Originally Posted by
OskiBear
As another poster above pointed out, if you pay cash for your hotel, you're subject to the 20% tax. So, even if the Visa/MC rate is a bit less than the full cash/Western Union exchange rate, you're probably still well ahead using the credit card. And, you don't have to carry a bag of cash, which is what I literally saw last year at the Hyatt. It was kind of comical, but also a bit cumbersome to walk around with that much cash.
If you need an exchange place, your hotel can usually refer you to someplace nearby that is reputable.
Agreed. And additionally, I'd factor in the value of points/miles accrued by paying with credit card (this is Flytertalk!), particularly if paying with a card where travel is a bonus category.
I'm actually excited about all this, if the rate is close enough and if the points/miles earned help close the gap further, that is the path I would go. I personally just don't care for all the money exchange/cash carrying nonsense.
Regards