy of paying 210 Euros In Us Dollars is actually a thrifty workaround or if it could lead to unexpected charges.
The core idea is to pay the €210 fare in euros, even though you’re in the US and using a US credit card. You’re anticipating that the initial euro amount might convert to a lower USD figure than the airline’s direct USD quote. You’ve estimated that 210 euros could be approximately $250 USD. However, it’s crucial to factor in all the potential charges associated with this transaction.
Firstly, your credit card company, in this case, Wells Fargo, will likely apply a foreign transaction fee. You mentioned a 3% fee, which is a common rate for cards without specific travel benefits. If the €210 converts to $250 USD, a 3% foreign transaction fee would add approximately $7.50 (3% of $250) to your cost.
Secondly, you’ve pointed out a potential additional fee from Norwegian Airlines for credit card transactions. Based on the information you found, this could be around 1.99%. Applying this 1.99% to the $250 base fare adds another $4.98 (approximately).
Adding these estimated fees: $7.50 (foreign transaction fee) + $4.98 (Norwegian Airlines fee) to the converted euro fare of $250, brings the total estimated cost to around $262.48.
Comparing this to the initial USD quote of $300, paying 210 euros in US dollars could potentially save you around $37.52 ($300 – $262.48).
However, there are crucial points to consider:
- Real-time Exchange Rates: The actual exchange rate used by your credit card company at the time of the transaction might slightly differ from the rounded estimate you used. Exchange rates fluctuate, and even small variations can impact the final USD amount.
- Wells Fargo’s Exchange Rate Markup: Credit card companies often add a small markup to the interbank exchange rate. This markup, while usually minimal, can slightly increase the final cost when converting euros to US dollars.
- Clarity on Norwegian Airlines’ Fees: Ensure you fully understand Norwegian Airlines’ fee structure for credit card payments. The 1.99% fee you mentioned might apply differently depending on the currency or payment method. Double-check the terms and conditions on their website or contact their customer service for clarification.
- Potential for Unexpected Charges: While your calculations seem reasonable, there’s always a slight chance of unexpected charges. It’s wise to review your credit card statement carefully after the transaction to ensure the charges align with your estimates.
In Conclusion:
Based on your calculations and the factors considered, paying 210 euros in US dollars might be a slightly cheaper option than paying the $300 USD fare directly. However, the savings might not be substantial, and it comes with a degree of uncertainty due to fluctuating exchange rates and potential hidden fees.
For a first-time international traveler, the potential savings might be offset by the complexity and slight risk of unexpected charges. It’s essential to:
- Confirm the exact exchange rate your credit card company will use.
- Clarify all potential fees from Norwegian Airlines for euro payments.
- Compare the final estimated cost carefully with the direct USD fare.
If the savings are minimal and the process feels confusing, paying directly in USD might offer more peace of mind for your first international flight booking. However, if you’re comfortable with these considerations and want to potentially save a bit, paying the 210 euros in US dollars could be a viable, albeit slightly complex, option. Always prioritize clarity and confirm all charges before making your final booking decision.
