Which is better - choosing With or Without Conversion at ATM in France?
Even when I used my traditional bank card from the US, saying no to conversion gave me a much better rate. I compared it once by withdrawing the same amount twice at two machines, one with conversion and one without. The converted one cost me almost 20 dollars more.
So if you ever see the ATM screen offering a choice between "with conversion" (charged in your home currency) and "without conversion" (charged in euros), always go with without conversion. Let your bank or card provider handle it - it's almost always the cheaper and safer option.
At a Société Générale ATM in Bordeaux, it asked if I wanted to be charged in GBP. I hit no and was charged in euros instead. My Revolut card handled the exchange and I got almost exactly the mid-market rate. No surprise markup and the only fee was the standard ATM withdrawal fee.
I made the mistake once at a Crédit Agricole ATM and accepted conversion because it looked more transparent. Ended up getting a terrible rate and lost about 12 euros on a 300 euro withdrawal. Now I always decline the conversion and let my Wise or Revolut card do the exchange instead.Which is better - choosing With or Without Conversion at ATM in France?
Always choose without conversion when withdrawing from an ATM in France. That way, your home bank or card provider handles the currency exchange, usually at the real mid-market rate with minimal or no markup. If you choose with conversion, the ATM sets the rate and it’s almost always worse - often 5 to 10 percent worse - and sometimes with extra hidden fees.Which is better - choosing With or Without Conversion at ATM in France?
Used SG / Credit du Nord ATM in Paris during our honeymoon. Be quick-the screen only gives you a few seconds to decline conversion!
ATM at Axa Banque didnt let me decline conversion. Only found out I got charged when I saw my statement later. Always print the receipt!
HSBC ATM asked for currency conversion. Always press decline! I forgot once and paid more than expected.