ATMs in Slovakia high currency conversion charges

I got confused by that same screen near Bratislava Castle. The ATM gave me a USD figure that looked clean and final - but when I checked the math later, I'd lost nearly €10 on a €200 withdrawal. I should’ve hit “Decline.” A traveler at my hostel explained that it’s a trick to get tourists to accept poor exchange rates. Since then, I’ve always declined conversion and saved money. It’s a small button but makes a big difference.

In Banská Bystrica, I compared both options using my Wise card. With “Accept,” the ATM showed me a USD amount with an 8% markup over the interbank rate. I declined, and Wise converted the transaction at real-time FX rates with zero markup. DCC (Dynamic Currency Conversion) is designed to confuse you with bold fonts and warnings, but the bottom line is: “Accept Conversion” equals worse rates and hidden fees. “Decline” is the better choice nearly every time.

I used my Chase debit card in Košice and was really tempted to press “Accept” because the screen made it look like the safer option. But it showed the exchange rate and the markup - and the difference was big. If you accept, the ATM locks in its own inflated rate and adds a hidden fee on top. I pressed “Decline” and my bank back home processed it at a much more favorable rate. Unless you’re absolutely sure your home bank has worse rates, always choose "Decline" - even if the ATM makes it seem risky.

I had the exact same moment in Bratislava - the OTP ATM flashed that “Accept Conversion” option and even highlighted it in green like it was the smart choice. But if you read the small print, it says something like “includes an 8.2% markup.” That’s Dynamic Currency Conversion. It’s basically the ATM converting your withdrawal to USD on the spot with a bad exchange rate. I chose "Decline," and my bank handled the conversion at a much better rate. Always go with "Decline Conversion" - that markup is where they get you.