Surprised to see dynamic currency conversion at ATM Marseille airport

Tom,

During my trip last fall, I found that DCC is becoming much more common in many countries, not only at ATM's but also when paying hotel bills or whatever. Travellers will have to be increasingly vigilant to avoid being 'nicked' by this.

My experience was the same as Ken's. In Spain last year, I was charged in dollars several times without having approved the conversion (and twice after I had specifically said "in euros"). I insisted that the original charges be reversed. The folks I was dealing with claimed not to know how to do that (and were at least borderline rude about it), but I stood my ground and the charges were eventually resubmitted in euros.

I think this is going to be an increasing pain for travelers, at least until customers realize what is happening and insist on being charged in the local currency. It's beyond annoying when the server/clerk/desk staffer doesn't give the customer the option of being charged in the local currency, but rather just answers the dollars/euros question on the card scanner himself. I'm sure this practice is being urged by hotel/restaurant/shop managers as a way to improve their profit margins, but I have no intention of paying more than local customers do.

I'm going to try to remember to hold onto my credit card rather than simply handing it over, but I've been doing the latter for at least 30 years, and old habits die hard.

Yes, sadly to me this isn't surprising. DCC is becoming more and more common, I'm afraid. That's why your post is a good reminder to folks to be aware.

DCC is rife at ATMs in the USA. You just don't encounter it.

Some countries are particularly bad - Spain and the Republic of Ireland come to mind here. Also some international hotel chains, especially Marriott as it happens.

Funny but I really don't use ATM's at home since there is usually a fee. I use the one attached to my bank and never find the need to get cash while traveling domestically. I leave home with $200 then charge everything else and that works out.

I would probably stop charging at restaurants and pay with cash if DCC becomes a problem where I'm traveling.

Annoying isn't it. I got caught out once by that in Spain -- to the inexperienced, charging in dollars seems like it would save a step and money when of course it adds a step and you lose money on it. At least ATMs let you choose; a vendor who just chooses for you would be incredibly annoying.

I got hit with DCC once, at a kiosk at Dublin airport. Although I knew what to look for, I hit the wrong key w/o thinking. Fortunately it was a very small purchase. Now I see from the OP how significant it can be on a larger amount.

Just say no, to conversion.