Although the prices in the AstroShop are given in three different currencies,
I am not allowed to pay in the currency I prefer. What's the reason?
The currency is determined by the system, depending on the country of residence.
It is impossible to change this.
About Astrodienst's pricing policy
Astrodienst AG is located in Switzerland and sells products and services all
over the world. For many years, the euro and the US dollar were of similar
value in relation to the Swiss franc, and we treated the two currencies as
equivalent. The recent dollar crisis, however, forced us to change our pricing
policy in spring 2008.
Now, only orders from North and South American countries (USA, Canada, Brazil,
etc.) can be placed in US dollars. Countries in Europe (except Switzerland and
Liechtenstein), Africa, Asia and Australia pay in euros.
Some countries, like e.g. Australia, have profited from the fall of the dollar
for a long time. In those countries, our products have actually become cheaper
over the years. This difference is now balanced out by the conversion to
euros.
Our dollar prices were increased on March 1st, 2008. We are aware that this
increase does not compensate the complete exchange loss. But since our
customers in the US dollar region effectively don't have more money at their
disposal, we currently consider a larger increase impossible.
Thank you for your understanding.