I used my US card in South Sudan & 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?
My experience in South Sudan showed me that accepting ATM currency conversion is a bad idea; you get charged that 8% markup, which adds up fast. Decline conversion, and your US bank sorts the rate, usually better. ATMs at Nile Commercial Bank were my go-to. Card use is limited, so carry USD cash too. Always check your card’s foreign fees before traveling.
If you’re in South Sudan and see that Accept or Decline prompt, it’s better to decline. I’ve tried accepting once and got hit with extra fees. The 8% is that DCC fee, and it’s a rip-off. Let Visa or Mastercard do the currency exchange-it’s safer and cheaper. Also, ATMs are limited, so having cash on hand is smart, especially if you explore rural areas.
That Accept or Decline option can be confusing in South Sudan, but I always decline. The 8% markup is a hidden fee, and you end up paying way more if you accept. Use ATMs at the Commercial Bank of Sudan in Juba; they’re reliable as far as I experienced. Also, let your card network handle currency conversion, as it offers better rates. Don’t forget to keep some US dollars cash for places without ATM access.
I’ve been to South Sudan and always hit ‘Decline’ on those ATM conversion screens. That 8% markup you saw is a sneaky fee called Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC). It looks tempting but basically means the ATM sets its own exchange rate, usually worse than your card’s bank. If you decline, your US bank decides the rate, which is usually better. Also, cash is king in South Sudan, so carry some USD with you because ATMs and card acceptance outside Juba can be patchy.