Just used an ATM in Brunei and it asked me to accept or decline conversion. I chose Accept but now Im not sure if I paid extra fees. Can someone explain what this means and whats the right option?
Same here I used a Perbadanan TAIB ATM in Kuala Belait and chose “Accept” thinking it would help avoid surprises. Later checked my N26 statement and realized I got a terrible rate. That’s the DCC trap it converts to your home currency using the ATM’s own rate, which usually includes extra fees hidden in the rate itself. If an ATM shows your home currency, just hit “Decline” and let your card provider do the conversion. Way cheaper.
I was in Jerudong recently and withdrew cash from a Standard Chartered ATM. Picked “Accept Conversion” without knowing what it meant. My Monzo card later showed I paid more than expected DCC again. It’s misleading because it sounds secure, but it just means the ATM chooses the rate, not your bank. Since then, I always Decline the conversion. Especially with travel cards like Wise or Revolut, your bank rate will nearly always be better.
Just got back from Brunei and had the same issue at a BIBD ATM at the airport. When I selected “Accept,” it converted the withdrawal into GBP right there, and I assumed it was safer. But my Revolut statement showed a rate that was almost 6% worse than market. The ATM makes money off the conversion that’s DCC in action. Always hit “Decline” so your card handles the exchange using its own, usually fairer, rate.
Yes, that's pretty common it's called Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC). I made the same mistake in Bandar Seri Begawan at a Baiduri Bank ATM near The Mall Gadong. I chose “Accept” thinking it meant fewer surprises, but my Wise account showed I got hit with a worse exchange rate than usual. When you accept, the ATM sets the rate, not your bank and they often add a hidden markup. Next time, Decline conversion and let your card provider handle it.