ATMs in Andorra keep asking Charge in EUR or Charge in USD - what does that mean? Shows high charges for this
I got tripped up by this during my first withdrawal. The ATM at Credit Andorrà asked me to choose between EUR and USD and flashed a “guaranteed rate” if I picked USD. Sounded safe, but I was charged almost 10 euros more than if I'd picked EUR. Always decline conversion and choose EUR at Andorra ATMs, no matter how friendly the interface seems. If you're not watching carefully, it's easy to hit the wrong button. I now always double-check before confirming anything, especially in touristy zones.
That screen is designed to confuse tourists. "Charge in USD" sounds logical, but it's a scammy exchange. Choosing EUR at ATMs in Andorra avoids dynamic currency conversion, which quietly adds a big markup. I used my Revolut card in Sant Julià and made that mistake once - cost me an extra €7 on a €200 withdrawal. So it’s not just small change. Always pick EUR and let your card provider handle the exchange. Even small local ATMs have this prompt, so read the screen closely before confirming.
I used an N26 card at a MoraBanc ATM near Escaldes and got that same prompt. When you see “Charge in USD” or your home currency, always decline it. Foreign travelers withdrawing money in Andorra should always charge in EUR to avoid inflated rates. The ATM rate when selecting USD was way worse than the one I saw on my banking app later. Even if the machine highlights USD as the “recommended” choice, it’s not for your benefit - it’s a profit move. Be careful, especially when withdrawing larger amounts.
That’s a classic Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) trick. If you choose “Charge in USD,” the ATM or local bank does the conversion at a terrible exchange rate. Always select "Charge in EUR" when using ATMs in Andorra, even if your home currency is USD or GBP. I tested both options with my Wise card in Andorra la Vella and ended up paying 6% more when I accidentally chose USD. It’s intentionally confusing, but EUR means your own bank handles the rate, which is nearly always better. Just stay sharp during the final confirmation screen.