Originally Posted by
MePlatPremier
Anywhere in the world outside the US, online check-in is just a heads-up to let the hotel know the estimated time of arrival and, perhaps, request a late check out. Hotels must comply with local guest registration laws and prefer to have a physical card preauthorization on file.
You just beat me to it. I have never had online check-in complete outside North America. Sure, it says you're checked in but a visit to the desk is required to present photo ID. It's even getting tougher for us "foreigners" in the US, with some hotels requiring photo ID and a credit card swipe no matter status or card on file. YMMV