Question:
I got to thinking this morning about the switch to euro prices coming. Now I understand that currently all prices are listed in dual units, the local currency and in euro’s. However, when I was both in France and Ireland, I noted that the dominant price was the local currency. By that I mean that the price might be 2.99 in the local currency, and whatever that converted to in euro’s. The "Fixed Price" menus were all nice round numbers like 65 or the like which often converted to some odd euro value. Well, with the conversion about to occur, I presume that many merchants will be changing their prices so that they are now these kinds of numbers in euros. Seems like there is an opportunity here for some subtle price increase. The merchants can "round up" or down these kinds of prices. i.e. if the current price is 4.50 and that converts to say 6.37 they can shift it to 6.50 or even 6.99. The flip side is that in some currencies you could see a subconcious resistance amongst consumers to the new "higher" prices in some currencies. I guess that’s probably only true for the Irish currency. I guess there could be more of a temporary euphoria for most as they try to become price sensitive to much lower absolute numbers than they are used to. This actually gives merchants the opportunity to round up severly. Something that previously was running 35 units might now be running 7 and a merchant could merely start charging 8 and have it go unnoticed. Seems like the Italians will be especially subject to this. And the most likely to be "hit" with these kinds of price increases might be tourists. Rounding to whole units already seemed to be common in high tourist areas even when it resulted in outrageously priced items.
Response:
Well, with the conversion about to occur, I presume that many merchants will be changing their prices so that they are now these kinds of numbers in euros. Seems like there is an opportunity here for some subtle price increase.
Yep, it’s always a concern at such transitions… and you’re hardly new in suggesting it. A search on "Euro introduction inflation" at news.bbc.co.uk: http://newssearch.bbc.co.uk/cgi-bin/KSEnglish.exe?method=mainQuery&AT… seems to produce a story a month on the subject. And the most likely to be "hit" with these kinds of price increases might be tourists.
I can’t see why tourists should be "hit" in this way, if it’s not good value to the tourist why do they shop there? Jim.
Response:
at least we shall compare prices in europe from cars to coca cola ( excuse the example.. ) many europeans will realize how they have been robbed till now.. in cars there are differences up to 20%.. and after the first times.. prices will go up or drop according to markets laws. I see that prices are getting up even now..
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I got to thinking this morning about the switch to euro prices coming. Now I understand that currently all prices are listed in dual units, the local currency and in euro’s. However, when I was both in France and Ireland, I noted that the dominant price was the local currency. By that I mean that the price might be 2.99 in the local currency, and whatever that converted to in euro’s. The "Fixed Price" menus were all nice round numbers like 65 or the like which often converted to some odd euro value. Well, with the conversion about to occur, I presume that many merchants will be changing their prices so that they are now these kinds of numbers in euros. Seems like there is an opportunity here for some subtle price increase. The merchants can "round up" or down these kinds of prices. i.e. if the current price is 4.50 and that converts to say 6.37 they can shift it to 6.50 or even 6.99. The flip side is that in some currencies you could see a subconcious resistance amongst consumers to the new "higher" prices in some currencies. I guess that’s probably only true for the Irish currency. I guess there could be more of a temporary euphoria for most as they try to become price sensitive to much lower absolute numbers than they are used to. This actually gives merchants the opportunity to round up severly. Something that previously was running 35 units might now be running 7 and a merchant could merely start charging 8 and have it go unnoticed. Seems like the Italians will be especially subject to this. And the most likely to be "hit" with these kinds of price increases might be tourists. Rounding to whole units already seemed to be common in high tourist areas even when it resulted in outrageously priced items.
Response:
What’s your point? Danielle
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I got to thinking this morning about the switch to euro prices coming. Now I understand that currently all prices are listed in dual units, the local currency and in euro’s. However, when I was both in France and Ireland, I noted that the dominant price was the local currency. By that I mean that the price might be 2.99 in the local currency, and whatever that converted to in euro’s. The "Fixed Price" menus were all nice round numbers like 65 or the like which often converted to some odd euro value. Well, with the conversion about to occur, I presume that many merchants will be changing their prices so that they are now these kinds of numbers in euros. Seems like there is an opportunity here for some subtle price increase. The merchants can "round up" or down these kinds of prices. i.e. if the current price is 4.50 and that converts to say 6.37 they can shift it to 6.50 or even 6.99. The flip side is that in some currencies you could see a subconcious resistance amongst consumers to the new "higher" prices in some currencies. I guess that’s probably only true for the Irish currency. I guess there could be more of a temporary euphoria for most as they try to become price sensitive to much lower absolute numbers than they are used to. This actually gives merchants the opportunity to round up severly. Something that previously was running 35 units might now be running 7 and a merchant could merely start charging 8 and have it go unnoticed. Seems like the Italians will be especially subject to this. And the most likely to be "hit" with these kinds of price increases might be tourists. Rounding to whole units already seemed to be common in high tourist areas even when it resulted in outrageously priced items.
