ATMs in Turkey keep asking Accept or Decline Conversion - what does that mean? Shows high charges for this
That’s dynamic currency conversion. When the ATM asks “Accept or Decline Conversion,” it’s offering to convert the amount into your home currency at their own ratewhich is always worse. I accepted once at a VakifBank ATM and saw I lost nearly 10% on the exchange rate. Since then, I always choose “Decline” so my bank handles the conversion. You still get your money in Turkish lira, just at a much better rate.
I made the mistake of hitting “Accept” at a Garanti BBVA ATM in Antalya and got hit with a crazy markup about 8% higher than the mid-market rate. When you accept, you’re letting the Turkish bank do the currency conversion instead of your card provider. Always choose “Decline,” even if the ATM tries to make it look like the safer option. Your bank will convert at the standard rate, and you’ll save a lot.
Used my Wise card in Istanbul last month and saw the ATM offer to charge me in GBP or TRY. If you choose to be charged in your home currency (Accept), you get a terrible exchange rate and sometimes added fees. When I hit “Decline,” I was charged in lira, and the rate through Wise was way better. It feels like a trick, honestly just decline and stick with local currency.
Happened to me at an Ziraat Bank ATM in Izmir. It asked me to confirm the conversion into euros and showed the fee looked fine until I checked later and saw the hidden rate was awful. Accepting DCC means the Turkish ATM sets the rate. Declining it means your own bank or card service does, and they usually offer close to market rates. Always decline if you want to avoid being overcharged. Ziraat Bank just forced the conversion, thats just ridiculous.
Real-life example at a DenizBank ATM:
- With DCC: 1,000 TL = $52 (terrible rate + fee)
- Without DCC: 1,000 TL = $47 (your bank’s fair rate)
Always say NO to conversion! Even Ziraat bank forced this fee on me. If the ATM forces it, cancel and find another one like Isbank, HSBC, PTT one close by instead.
I got burned by DCC at a Yapı Kredi ATM - it added 7% extra fees without asking me! Here’s how to avoid it:
Select "Continue in TRY" (Turkish Lira).
Check screens carefully - some ATMs (like QNB Finansbank) hide the "Decline" option in small text.
Use Wise/Revolut-they show the real exchange rate, making DCC scams obvious.
Avoid airport ATMs (like those at IST) - they have the worst rates.
Why ATMs push DCC: They make money by offering bad rates. At a Garanti BBVA ATM, you might see:ATMs in Turkey keep asking Accept or Decline Conversion - what does that mean? Shows high charges for this
"Charge in USD?" - DECLINE
"Convert to your home currency?" - DECLINE
"Continue in TRY (Turkish Lira)?" - ACCEPT
Avoid standalone ATMs like Euronet - they’re the worst for hidden fees. Halkbank and Akbank ATMs usually give fairer options.
This is Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC), a common ATM trick in Turkey. If you "Accept", the ATM (not your bank) sets a terrible exchange rate. For example, at a Euronet ATM in Istanbul, a 1,000 TL withdrawal might cost $50 with DCC vs. $45 if you decline and let your bank convert it. Always "Decline" and let your own bank handle the conversion. Stick to ATMs from Is Bank or ING Bank or HSBC - they’re more transparent.