I used my US card in Wallis & Futuna & 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?
Wallis & Futuna’s ATMs have very limited spots, and when you get that accept or decline screen, decline it. Accepting means paying that 8% markup on top of the actual exchange rate, which adds up fast. I found the Bank of Wallis ATM pretty reliable otherwise. Also, bring a travel card with zero forex fees if possible, and keep cash in XPF for places that don’t take cards.
I’d say always hit decline when that conversion prompt pops up in Wallis & Futuna. That 8% is a nasty hidden cost, and the ATM’s exchange rate is worse than your bank’s. I used Bank of Wallis ATM in Mata Utu and kept a backup credit card just in case. The island’s cash economy means it’s smart to carry some XPF notes with you at all times.
That conversion option on Wallis & Futuna ATMs confused me at first too, but I found declining saves money. The 8% markup is a sneaky fee, and accepting it means you pay way more. The Bank of Wallis ATMs are the only ones there, and they sometimes charge withdrawal fees. Using a travel card with no forex markup helps. Carrying some local cash is handy, especially in small villages where cards are rarely accepted.
In Wallis & Futuna, I faced that same weird Accept or Decline conversion screen. Even though Accept seemed easier, I always chose decline because that 8% markup is a big daylight robbery. It’s called Dynamic Currency Conversion, and it means the ATM charges a bad rate plus fees. Better to let your US bank or card network handle conversion-they usually give a fair price. Also, ATMs are only at Bank of Wallis, so plan your cash withdrawals carefully and always keep some cash in XPF.