Which is better - choosing With or Without Conversion at ATM in Tajikistan?
Using both Wise and local ATMs in Dushanbe taught me one thing: always decline DCC. The “With Conversion” option is a known rip-off - up to 8% markup. If you choose “Without Conversion,” your card network sets the rate. Even though it feels safer to see USD totals, it’s almost always more expensive. I’ve done it 10+ times across different banks, and “Without Conversion” consistently saves Somoni.
Wasn’t sure at first, but after comparing, I learned that choosing “With Conversion” gives you the ATM’s own, less favorable exchange rate. I withdrew 6000 Somoni once and saw about a 5% difference in favor of “Without Conversion”. The ATM shows a clean USD amount, but it’s misleading because of the markup. I now always choose “Without” - precise and significantly cheaper.
I ran into this at a Somonbank ATM near my guesthouse in Khujand. The screen asked “Convert to USD?” I nearly clicked yes but stopped. “With Conversion” looked simpler, but the exchange rate was awful. I hit “Without Conversion”, and my UK bank handled the rate, giving me a much better deal. That’s the rule of thumb: always decline. It’s a common DCC fee tactic - don’t get tempted by the convenience.
That “With or Without Conversion” prompt is DCC (Dynamic Currency Conversion). If you pick “With Conversion,” the ATM shows the amount in USD and applies its own markup - mine added nearly 7%. Always choose “Without Conversion” so your bank charges it in Somoni at a fairer rate. I tested both in Dushanbe - withdrawing 5000 TJS “without” saved me almost 300 TJS compared to “with.” Decline that conversion every time.