# Pay in local currency or home currency? Read the DCC offer

Paying in your familiar currency can embed a merchant conversion markup. Your card issuer's separate fees still need checking.

[Canonical HTML page](https://nosecrets.app/en/stories/travel-card-dynamic-currency-conversion)

Published by: [No Secrets Research](https://nosecrets.app/en/about#methodology)
Added: 2026-10-20
Topic: Money & payments

## Scope and context

Applies to: Cross-border Visa card purchases and ATM currency-conversion offers
Time context: Public guidance checked October 20, 2026
Sources checked: 2026-10-20

Local currency does not guarantee the lowest all-in cost for every card. Compare the displayed rate with your own issuer's terms.

## The familiar number is a conversion offer

Dynamic currency conversion lets a merchant or ATM convert a charge to your home currency. Visa explains that the offer includes an exchange rate and may include additional fees or markup.

[1: Visa](https://www.visa.com/en-gb/personal/travel/dynamic-currency-conversion)

## Keep the decision yours

Visa requires both amounts, the conversion rate and markup to be displayed. The provider should not select for you. If details are missing or you feel pressured, Visa advises declining conversion and contacting your issuer.

[1: Visa](https://www.visa.com/en-gb/personal/travel/dynamic-currency-conversion)

## Separate all three costs

Our comparison: distinguish DCC markup, issuer foreign-transaction fees and ATM charges. Avoiding the first does not necessarily remove the other two. Keep the receipt showing the currency you selected.

[2: Visa](https://www.visa.com/en-us/personal/travel/travel-cards-and-foreign-transactions)

## Sources

1. [What you should know about Dynamic Currency Conversion](https://www.visa.com/en-gb/personal/travel/dynamic-currency-conversion) — Visa. Checked 2026-10-20. Lists currency-conversion disclosures and cardholder choice.

2. [Travel credit cards and foreign transactions explained](https://www.visa.com/en-us/personal/travel/travel-cards-and-foreign-transactions) — Visa. Checked 2026-10-20. Separates currency conversion, foreign transaction and ATM fees.

## Disclosure

AI-assisted research, writing and translation by No Secrets, using the linked public documents. This is a source summary, not firsthand reporting or an independently audited investigation. No affiliate links are used in this article.

The source-check date is not the event date. Original documents control if a summary differs.