I withdrew cash at an ATM in Saint Kitts and Nevis and selected Accept Conversion because it sounded safer. Later I saw the rate was terrible. Is this normal?
Yes, I learned the hard way at a FirstCaribbean International Bank ATM in Frigate Bay. Chose “Accept,” and later saw my N26 statement had a much worse EUR rate than expected. DCC gives the ATM control of the exchange, and they usually bake in a 5-7% fee into the rate. When I hit “Decline” on a second withdrawal, I could instantly see the savings. Rule of thumb: if the ATM offers to convert and shows your home currency decline it.
I made the same mistake in Nevis at an ECCB ATM near Charlestown Pier. Thought “Accept” meant safer, but my Monzo card was charged at a really bad rate. Turns out the ATM did the currency conversion and pocketed a quiet fee through DCC. When I selected “Decline” on my next try, the amount in GBP was way better. If you’re using travel cards, always decline conversion it’s more transparent and far cheaper.
Same thing happened to me at a Republic Bank ATM near the ferry terminal in Saint Kitts. I hit “Accept” assuming I’d avoid extra fees, but my Revolut card was charged in GBP at a terrible rate. That’s DCC the ATM operator does the conversion and adds a hidden markup into the rate. I withdrew again the next day, selected “Decline,” and saved a noticeable amount. From now on, I always decline whenever my home currency shows up.
Yes, totally normal and unfortunately, it’s a common trap. I withdrew from an SKNA National Bank ATM in Basseterre and selected “Accept” thinking it would prevent surprise fees. Later, my Wise app showed a really poor exchange rate, around 6% off market. That’s Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) when you accept, the ATM applies its own inflated rate. Always Decline Conversion to let your card provider like Wise or Revolut do the exchange at a fairer rate.