Abroad, a card terminal often asks whether to charge you in the local currency or in US dollars (or another currency). Offering the second option is called dynamic currency conversion, and your choice changes the final amount you pay.
Choose the local currency
- The rate is better. The conversion is done by the payment system, Visa or Mastercard, at its official rate at the time of the payment.
- The merchant adds no markup. You only pay a conversion fee if your card charges one.
- You see the exact amount. The receipt shows the precise figure in the local currency.
Why paying in dollars costs more
If you choose USD or another currency instead of the local one, the terminal can apply its own rate with a markup and add a conversion fee. The same purchase then costs more than it would in the local currency.
On the terminal screen, pick the currency of the country you are in.
How the rate is calculated on a Rumto card
You can pay with a Rumto card in any supported currency, and the conversion happens automatically.
| What affects the amount | How |
|---|---|
| Exchange rate | The official Visa or Mastercard rate on the payment date |
| Fee | A conversion fee charged by the payment system |
| Processing time | The rate can change between the start of the payment and its processing |
The final amount is fixed when the payment is processed, not when it starts. That is why it can differ slightly from the estimate the merchant showed.
If the charged amount looks wrong, contact support in the app.
FAQ
Is dynamic currency conversion a scam?
It is a legal service, but it usually costs more than paying in the local currency because of the terminal’s rate and extra fees.
What does “pay in local currency” mean?
The terminal charges you in the currency of the country, and Visa or Mastercard converts it at their rate.
Why did I pay slightly more than the price shown?
The rate is fixed when the payment is processed, and a conversion fee may apply.