Should you pay in SGD or USD? Avoid PayPal’s currency conversion fees and poor currency exchange rates with this simple guide!
So after hours of deliberation and self-bargaining, you’ve finally reduced your 20 cart items to a few must-haves (ugh but those socks look really good thooo). Now that you’re only left with few clicks of checkout and payment, it must feel good to finally make the purchase.
But wait, what’s up with the PayPal payment page?
Should I pay in SGD or USD? Should I choose PayPal currency conversion? Or should I choose to convert currency with card issuer instead? Wait, what’s the difference? I should Google this, right…? Ugh, not another deliberation!!
Fret not YouTroopers, here’s a step-by-step guide to navigate the PayPal payment page so that you can avoid currency conversion fees and poor exchange rates. Let’s go!
Step 1: Trigger Payment
Once you’ve decided your final cart items, select PayPal payment and choose “Pay for goods or services”. You’re not required to pay a fee here.
Step 2: Change Currency to USD
Don’t miss this step! Choose to pay in USD because the PayPal currency exchange rates are not the best, plus there’s a PayPal currency conversion processing fee. Oof, double whammy!
Step 3: YouTrip as Payment Method
Remember to use your YouTrip card for great rates and to avoid pesky fees!
Step 4: Change Currency Conversion Method
This is where most people make the grave mistake. If you see the option “Convert currency with PayPal”, hit the “Change” button!
Step 5: Convert with Card Issuer
Select the “Convert with card issuer” option. Why? Because YouTrip offers Wholesale Exchange Rates with zero fees!
That’s it! You’re all set to pay with your YouTrip card without having to be subjected to PayPal’s poor currency exchange rates and currency conversion fees. Here’s to more shopping!
Wait, How Much Am I Really Saving?
Depending on your spending amount, you’re saving around 3% to 4% on average, within a USD $200 transaction. Here’s a table for comparison:
| Item | Pay with PayPal Conversion | Pay with YouTrip |
| US$50 | ~S$70.80 | ~S$68.50 |
| US$100 | ~S$141.50 | ~S$137 |
| US$200 | ~S$285.10 | ~S$274 |
Pretty neat, huh? So the next time you’re checking out with PayPal, remember to follow these 5 simple steps to avoid hefty fees and charges. Shoutout to our fellow YouTrooper Jonathan Lee for this kickass PayPal guide!
- Trigger Payment
- Change Currency to USD
- YouTrip as Payment Method
- Change Currency Conversion Method
- Convert with Card Issuer
If you also have money saving tips and hacks to share, drop a note to editorial@you.co!
Read: How I Lost S$9,000 in Tokyo, Japan
Read: Foreign Currency Transactions: Earning Miles vs YouTrip Savings
Read: Fluctuating Exchange Rates and How to Take Advantage
Read: Should I Exchange Money in Singapore or Overseas?
Read: Fake Foreign Currencies & How to Avoid Them
Enjoy overseas payment with no fees worldwide!
