Originally Posted by zyxlsy
So the real rate Chase uses would be the rate that Visa USA gives for the posting date shown on the Chase website?
That's right. If you look at the Visa exchange rate
here, you will see it matches what Chase charges you based on the date Chase posts your transaction.
Originally Posted by zyxlsy
Really suggest you get a AMEX Plat or Discover for back-up. Only use your Visa/MC in big Western chain hotels in Mainland China.
I have an AmEx Plat, but I don't have a Discover card. I would probably stick to cash for smaller transactions anyway, but how ubiquitous is AmEx acceptance? I feel like it's throwing in the towel somewhat to use AmEx, especially since I started the DCC thread. My wife is a native Mandarin speaker, so she could help communicate instructions. If I end up getting hit with DCC, I will do what the others have suggested. I'll take a picture with my phone, deface the receipt, and dispute with Chase based on the non-DCC amount. If we go, I only expect to be charging large purchases such as hotel (seems like it's not a problem) or upscale restaurants (might be a problem).
Originally Posted by zyxlsy
My experience with HK DCC terminals is that they always hold the DCC amount, and then post the HKD amount. If you tick the HKD box, usually (as least at pricey stores like Hermes or Van Cleef), you get a final slip showing HKD charged. So don't worry that much in HK. It's not like BoC machines in Mainland China that the currency boxes are for ornamental purposes only... lol
The DCC experience is like in Taiwan then. They will generate a quote slip where you select the box. You then get a final slip that shows TWD selected or simply the amount charged in TWD. I wasn't as aware of how to avoid DCC even a year ago when I made my last trip to Taiwan, but I knew enough to ask for local currency. If the situation is the same in Hong Kong, then I have little reason for concern.
What I despise is my "choice" not being honored, or cashiers saying things like, "Well, let's see what happens..." or "Oh, no, sir, that USD amount is displayed purely for your convenience only."