A “$” symbol does not tell you whether a charge is AUD or USD. Australian regulators have already pursued major platforms over unclear currency displays.
The currency needs to be clear enough for an informed purchase
The ACCC says it may be misleading for an overseas business to indicate that a consumer will be charged in Australian dollars when the actual charge is in a foreign currency. Unexpected international transaction fees can also raise misleading-conduct concerns where a business appears Australian or otherwise gives consumers the wrong impression about how payment will be processed.
The Airbnb case is the warning
In 2023, Airbnb agreed to pay $15 million in penalties and up to $15 million in compensation after admitting misleading Australian consumers about prices being in Australian dollars when some prices were actually in US dollars. The ACCC said the use of a dollar sign without clearly identifying USD contributed to the misleading impression.
The case is especially useful because it shows that currency information is part of the price representation itself.
Component pricing still matters
Australian pricing law generally requires businesses to display the minimum total cost when mandatory charges can be quantified. The ACCC calls this the “single price” requirement. Businesses must not hide unavoidable fees until the final checkout stage where the rule applies.
However, international transaction fees imposed by a card issuer can be different from fees charged by the seller and require a separate analysis.
How to audit a suspicious checkout
- Screenshot the first product price.
- Record the currency label next to the price.
- Capture the checkout price before payment.
- Save the invoice showing the actual currency.
- Compare the bank statement with the advertised amount.
- Record any international transaction or conversion fee.
- Keep evidence of what the website represented about payment location.
What if you were charged in the wrong currency?
The ACCC recommends first contacting the business. If consumers were misled, they can also ask their card issuer or international card scheme about refunding unexpected international fees. The ACCC can receive reports about misleading conduct, although it does not resolve each individual dispute.
What this means practically
- “$” without a clear currency can create a misleading impression depending on the context.
- Check where the transaction will be processed.
- Separate seller-imposed fees from bank/card foreign-transaction fees.
- Save the checkout screen and final statement.
- Use the actual representation as the basis of the complaint.
Sources
- ACCC — Foreign currency and money exchange: accc.gov.au
- ACCC — Price displays: accc.gov.au
- ACCC — Airbnb Australian-dollar pricing case, September 2023: accc.gov.au
Related Kibbo Tools
- Online Purchase Price & Promotion Evidence Pack — compare displayed currency, checkout currency, and the final card charge.
- Hidden Fees Checker — review the checklist of common price-transparency issues before you dispute one.