Ditto all that's been said. I too am from Australia and Priceline has saved me a small fortune - not once disappointed in the hotel/room/location - nor have I been treated as 'second class' because I've booked through Priceline.

As your German colleague suggested, I use my own street address but insteady of sunny Sydney, I selected a US city/state/zipcode.

Good hunting on Priceline ... and reiterating all others ... don't forget to do your homework first!