Country of payment
The country of payment is the country in which a travel booking is paid for. This detail can affect how a transaction is processed, which currency exchange rates are applied, and what local taxes or surcharges are included in the final price.
In airline ticketing, the country of payment can influence the fare amount and availability, especially when paired with the country of commencement. For example, if a passenger begins their journey in France but pays for their ticket in Australia, fare rules and currency settings might differ from those used in the origin country. This is particularly relevant in global distribution systems (GDSs) and revenue accounting processes, where each transaction must follow regional pricing and tax rules.
The concept is important for travel agencies, corporate travel programs, and payment processors, all of which may apply specific rules depending on the country where the booking is completed.
Understanding the country of payment helps prevent fare discrepancies, ensures regulatory compliance, and supports accurate reporting and settlement across markets.