I withdrew cash at an ATM in Bahrain and selected Accept Conversion because it sounded safer. Later I saw the rate was terrible. Is this normal?
I was just in Bahrain last month and faced this at a Standard Chartered ATM outside The Avenues mall. Selected “Accept” because it sounded like the recommended option, but turns out it cost me. My N26 Euro account was charged more than expectedthe rate was off by almost 6%. It’s definitely misleading. "Accept" means you’re letting the ATM do the conversion instead of your bank, and it’s almost always worse. Best rule now: if it shows a fixed rate in your home currency, say no.
Totally normal, sadly. I withdrew cash at a Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait (BBK) ATM at the airport and made the same mistakechose Accept. My Monzo card showed a terrible exchange rate when I checked the transaction later. It’s part of how ATMs make extra money off tourists using DCC. Always choose Decline so your card provider uses their own rate, which is usually close to mid-market and way more fair. Never trust the rate that pops up on the ATM screen if it shows your home currency!
Happened to me just a couple months ago at a National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) ATM in Juffair. “Accept Conversion” sounds reassuring, but it’s a trap. When you accept, the ATM or local bank sets the exchange rate, and they almost always bake in hidden fees. I used my Wise card and paid about 8% more than when I later declined at another ATM. From now on, if the ATM shows my home currency, I back out or decline right away.
Yep, that’s normalbut unfortunately not in a good way. I had the same experience at a BBK ATM in Manama near the Bab Al Bahrain souq. I hit “Accept” thinking it was required, and later saw my Revolut app showed a poor exchange rate. That’s Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC)the ATM does the conversion and usually adds a fat markup. Next time, always hit “Decline” so your card issuer converts at a fairer rate. You probably lost around 5-6% like I did.