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Always Refuse Currency Conversion When Traveling Abroad
Avoid the hidden fees of Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) when using ATMs and card machines overseas.
Apr. 10, 2026 at 6:10am by Ben Kaplan
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A conceptual illustration capturing the hidden costs and deceptive practices of dynamic currency conversion when using ATMs and card machines while traveling abroad.San Francisco TodayWhen using ATMs or card machines while traveling abroad, it's crucial to always refuse any offers to convert your transaction to your home currency. This service, known as Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC), can add up to 6% in hidden fees to your transaction. The article provides examples of what to look for on ATM and card machine screens to identify DCC and how to properly select the local currency option to avoid these unnecessary charges.
Why it matters
Travelers can easily fall victim to DCC without realizing the significant financial impact. Understanding this common travel money trap is important to avoid unexpected fees and ensure you get the best exchange rates when using your card overseas.
The details
DCC allows ATMs and card machines to offer conversion to the user's home currency, but the exchange rates they provide are always unfavorable, adding up to 6% in hidden fees. The machines may present the option in a misleading way, such as 'Would you like to fix the exchange rate?' or simply displaying a familiar currency amount without explicitly asking. The only way to avoid DCC is to always select the local currency option, no matter how the machine presents the choice.
- The article was published on April 10, 2026.
The players
WeSwap
A financial services company that provides travel money cards and advice to help consumers get the best exchange rates when traveling abroad.
What’s next
The article does not mention any specific future events or next steps.
The takeaway
Travelers must be vigilant when using ATMs and card machines abroad to avoid falling victim to Dynamic Currency Conversion, which can significantly increase the cost of transactions through hidden fees. The only way to ensure you get the best exchange rates is to always select the local currency option, no matter how the machine presents the choice.
