How can I avoid DCC when using Visa abroad?

PPJ · 26 July 2005 at 12:03PM

Hi all,

I've seen a number of threads complaining about Dynamic Currency Conversion recently (e.g. here). It's also been mentioned on Nationwide's website and on BBC's Working Lunch.

It seems that merchants are meant to offer you a clear choice of whether to use this, but many people have been caught out by it.

If you know what to look for, is it possible to avoid this scam, or is it just a case of dis-honest merchants being completely underhand about this?

Thanks in advance,

PPJ.

grumbler · 26 July 2005 at 12:50PM

You can find a collection of DCC-realated links in my post in hidden credit card commission in spain thread.

I think it is more case of local banks than merchants. The only way to avoid it is always insist in paying in local currency and check a slip before signing it. If you are not given an option to pay in local currency by card you can always pay in cash withdrawn with Nationwide debit/cash card. Luckily ATMs don't use DCC so far.

PPJ · 26 July 2005 at 1:56PM

So, will the payment slip definitely have a price in sterling if they're trying to spring this on you?

If so, that would make it pretty easy to spot a DCC transaction. However, I suppose if you decline and decide to pay by cash, you've still got the worry about whether the vendor will cancel the partially completed transaction.

grumbler · 26 July 2005 at 2:16PM

PPJ wrote:

So, will the payment slip definitely have a price in sterling if they're trying to spring this on you? If so, that would make it pretty easy to spot a DCC transaction.

Luckily, I don't have any personal experience with this, but from the information that I have been observing here for a long time I see that usually slip includes information about currency and that you were offered a choice (when DCC takes place). I don't recall any case when signed slip was in local currency and DCC was applied.

However, I suppose if you decline and decide to pay by cash, you've still got the worry about whether the vendor will cancel the partially completed transaction.

Cancelling a transaction is not a problem for a vendor. Yes, if the vendor does not cancel the transaction you will have some trouble when comming back to UK (and possibly abroad with temporarily shrinked credit limit). However, the vendor does not have any chance to prove that you authorized the transaction without having the signed slip - if you dispute transaction with your CC company. Disputing a transaction is very easy - just a telephone call.

Donnie · 26 July 2005 at 4:33PM

Sadly, you'll need to scrutinise the slip. If it has ANY amount mentioned in GBP or £s, don't sign it. Refuse, and ask to pay in local currency.

MarkyMarkD · 26 July 2005 at 9:51PM

And, if you pay AVIS abroad, insist that they note on ANYTHING you sign that you wish to pay in the overseas currency, as they operate DCC without your knowledge or consent.

How can I avoid DCC when using Visa abroad?

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