Just used an ATM in Burundi and it asked me to accept or decline conversion. I chose Accept but now Im not sure if I paid extra fees. Can someone explain what this means and whats the right option?
Yes, unfortunately that’s quite normal. I withdrew cash from a BGF (Banque de Gestion et de Financement) ATM in Bujumbura and hit “Accept” because I thought it meant fewer surprises. Turns out I gave the ATM control over the exchange rate and they marked it up by around 5%. If you're using cards like N26, Revolut, or Wise, you're better off declining the conversion and letting them handle it. DCC might sound safe, but it’s more expensive.
Happened to me in Ngozi at a Finbank ATM. It asked about conversion and I pressed “Accept” without thinking much. My Monzo card was charged in GBP with a locked-in rate that was noticeably worse than the market one. Only found out later that’s how DCC works it favors the ATM provider, not the traveler. Best practice now: always hit Decline, especially with travel cards that already offer competitive exchange rates.
Just got back from Burundi and this exact thing happened at an Interbank Burundi ATM at the airport. I chose “Accept” and later noticed my Revolut statement had a higher withdrawal cost than expected. That’s DCC the ATM converts the money using its own rate, which usually includes hidden fees. I did another withdrawal later, hit “Decline,” and the rate was much better. General rule: if the ATM shows your home currency, always decline the conversion.
Yes, that’s called Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC), and it’s definitely a sneaky trick. I had the same situation at a Banque de Credit de Bujumbura (BCB) ATM near the central market in Bujumbura. I hit “Accept” thinking it was safer, but my Wise account showed I got a terrible exchange rate, about 6-7% worse than mid-market. Accepting means the ATM sets the rate, not your card provider. Always Decline conversion and let your card handle it the savings add up fast.