I withdrew cash at an ATM in Denmark and selected Accept Conversion because it sounded safer. Later I saw the rate was terrible. Is this normal?
Just back from Denmark used a Sydbank ATM in Odense and chose “Accept” thinking it would avoid issues. But my N26 card was charged at a really poor exchange rate. DCC is common across Europe and especially in Denmark where ATMs are aggressive with it. If an ATM shows your home currency on the screen, that’s your cue to Decline. Letting your bank handle the conversion always works out cheaper in the end.
Same thing here I withdrew cash in Aarhus using a Nordea ATM, and I selected “Accept” because it sounded safer. Big mistake. My Monzo account showed a bad rate and extra charges. DCC gives the ATM operator control over the currency conversion, and they often slip in a 5-7% markup. It’s one of those travel tricks that’s easy to fall for. Now I always Decline Conversion, especially when I see the amount shown in GBP or USD.
This happened to me last month at a Danske Bank ATM on Stroget in Copenhagen. I chose “Accept” without thinking much and regretted it instantly when I saw my Revolut statement. The exchange rate was terrible, and the markup was hidden in the rate. When I used the same card at a different ATM and chose “Decline,” the difference was obvious. Best practice: always decline conversion the ATM's offer is never in your favor.
Yes, unfortunately that’s very common in Denmark especially at tourist-heavy spots. I made the same mistake at a NCR ATM inside Copenhagen Airport. Hit “Accept” thinking it meant fewer surprises. Later, my Wise app showed I lost around 6% due to a poor exchange rate. That’s Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) in action. Always hit Decline, so your card provider (like Wise, Revolut, Monzo, etc.) handles the conversion at a much better rate.