ATMs in Rwanda keep asking Accept or Decline Conversion - what does that mean? Shows high charges for this
Thought I was doing the right thing picking “Accept,” since it felt like less hassle. But after checking my statement, it added around $4-5 more than expected. A local traveler told me to always “Decline Conversion,” so I tested that next time and yep-way better exchange rate. It’s one of those weird travel traps that’s easy to fall into.
Happened to me at a Bank of Kigali ATM outside Kimironko Market. It flashed something like “convert to USD?” and showed a brutal exchange rate. I tapped “Decline Conversion” and it went through fine. Basically, accepting means the ATM decides the rate (and it’s almost always worse). Declining lets your own bank handle the rate, which was better in my case even with their small fee.
Used several I&M and BK ATMs across Kigali and Musanze. That “Accept Conversion” option is DCC-Dynamic Currency Conversion. If you accept, they convert at their inflated rate. I always hit “Decline” to let my Wise card convert at mid-market rates. It saved me roughly 5-6% each time. Just be mindful-some machines phrase it confusingly, so read before tapping.
The first time I saw that screen, I honestly panicked and chose “Accept.” Later realized I lost quite a bit to hidden fees. Declining is the smarter option-your home bank or travel card will usually offer better currency conversion. Now I watch like a hawk for that prompt, especially at Euronet ATMs which seemed to push it more aggressively.