Which is better - choosing With or Without Conversion at ATM in Romania?
Romanian ATMs from BCR, BRD, and Raiffeisen Bank often ask “With or Without Conversion” when you use a foreign debit or credit card. That’s dynamic currency conversion. With = ATM fixes the rate into EUR, GBP, or USD at a markup. Without = billed in Romanian leu (RON) and converted by your card’s network. I used Raiffeisen Bank ATM in Bucharest’s Old Town with my Chase card, pressed Without, and the rate was perfect. Tried With at BCR near Gara de Nord, and the loss was 7% instantly.
Made that mistake at a Banca Transilvania ATM in Sibiu. Chose “With Conversion” because it looked clearer, then saw I got absolutely rinsed. My travel buddy laughed at me and showed me the difference on hers. Since then, I always tap “Without” fast before it tricks me again.
The screen made it seem like “With Conversion” was safer-like I’d know what I’m being charged. But when I checked my bank app later, it was way worse than the rate I got choosing “Without.” Just trust your bank unless you love giving random ATM companies extra money.
If you select “With Conversion,” you're basically giving the ATM permission to rip you off. I tested it out at a BRD machine in Cluj for fun and the markup was 9%-I nearly choked. “Without Conversion” means your home bank handles it at the real exchange rate. Never trust the ATM’s math.
That’s Dynamic Currency Conversion. Basically, the ATM wants to convert the money for you using their trash exchange rate instead of your bank’s. Always hit Without Conversion. I made the mistake once-lost like 40 RON on a single withdrawal. I don’t care if the “With Conversion” button is big and shiny, just skip it.