Response:
Tourists are hit in another way. (has nothing to do with the euro). For instance, prices (for a coffee, a beer, or food) in central Amsterdam (more tourists than locals) are now about 50% higher than in non-touristy parts of the Netherlands.
It’s worse than that. My Dutch is poor but in a loud pub, bar staff don’t always notice. We went into a bar in the Centre of Amsterdam and I ordered "twee biers en een sinaas." She charged me 7.50 guilders. Two more of our party arrived later and ordered "two beers" and were charged 13 guilder. — Cheers, Chris
Response:
Tourists are hit in another way. (has nothing to do with the euro). For instance, prices (for a coffee, a beer, or food) in central Amsterdam (more tourists than locals) are now about 50% higher than in non-touristy parts of the Netherlands. It’s worse than that. My Dutch is poor but in a loud pub, bar staff don’t always notice. We went into a bar in the Centre of Amsterdam and I ordered "twee biers en een sinaas." She charged me 7.50 guilders. Two more of our party arrived later and ordered "two beers" and were charged 13 guilder.
You must have said "alstublieft"! 
— Arwel Parry http://www.cartref.demon.co.uk/
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I got to thinking this morning about the switch to euro prices coming. Now I understand that currently all prices are listed in dual units, the local currency and in euro’s. However, when I was both in France and Ireland, I noted that the dominant price was the local currency. By that I mean that the price might be 2.99 in the local currency, and whatever that converted to in euro’s. The "Fixed Price" menus were all nice round numbers like 65 or the like which often converted to some odd euro value. Well, with the conversion about to occur, I presume that many merchants will be changing their prices so that they are now these kinds of numbers in euros. Seems like there is an opportunity here for some subtle price increase. The merchants can "round up" or down these kinds of prices. i.e. if the current price is 4.50 and that converts to say 6.37 they can shift it to 6.50 or even 6.99. The flip side is that in some currencies you could see a subconcious resistance amongst consumers to the new "higher" prices in some currencies. I guess that’s probably only true for the Irish currency. I guess there could be more of a temporary euphoria for most as they try to become price sensitive to much lower absolute numbers than they are used to. This actually gives merchants the opportunity to round up severly. Something that previously was running 35 units might now be running 7 and a merchant could merely start charging 8 and have it go unnoticed. Seems like the Italians will be especially subject to this. And the most likely to be "hit" with these kinds of price increases might be tourists. Rounding to whole units already seemed to be common in high tourist areas even when it resulted in outrageously priced items.
