When checking the value of Marriott GCs online or via the US toll-free phone #, they give us the option of also hearing the value in Euros, UK Pounds, or Can. $, based on the MARSHA rate of the day. I assume but I have not tested that we could use it for that exact amount in those countries & zero out the card. If true, this is a way to avoid Visa's 2--3% exchange commissions !

Re: Markie #5, in Brisbane in 2007 I used one. The receptionist asked me if I wanted her to convert & submit the charge in USD to save me Visa's fee. She incorrectly told me that it would be done at the hotel's cash rate (bad by 8% or so.) But 1 look at her Visa accepting machine told me a different rate of 4% bad, so I taught her why there was a difference . IIRC I asked her to put it thru in AUD, so Visa charged me 3 or 4% on my use of the GC.