SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/wt-dcc-pay-local

A foreign card terminal offers to charge you in US dollars. What should you usually select?

Choose the local currency, which is often the cheapest option.

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  1. US dollars
  2. Local currency ✔
  3. Either, if the card is new

Why: If you pay in your home currency, the shop does the conversion and extra fees often make it more expensive. Paying in the local currency is often the cheapest option.

Huh, didn't know that: In the EU, you always have the right to say no to home currency conversion and pay in the local currency.

The dad joke
I always pay in local currency, because letting a machine pick the rate is like letting a seagull choose your chips.
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References

Answer: Local currency. If you pay in your home currency, the shop does the conversion and extra fees often make it more expensive. Paying in the local currency is often the cheapest option.

  1. Pricing and payments (Your Europe, European Union) europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/consumers/shopping/pricing-payments/index_en.htm
    you always have the right to say no and make the payment in the local currency.
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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