Consumer organisations are keeping a close watch on all this. So far, they have reported that these kinds of price increases have not happened often. When the Dutch Ministry of Justice wanted to increase traffic fines recently to get "nice" euro amounts, there was an enormous public outcry and the Ministry had to cancel their plans. I don’t think the big supermarkets etc. will increase prices unreasonably because they will certainly get a lot of bad publicity if they do so. Small cafes and shops may try to do it. Tourists are hit in another way. (has nothing to do with the euro). For instance, prices (for a coffee, a beer, or food) in central Amsterdam (more tourists than locals) are now about 50% higher than in non-touristy parts of the Netherlands. A friend who owns a hotel in Amsterdam told me that every time the euro dropped vs. the USD or GBP during the last 3 years, he increased his room prices with a similar percentage. Most of his clients are Brits and Americans, and they still think the prices for the rooms are reasonable. Also, I know restaurants in central Amsterdam that have become so expensive, that very few Dutch people go there anylonger. So if you want reasonable prices in Amsterdam, travel 10 minutes outside of the tourist belt. (I guess it is the same in London, Paris, Rome, and other touristy cities) Sjoerd
Response:
Don’t worry, the merchants have already thought of this one. Other scams devloping as well, as you’d expect. See http://twenj.com/eurowhy.htm#scam Ed — — Traveling With Ed & Julie: http://TWEnJ.com Trip Planning: Tips, Tools and Resources Rome . Switzerland . Bavaria . Colorado’s San Juans
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I got to thinking this morning about the switch to euro prices coming. Now I understand that currently all prices are listed in dual units, the local currency and in euro’s. However, when I was both in France and Ireland, I noted that the dominant price was the local currency. By that I mean that the price might be 2.99 in the local currency, and whatever that converted to in euro’s. The "Fixed Price" menus were all nice round numbers like 65 or the like which often converted to some odd euro value. Well, with the conversion about to occur, I presume that many merchants will be changing their prices so that they are now these kinds of numbers in euros. Seems like there is an opportunity here for some subtle price increase. The merchants can "round up" or down these kinds of prices. i.e. if the current price is 4.50 and that converts to say 6.37 they can shift it to 6.50 or even 6.99. The flip side is that in some currencies you could see a subconcious resistance amongst consumers to the new "higher" prices in some currencies. I guess that’s probably only true for the Irish currency. I guess there could be more of a temporary euphoria for most as they try to become price sensitive to much lower absolute numbers than they are used to. This actually gives merchants the opportunity to round up severly. Something that previously was running 35 units might now be running 7 and a merchant could merely start charging 8 and have it go unnoticed. Seems like the Italians will be especially subject to this. And the most likely to be "hit" with these kinds of price increases might be tourists. Rounding to whole units already seemed to be common in high tourist areas even when it resulted in outrageously priced items.
Response:
I got to thinking this morning about the switch to euro prices coming. Now I understand that currently all prices are listed in dual units, the local currency and in euro’s. However, when I was both in France and Ireland, I noted that the dominant price was the local currency. By that I mean that the price might be 2.99 in the local currency, and whatever that converted to in euro’s. The "Fixed Price" menus were all nice round numbers like 65 or the like which often converted to some odd euro value. Well, with the conversion about to occur, I presume that many merchants will be changing their prices so that they are now these kinds of numbers in euros. Seems like there is an opportunity here for some subtle price increase. The merchants can "round up" or down these kinds of prices. i.e. if the current price is 4.50 and that converts to say 6.37 they can shift it to 6.50 or even 6.99. The flip side is that in some currencies you could see a subconcious resistance amongst consumers to the new "higher" prices in some currencies. I guess that’s probably only true for the Irish currency. I guess there could be more of a temporary euphoria for most as they try to become price sensitive to much lower absolute numbers than they are used to. This actually gives merchants the opportunity to round up severly. Something that previously was running 35 units might now be running 7 and a merchant could merely start charging 8 and have it go unnoticed. Seems like the Italians will be especially subject to this. And the most likely to be "hit" with these kinds of price increases might be tourists. Rounding to whole units already seemed to be common in high tourist areas even when it resulted in outrageously priced items.
Response:
Well, with the conversion about to occur, I presume that many merchants will be changing their prices so that they are now these kinds of numbers in euros. Seems like there is an opportunity here for some subtle price increase.
Yep, it’s always a concern at such transitions… and you’re hardly new in suggesting it. A search on "Euro introduction inflation" at news.bbc.co.uk: http://newssearch.bbc.co.uk/cgi-bin/KSEnglish.exe?method=mainQuery&AT… seems to produce a story a month on the subject. And the most likely to be "hit" with these kinds of price increases might be tourists.
I can’t see why tourists should be "hit" in this way, if it’s not good value to the tourist why do they shop there? Jim.
Response:
at least we shall compare prices in europe from cars to coca cola ( excuse the example.. ) many europeans will realize how they have been robbed till now.. in cars there are differences up to 20%.. and after the first times.. prices will go up or drop according to markets laws. I see that prices are getting up even now..
