Just used an ATM in Moldova and it asked me to accept or decline conversion. I chose Accept but now Im not sure if I paid extra fees. Can someone explain what this means and whats the right option?
Just visited Moldova last month withdrew cash from a Mobiasbanca OTP ATM in Chișinău. I selected “Accept Conversion,” assuming I was avoiding fees, but my N26 account was charged way above expected. That’s DCC at work: the ATM sets its own rate and hides a fee in it. If you’re using cards like Wise, Revolut, or N26, always Decline and let them handle the conversion it’s cheaper and far more transparent.
I had the same experience in Bălți at a Victoriabank ATM. Chose “Accept,” and my Monzo card got billed in EUR at a really bad rate. DCC sounds safe, but it just means the ATM controls the conversion and sneaks in extra costs. When I withdrew again and chose “Decline,” the exchange was way more fair. From now on, I always decline conversion, especially with travel cards.
Same thing happened to me at a MAIB (Moldova Agroindbank) ATM near Valea Morilor Park. I selected “Accept” thinking it was safer, but my Revolut statement showed a bad exchange rate in GBP. That’s DCC when you accept, the ATM applies its own inflated rate, not your bank’s. I tried again the next day and hit “Decline” the difference was immediate. Always Decline if the ATM shows your home currency.
Yes, this is unfortunately normal it’s called Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC). I used a Moldindconbank ATM in Chișinău, hit “Accept,” and later noticed my Wise card applied a terrible exchange rate, nearly 6% off the mid-market. When you accept, the ATM converts the money using its own rate, which includes hidden markups. Always Decline Conversion so your card provider handles the currency they almost always give you a better rate.