The Hidden Currency Conversion: A Cautionary Tale of Using GoDaddy AU

Ljcplus on 10/10/2023 - 14:11
Last edited 10/10/2023 - 14:14

I decided to purchase a VPS service from GoDaddy, relying on its Australian platform for a good deal. As I navigated through their pages, I stumbled upon a seemingly reasonable offer: the product page displayed a price of $16.49 AUD. With a hopeful heart and a click, I proceeded to the checkout page, only to discover a surprise awaiting me.

As I reached the final step, I noticed something amiss. The currency had switched to USD without a whisper of warning, yet the numerical value remained the same. Yes, it still read $16.49, but now with a USD emblem beside it. Bewildered, I retraced my steps, ensuring I was indeed on GoDaddy's Australian site (godaddy.com.au). Check. I also dove into my account settings, confirming that my default currency was set to AUD. Check.

Yet, despite my meticulous settings, the checkout page continued to flaunt the price in USD. The cheeky switcharoo meant I'd now be paying more than initially advertised, thanks to the currency exchange rate favoring the US dollar over the Aussie counterpart.

This sly conversion left a bitter taste and a lighter wallet. I share this narrative to caution others venturing into GoDaddy's digital woods. Be wary, for the price you see might not be the price you pay, especially when venturing through GoDaddy AU, where the currency switch lies in wait to snag the unsuspecting buyer.

So, before you hit that tempting 'checkout' button, double, no, triple check the currency. Your pocket might thank you for your vigilance.

Steps to Replicate this Issue:

Ensure that your default currency is set to AUD on your account settings page.
Proceed to order a 1-month VPS (basic plan).
Navigate to the checkout page, where you'll notice USD appearing next to the Subtotal, despite the initial pricing being displayed in AUD.

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Comments

  • jcplus on 10/10/2023 - 14:20

    Update:
    I brought this issue to the attention of customer service and here's their response:
    Yuvraj, at 13:12, Oct 10, stated:
    Thank You for sharing the screenshots. The AUD on which you have shared is your account's primary currency and the one which you shared where it is written $16!
    It is in USD only! as if it would have been AU, there would have been AUD written separately

  • jcplus on 10/10/2023 - 14:25
    +2

    Update:
    Following the guidance from customer service, I unearthed a rather tricky facet of GoDaddy's interface. Despite having AUD set as my primary currency in my account settings, I discovered an additional step was required. There's a button nestled at the very bottom of the page during the server configuration process, which needs to be toggled to ensure the currency remains as AUD. This subtle design could easily mislead many customers, as one might not think to scroll all the way down, especially after having set the primary currency initially. This elusive button could lead to unexpected charges in USD at checkout, showcasing a level of trickery that leaves a lot to be desired for a straightforward user experience on GoDaddy AU.

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 10/10/2023 - 14:33
    +3

    1. Well that's a bloody outrage it is. I am outraged for you, OP.

    2. Godaddy Australian plattorm

    How did you arrive to conclusion its an Australian platform?

    • jcplus on 10/10/2023 - 14:39

      Upon conducting some research, I've come to realize that you are correct. GoDaddy.com.au is indeed operated by a US-based company. Initially, I mistook it for an Australian subsidiary of the US parent company, given its use of the .com.au domain and provision of a local Australian phone number for customer service. It appears that GoDaddy hasn't done anything wrong in this regard. The onus was on me to thoroughly research the market before placing an order on their website. Thank you for bringing this to light.

  • Kyle-K on 10/10/2023 - 14:34

    Dude it's GoDaddy.

  • GG57 on 10/10/2023 - 14:37

    So, it didn't "… the product page displayed a price of $16.49 AUD…"? It showed "$16.49" and you assumed that was AUD?

    • jcplus on 10/10/2023 - 14:42

      Like in the response to Jimothy Wongingtons, I initially assumed that a company utilizing a .com.au domain would automatically transact in AUD. I now realize this was a misconception on my part, and I apologize. I should have conducted thorough research through platforms like Google and Bing, or inquired with customer service to clarify the currency used for transactions. I will exercise greater caution and ensure thorough research in the future to avoid such misunderstandings. Thank you for your understanding.

      • Muzeeb on 10/10/2023 - 15:09
        +3

        and I apologize

        Your USA version of saying sorry is accepted.

  • AustriaBargain on 10/10/2023 - 15:29

    Should probably avoid Godaddy anyway.

  • Bunnyburger on 10/10/2023 - 15:31

    The Go Daddy Big Booba Superbowl ad really fooled me

  • jprockbelly on 10/10/2023 - 15:32

    Bikies.
    Although, you'll need American bikies cos GoDaddy HQ is in Arizona. Better check if you can pay them in AUD first.

  • MITM on 10/10/2023 - 15:38

    So outside the jurisdiction of Australian Consumer Affairs for reporting ?

  • UltimateAI on 10/10/2023 - 15:58

    That’s a month, I pay around $30USD per YEAR for an Ubuntu vps with 2.5gb ram. It’s in New York though, looking for something in Australia

  • Eeples on 10/10/2023 - 17:21
    +1

    So it NEVER read “16.49 AUD” ?

  • brendanm on 10/10/2023 - 17:27
    +2

    Op spent more than the price difference in time whining about a problem of their own creation.

  • Aureus on 10/10/2023 - 18:07
    +1

    GoDaddy is a terrible company. Dunno why people keep giving them money.

  • deme on 10/10/2023 - 19:26

    I didn't read OP, but Godaddy is garbage.

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