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I got to thinking this morning about the switch to euro prices coming. Now I understand that currently all prices are listed in dual units, the local currency and in euro’s. However, when I was both in France and Ireland, I noted that the dominant price was the local currency. By that I mean that the price might be 2.99 in the local currency, and whatever that converted to in euro’s. The "Fixed Price" menus were all nice round numbers like 65 or the like which often converted to some odd euro value. Well, with the conversion about to occur, I presume that many merchants will be changing their prices so that they are now these kinds of numbers in euros. Seems like there is an opportunity here for some subtle price increase. The merchants can "round up" or down these kinds of prices. i.e. if the current price is 4.50 and that converts to say 6.37 they can shift it to 6.50 or even 6.99. The flip side is that in some currencies you could see a subconcious resistance amongst consumers to the new "higher" prices in some currencies. I guess that’s probably only true for the Irish currency. I guess there could be more of a temporary euphoria for most as they try to become price sensitive to much lower absolute numbers than they are used to. This actually gives merchants the opportunity to round up severly. Something that previously was running 35 units might now be running 7 and a merchant could merely start charging 8 and have it go unnoticed. Seems like the Italians will be especially subject to this. And the most likely to be "hit" with these kinds of price increases might be tourists. Rounding to whole units already seemed to be common in high tourist areas even when it resulted in outrageously priced items.
Response:
Don’t worry, the merchants have already thought of this one. Other scams devloping as well, as you’d expect. See http://twenj.com/eurowhy.htm#scam Ed — — Traveling With Ed & Julie: http://TWEnJ.com Trip Planning: Tips, Tools and Resources Rome . Switzerland . Bavaria . Colorado’s San Juans
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I got to thinking this morning about the switch to euro prices coming. Now I understand that currently all prices are listed in dual units, the local currency and in euro’s. However, when I was both in France and Ireland, I noted that the dominant price was the local currency. By that I mean that the price might be 2.99 in the local currency, and whatever that converted to in euro’s. The "Fixed Price" menus were all nice round numbers like 65 or the like which often converted to some odd euro value. Well, with the conversion about to occur, I presume that many merchants will be changing their prices so that they are now these kinds of numbers in euros. Seems like there is an opportunity here for some subtle price increase. The merchants can "round up" or down these kinds of prices. i.e. if the current price is 4.50 and that converts to say 6.37 they can shift it to 6.50 or even 6.99. The flip side is that in some currencies you could see a subconcious resistance amongst consumers to the new "higher" prices in some currencies. I guess that’s probably only true for the Irish currency. I guess there could be more of a temporary euphoria for most as they try to become price sensitive to much lower absolute numbers than they are used to. This actually gives merchants the opportunity to round up severly. Something that previously was running 35 units might now be running 7 and a merchant could merely start charging 8 and have it go unnoticed. Seems like the Italians will be especially subject to this. And the most likely to be "hit" with these kinds of price increases might be tourists. Rounding to whole units already seemed to be common in high tourist areas even when it resulted in outrageously priced items.
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I got to thinking this morning about the switch to euro prices coming. Now I understand that currently all prices are listed in dual units, the local currency and in euro’s. However, when I was both in France and Ireland, I noted that the dominant price was the local currency. By that I mean that the price might be 2.99 in the local currency, and whatever that converted to in euro’s. The "Fixed Price" menus were all nice round numbers like 65 or the like which often converted to some odd euro value. Well, with the conversion about to occur, I presume that many merchants will be changing their prices so that they are now these kinds of numbers in euros. Seems like there is an opportunity here for some subtle price increase. The merchants can "round up" or down these kinds of prices. i.e. if the current price is 4.50 and that converts to say 6.37 they can shift it to 6.50 or even 6.99. The flip side is that in some currencies you could see a subconcious resistance amongst consumers to the new "higher" prices in some currencies. I guess that’s probably only true for the Irish currency. I guess there could be more of a temporary euphoria for most as they try to become price sensitive to much lower absolute numbers than they are used to. This actually gives merchants the opportunity to round up severly. Something that previously was running 35 units might now be running 7 and a merchant could merely start charging 8 and have it go unnoticed. Seems like the Italians will be especially subject to this. And the most likely to be "hit" with these kinds of price increases might be tourists. Rounding to whole units already seemed to be common in high tourist areas even when it resulted in outrageously priced items.
