

In almost all cases, you’ll come out ahead by selecting the local currency and letting your bank exchange the money for you.Īnd if you don’t have one already, consider applying for a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. This is often shown at ATMs and point-of-sale systems where you’ll be asked if you’d like to be charged in the local currency or your home currency. If you’re jet-setting abroad this summer, keep an eye out for dynamic currency conversion.
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Make sure to read our full guide to the best credit cards for international travel for more inspiration.

On the other hand, electing to use dynamic currency conversion at the point-of-sale system - in other words, paying in your home currency - often gives you a poor conversion rate. So as long as you’re paying with a card that doesn’t add foreign transaction fees, you should get the best possible deal on your purchase, though American Express, Discover, Mastercard and Visa may have slightly different currency conversion rates at the time you make a purchase. Generally, credit card companies will give you close to the true exchange rate. So, if you use your US Mastercard to buy a £50 meal in London and pay in the local currency, you’d be charged $62.24. Getty Imagesįor example, at the time of writing this article, the Mastercard currency conversion rate for a US card to make a purchase in British pounds is roughly £1.24 to $1. This is called dynamic currency conversion - here’s everything you need to know.ĭecline currency conversion when paying abroadĬhoose the local currency option to save money while traveling. While you might be tempted to choose US dollars for convenience, this often gives you a poor currency conversion rate. When you make a purchase with your credit card or withdraw money from an ATM, you might see the option to be charged in the local currency or US dollars. But there’s another way you could be unknowingly given a terrible exchange rate, even when you pay with a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees.

You probably know what foreign transaction fees are these are charged when you use certain credit cards to make a purchase in a foreign currency. If you’re traveling this summer, keep an eye out for this sneaky way you can lose money. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. We may receive a commission through our affiliate partners if you apply and are approved for a product, but our reporting is always independent and objective. Your CNN account Log in to your CNN accountĬNN Underscored reviews financial products based on their overall value.
