I withdrew cash at an ATM in Nauru and selected Accept Conversion because it sounded safer. Later I saw the rate was terrible. Is this normal?
Just got back from Nauru and had the exact same experience. I withdrew from a Bendigo-affiliated ATM on the island and picked “Accept” because the wording made it sound safer. But my N26 card was charged at a poor rate at least 5% off the real exchange. It’s classic DCC: sounds helpful, but really benefits the ATM operator. From now on, I always Decline Conversion your travel card will do the job better and cheaper.
Yep, happened to me too when I visited Nauru for a short work trip. I used the main bank ATM in Aiwo and selected “Accept,” assuming that would minimize extra charges. But my Monzo card later showed a terrible rate in USD, far worse than what I got with “Decline” on another withdrawal. That’s the DCC trap. If the ATM offers to convert for you decline it and let your card provider handle the exchange.
Same thing happened to me on Nauru last month. Used an ANZ ATM near the airport, hit “Accept,” and later saw my Revolut statement I got absolutely stung on the rate. DCC gives control to the ATM operator, not your bank, so you get a marked-up exchange rate even if no “fee” is listed. Now I always Decline, especially when I see the ATM showing the amount in GBP or EUR that’s a red flag.
Yes, that’s completely normal though not ideal. I withdrew cash at an Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ) ATM in Yaren, and selected “Accept” thinking it would avoid surprises. But my Wise card later showed a really bad exchange rate, with a hidden fee baked into it. That’s Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) the ATM converts at its own rate, which is usually 5-7% worse than your card’s rate. Always Decline Conversion so your bank or card handles the currency.