I used my US card in Mozambique & the ATM just asked me Accept or Decline Conversion - I feel like I should choose Accept coz it seems more appealing but it had these super confusing numbers on the screen saying 8% markup so not sure. What should I do?
In Vilankulo, I used a Millennium BIM machine by the main market. The conversion screen was so confusing, with USD shown larger than MZN. Out of curiosity, I hit accept once and regretted it-paid way more. Next time I declined, got charged in MZN, and Chase converted at the proper Visa rate. It’s a clear case of Dynamic Currency Conversion. My advice: always decline, and if possible, bring a backup card because ATMs here can be finicky.
Tried a BCI ATM in Pemba. It flashed “accept conversion” into USD with a highlighted green button. I nearly pressed it until I spotted the small print markup. Declined instead, and my Revolut card charged me correctly in metical. Mozambique ATMs make “accept” feel like the smart choice, but it’s the opposite. Even locals warned me at the hotel reception not to take that option. Learned my lesson after one bad withdrawal at Millennium BIM.
In Tofo, I used a Standard Bank ATM near Fatima’s Nest hostel. Same pop-up asking me to accept conversion. Looked like the safe option, but the markup was massive. Declining worked much better-Wise billed me in MZN and the rate was spot on. A Canadian traveler at the same machine had accepted and was shocked when I compared our receipts. So yeah, definitely decline in Mozambique, even if “accept” is dressed up to look secure.
At Maputo International Airport, the Millennium BIM ATM gave me the conversion option. Accept showed an USD total with a reassuring check mark, but then I saw “exchange rate includes 8% margin.” Decline meant getting charged in metical (MZN). I tested both-accept was almost $18 more expensive on a 10,000 MZN withdrawal. Stick with decline and let your US bank do the conversion. Millennium BIM and BCI ATMs are fine, but watch the wording carefully.