Ryanair Booking Hack: Paying in the Right Currency Can Save You Money
Money-saving experts at MoneySavingExpert claim that Ryanair customers can save money by booking flights in the 'right' currency, rather than sticking with the default.
The trick involves splitting your trip into two separate one-way bookings and comparing the total cost to a regular return flight. This way, you may be able to find cheaper prices on return legs that are priced in the local currency of the departure country.
In their research, MSE found that the potential savings can rise with pricier flights, but it depends on the currency involved. For example, they showed a few examples where paying in Euros was cheaper than paying in pounds or other currencies.
The team warns that this method only works if your card doesn't come with foreign transaction fees, which can range from 3% to 5%. They recommend using travel-friendly accounts or fee-free options from traditional banks. Additionally, be sure to opt out of Ryanair's 'guaranteed exchange rate' and use your bank's exchange rate instead.