Buying hotel room while using a VPN.

PropertyPig on 30/01/2018 - 21:49
Last edited 31/01/2018 - 08:33

I'm researching my trip to the USA (specifically Las Vegas) and I was using trivago to compare the hotel prices. I've been checking on the AU site and price seemed O.K. I checked with a VPN on and set my location to the USA and the prices were very different. Even considering the exchange rate, it seemed a little bit high.

E.g The Encore Wynn on the AU sites is AUD $282. On the US site its US $137. My question is: Can i book using a VPN via the American sites and use my card (no international transaction fees) and not have any issues?

Here is a screenshot. US on the left, AU on the right

Edit: I checked with all taxes included (but without the resort fees). The total for 3 nights with taxes included, it becomes US$501. Without using the VPN on the australian trivago site, the total with taxes becomes AU$846.06. This doesn't include the resort fees which are payable at the hotel. I used xe.com to convert the US$501 into AUD and its about $620.

Travel

Comments

  • twobit on 30/01/2018 - 21:55

    Usd /= Aud. The difference is less but still about $100. Dont see why you cant pay in usd.

  • [Deactivated] on 30/01/2018 - 21:57

    if the US site you are booking accepts international cards then go right ahead, but you'll find they might not accept them so you'll need to pay the aussie price.

    just book on booking.com and use one of the many promo codes

  • kipps on 30/01/2018 - 22:03

    If you use a credit card over VPN be prepared for your bank’s fraud control system to go nuts. You will likely get phone calls and SMSes until you answer to acknowledge whether the charges are legit.

    I once bought a Bunnings gift card over VPN from the airport. Took off and by the time I landed (overseas flight) the bank had blocked all cards because I hadn’t responded on time. Had to call, pass ID checks and speak to a rep to get the cards reactivated.

    Have also had similar experiences buying jewellery from the US using AU cards from AU connection.

    If the site won’t accept your card maybe try calling the hotel direct and see if they will honour the US price over the phone.

    • PropertyPig on 31/01/2018 - 08:52

      This was what I was worried about. I’m not going for a little while, so maybe if it does freeze up, I can sort it out. I’ve been booking other things on US sites (flights, shows etc) but not via a VPN.

      • fantombloo on 31/01/2018 - 08:56
        -1

        I'm always on a VPN (including right now) and have never had this issue.

  • dasher86 on 30/01/2018 - 22:18
    +4

    How much taxes are added on on the US site?
    AU tend to show full price. US will add taxes at checkout.

    • PropertyPig on 31/01/2018 - 08:32

      I just checked this, and the total for 3 nights with taxes included, it becomes US$501. Without using the VPN on the australian trivago site, the total with taxes becomes AU$846.06. This doesn't include the resort fees which are payable at the hotel. I used xe.com to convert the US$501 into AUD and its about $620.

  • Randxyz123 on 30/01/2018 - 22:20

    What's the total price with taxes and everything added for both? I doubt it'd be that different

  • djkelly69 on 30/01/2018 - 22:23
    +3

    Are you comparing apples with apples? I would be checking that both rates include the same fees, resort fees, state taxes, etc. My memories of booking US hotels a few years ago was that US sites seem cheap initially, but ones the taxes get added on and currency converted, it was very similar.

    For AU sites, you generally can book for the price you see advertised.

    Edit: beaten.

    If you are looking specifically at the Wynn/Encore, you might like to join their Wynn Insider program which gets you better deals.

    • PropertyPig on 31/01/2018 - 08:52

      Thanks, I’ll check out the insider program!

  • jjjaar on 30/01/2018 - 22:27

    I'd definitely get a quote direct from the hotel website. Otherwise make sure (as others have said) that all taxes are in the US price.

    Also if you want a cheap stay in Vegas, check Harrahs. On the strip and cheaper by far. Simple accom but well located, clean and would go again.

  • dazweeja on 31/01/2018 - 10:54

    Have you tried Cheaptickets (15% off with code: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/358336) or Orbitz (25% off first booking through app: https://www.groupon.com/coupons/stores/orbitz.com)?

    • PropertyPig on 01/02/2018 - 09:55

      Thank you, I'll try these codes!

  • Fizzydrink on 01/02/2018 - 14:19

    does it include the compulsory resort fee? the aussie site might include it, but they wont.
    can t see screenshot from work if you have it there

    • PropertyPig on 01/02/2018 - 16:01

      It doesnt include the resort fee on any of them. Says they have to be paid directly to the hotel on arrival.

      • Fizzydrink on 01/02/2018 - 16:11

        plus you mention it in your original comment… sorry didn't see that

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