How to avoid DCC at ATMs
DCC (Dynamic Currency Conversion) is an ATM offer to charge you using a yen-denominated rate. Choosing local currency lets your card network or issuer apply the exchange rate instead, which is often cheaper.
DCC check
local currency may save thousands of yen on larger withdrawals
Choosing "Decline" still dispenses cash. Declining DCC is different from canceling the withdrawal.
Choose this on the ATM
- “Decline Conversion”
- “Continue Without Conversion”
- “Without Conversion”
ATM English term guide
- WITHDRAWAL
- Withdrawal
- SAVINGS
- Savings account (often debit)
- CREDIT
- Credit / cash advance
- CHECKING
- Checking account
- PIN
- PIN
Actual savings depend on the withdrawal amount, card terms, and exchange rate.
Real ATM example: choose without conversion
This photo was taken by the site operator while using an ATM in Thailand. The left option continues in THB without the ATM's currency conversion.
DCC choice shown on a Thai ATM
Photo by the site operator. The photographed screen shows 5,250 THB without conversion versus 28,494 JPY with conversion and an exchange-rate markup of 5.50%. This is one observed transaction screen, not a universal or current rate for every ATM.
How the DCC estimate is calculated
The calculator currently uses 3.5% as a scenario assumption when the ATM has not supplied an actual DCC rate. It is not a verified fee claim. The observed screen above showed 5.50%, about 1.57 times the 3.5% scenario, so the estimated difference changes in direct proportion to the displayed markup.
- Local currency
- 0% DCC
- Calculator scenario
- 3.50%
- Observed photo
- 5.50%
DCC guides by country
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