True cost guide

DCC vs Local Currency

Dynamic currency conversion can make a price easier to read, but paying in the local currency is often cheaper.

What DCC means

Dynamic currency conversion lets a merchant or payment terminal charge you in your home currency. It feels convenient because you see a familiar number immediately.

Where the extra cost appears

The offered rate can include a markup, and your card issuer may still apply its own rules. That means DCC can be more expensive than paying in the local currency and letting your card network convert the payment.

A simple decision rule

If you do not know the DCC markup, choose the local currency. Then compare the expected card fee and exchange margin with the DCC quote before large purchases.

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