ATMs in Tunisia keep asking Accept or Decline Conversion - what does that mean? Shows high charges for this
DCC is a sneaky feature - most ATMs here, especially from Attijari and UIB, will flash the “Accept/Decline Conversion” message. Always decline. If you accept, you’re locking in a bad rate. As someone who’s lived here two years, I see travelers fall into this trap constantly. I use Wise and N26 - both give good rates if I decline the conversion and withdraw in TND. Always check for the real exchange rate before choosing.
Got caught by this during my first withdrawal in Monastir - hit “Accept” thinking it was required. Regretted it when I checked the bank statement later - I’d paid nearly 9% more than if I’d let my UK bank handle it. After that, always hit “Decline.” The ATM still gave me the money in dinar, no issues. If you’re ever unsure - just remember: Decline = cheaper unless you love paying extra fees.
I withdrew cash at a BIAT ATM near La Marsa and saw the same prompt: “Accept or Decline Conversion.” If you choose “Accept,” the ATM sets the rate and includes a steep markup. If you “Decline,” your home bank handles it, often at a better rate. I always decline - Revolut and Wise gave me near-market rates each time. It’s misleading because “Accept” sounds safe, but really, it’s how they make money off tourists.
That’s the Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) trap. If you hit “Accept,” the ATM converts your withdrawal to your home currency (like USD or GBP), but at a terrible exchange rate plus a hidden markup - mine showed something like an 8% difference. Always choose “Decline” so your home bank does the conversion. I tested it twice in Tunis - “Decline” saved me about 25 dinars on a 300 TND withdrawal. Just remember: Decline = better rate.