I used my US card in Congo & the ATM just asked me Accept or Decline Conversion - I feel like I should choose Accept coz it seems more appealing but it had these super confusing numbers on the screen saying 8% markup so not sure. What should I do?
From my Congo trip, the 8% markup will kill your budget. DCC is designed to confuse travelers. Declined conversion every time and used a Capital Bank ATM with no troubles. Keep a backup card and cash, just in case.
Decline is the way in Congo. Accepting makes them decide the rate, and they sneak in 8% or higher fees. Always pick decline and let Visa or Mastercard handle conversion. It usually costs way less than what the ATM offers.
I was confused with that prompt too in Congo but declined conversion to save money-it’s called Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC), and it’s a scam. Took money out of Afriland First Bank ATMs without problems after declining. Also, use your card’s app to monitor charges.
In Congo, I always go for ‘Decline Conversion.’ The ATM’s rate is nearly always worse, and that 8% fee is a rip-off. Your US bank or card provider usually offers better exchange rates and lower fees. Just make sure your bank doesn’t charge crazy foreign fees on top.