Consumer organisations are keeping a close watch on all this. So far, they have reported that these kinds of price increases have not happened often. When the Dutch Ministry of Justice wanted to increase traffic fines recently to get "nice" euro amounts, there was an enormous public outcry and the Ministry had to cancel their plans. I don’t think the big supermarkets etc. will increase prices unreasonably because they will certainly get a lot of bad publicity if they do so. Small cafes and shops may try to do it. Tourists are hit in another way. (has nothing to do with the euro). For instance, prices (for a coffee, a beer, or food) in central Amsterdam (more tourists than locals) are now about 50% higher than in non-touristy parts of the Netherlands. A friend who owns a hotel in Amsterdam told me that every time the euro dropped vs. the USD or GBP during the last 3 years, he increased his room prices with a similar percentage. Most of his clients are Brits and Americans, and they still think the prices for the rooms are reasonable. Also, I know restaurants in central Amsterdam that have become so expensive, that very few Dutch people go there anylonger. So if you want reasonable prices in Amsterdam, travel 10 minutes outside of the tourist belt. (I guess it is the same in London, Paris, Rome, and other touristy cities) Sjoerd
Response:
What’s your point? Danielle
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I got to thinking this morning about the switch to euro prices coming. Now I understand that currently all prices are listed in dual units, the local currency and in euro’s. However, when I was both in France and Ireland, I noted that the dominant price was the local currency. By that I mean that the price might be 2.99 in the local currency, and whatever that converted to in euro’s. The "Fixed Price" menus were all nice round numbers like 65 or the like which often converted to some odd euro value. Well, with the conversion about to occur, I presume that many merchants will be changing their prices so that they are now these kinds of numbers in euros. Seems like there is an opportunity here for some subtle price increase. The merchants can "round up" or down these kinds of prices. i.e. if the current price is 4.50 and that converts to say 6.37 they can shift it to 6.50 or even 6.99. The flip side is that in some currencies you could see a subconcious resistance amongst consumers to the new "higher" prices in some currencies. I guess that’s probably only true for the Irish currency. I guess there could be more of a temporary euphoria for most as they try to become price sensitive to much lower absolute numbers than they are used to. This actually gives merchants the opportunity to round up severly. Something that previously was running 35 units might now be running 7 and a merchant could merely start charging 8 and have it go unnoticed. Seems like the Italians will be especially subject to this. And the most likely to be "hit" with these kinds of price increases might be tourists. Rounding to whole units already seemed to be common in high tourist areas even when it resulted in outrageously priced items.
Response:
Tourists are hit in another way. (has nothing to do with the euro). For instance, prices (for a coffee, a beer, or food) in central Amsterdam (more tourists than locals) are now about 50% higher than in non-touristy parts of the Netherlands.
It’s worse than that. My Dutch is poor but in a loud pub, bar staff don’t always notice. We went into a bar in the Centre of Amsterdam and I ordered "twee biers en een sinaas." She charged me 7.50 guilders. Two more of our party arrived later and ordered "two beers" and were charged 13 guilder. — Cheers, Chris
Response:
Tourists are hit in another way. (has nothing to do with the euro). For instance, prices (for a coffee, a beer, or food) in central Amsterdam (more tourists than locals) are now about 50% higher than in non-touristy parts of the Netherlands. It’s worse than that. My Dutch is poor but in a loud pub, bar staff don’t always notice. We went into a bar in the Centre of Amsterdam and I ordered "twee biers en een sinaas." She charged me 7.50 guilders. Two more of our party arrived later and ordered "two beers" and were charged 13 guilder.
You must have said "alstublieft"! — Arwel Parry http://www.cartref.demon.co.uk/
Response:
Categories: Hotels in Amsterdam | 
No Comments »
It’s crowdy but lovely to see. But if you stay for 3 days, you can visit some other places as well. Think about The Hague, Volendam, etc. They are quite touristic, but worth wile to see. If you still have to book a hotel in Amsterdam, you’d better be quick. Most hotels are fully booked two or three weeks before. For a train pass, call the Nederlandse Spoorwegen (Dutch Railway, look at www.ns.nl). I’m sure there’s a pass combination for Belguim and Holland, and maybe for France too. Have a nice trip!!! Best regards, Cuno – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Need some suggestions my wife and I are traveling from 4 sept 2001 as follows Time can be varied each stay below Will have 3 days Holland 2 days Paris 3 days Belgium (Bruges and Ghent ) Would like to use a train pass ? is this the best method ? Hotels must we pre book (3 star) or are B&B’S Available Any ideas on Holland should we stay only in Amsterdam or move on ? look forward to any suggestions Bernard