These are two great lies of the dcc scam.

1. The USD amount is shown only for guidance. (It can be any currency for which the card presented is tied in).

2. We have no control over it; it;s done automatically. (No because of the visa/mc rules, the first thing the terminal asks the clerk is whether the transaction should be conducted in local currency or the currency of the card holder. The clerk has total control over it).

Other lies are

3. It is required by law of this country.

4. It's being done for your advantage to avoid fees of currency conversion (in most cases the fee is a foreign transaction fee and charged anyway).

5. Sorry. Once the transaction is done, it can't be voided.

Any or all of the above. Followed by the biggest lie of all

6. No speak ?English.

As noted, the procedure is

1. Request the transaction be voided and re-done in local currency.

2 If the clerk refuses, ask to see the manager.

3. If you can't get the clerk to bring the manager or the manager repeats any of these lies, circle the amount in local currency and write choice not offered and initial it.

4. When you get home, dispute the charge. Your bank will have no choice but to charge it back to the merchant as the merchant will have to produce the original slip with your statement.

5. Under no circumstances, offer to pay cash. Using your credit card is the proper thing to do anyway.

If people followed these simple rules, this scam can be stopped but I am afraid too many ignorant people allow themselves to be scammed and it is metastasizing throughout the travelling world!