ATMs in Samoa keep asking Accept or Decline Conversion - what does that mean? Shows high charges for this
I chatted with locals in Apia, and they warned me about accepting conversion at ANZ Samoa ATMs. The ATM fees aren’t just the fixed Samoan Tala fee but also a hefty markup on currency exchange. Decline conversion every time unless you want to pay almost double for your cash. Visa and Mastercard work fine, but prepare to pay $5-$6 in charges per ATM visit.
Samoa’s ATMs got me once with that accept conversion thing. I accepted at a Westpac ATM, thinking it was easier, but it showed a 10% markup and almost $7 in fees on a single withdrawal. The next day, I declined at the same ATM and got a much better deal. ATM fees in Samoa are annoying but expected. My tip: make fewer withdrawals and always hit decline on conversion offers.
I had the conversion prompt pop up at an ANZ Samoa ATM and wasn’t sure what to do. Turns out, accepting conversion means you pay the local bank’s rate, which is usually worse than your own bank’s. Declining means your Visa or Mastercard issuer does the exchange, often for less money. Still, expect a $5+$1 fixed fee on local ATMs. If you want to save, bring a low-cost travel card like Wise and always decline conversion.
If you’re using ATMs at Westpac or ANZ in Samoa, expect the “Accept or Decline Conversion” message. Accepting means the ATM takes control of currency conversion, adding markups of often 8-12% and fees around $4-$6. Declining lets your home bank do the exchange, usually cheaper despite their foreign fees. ATMs in Samoa charge about $5.50 per withdrawal anyway, so it’s best to avoid ATM conversion. I recommend declining to save on unnecessary charges.