ATMs in Marshall Islands keep asking Charge in EUR or Charge in USD - what does that mean? Shows high charges for this
Talking to other travelers at Majuro airport, everyone complained about those EUR vs USD ATM prompts. Accepting EUR conversion locked them into worse rates and additional fees, making withdrawals way more expensive. Using the Bank of Marshall Islands ATM, I always pick USD. Even with the $6 ATM fee, it’s cheaper than ATM conversion. Wise or Revolut cards work well here to reduce costs.
I found the EUR or USD prompt confusing in Marshall Islands. After checking, I realized the ATM’s currency conversion fees are pretty steep-close to 8-12% markup on the exchange rate. Using my Mastercard, I just select USD and let my bank handle the exchange. Bank of Marshall Islands ATMs also have a withdrawal fee around $5.50 per withdrawal, so it’s best to keep withdrawals fewer but larger.
At the Bank of Marshall Islands ATM, I always get the prompt to choose between USD and EUR. Going with EUR means paying extra fees and a worse exchange rate since the ATM does currency conversion. Choosing USD usually results in less charge. My Visa card’s bank charges about 1-3% in foreign transaction fees, which I find fairer than ATM conversion markups. So always pick USD if you can.
ATMs in Majuro, especially those from Bank of Marshall Islands, offer to charge you in EUR or USD. Choosing EUR usually means the ATM applies its own exchange rate plus fees, which can be a costly combo. Most travelers I know pick USD to avoid double conversions. Your card issuer’s rate is often better. Beware, though, Bank of Marshall Islands charges an ATM fee-usually around $6 per withdrawal.