Originally Posted by
Majuki
The rules of the road are always insist on being billed in the local currency proactively. If they say, "No choice." then you smile politely and nod. However, when given the signature receipt cross out the "I have been offered a choice" verbiage, write "merchant refused local currency", and sign. Also taking a digital photo with your phone is good supporting evidence. When you get home, use the wiki to determine the exchange rate for the date of the transaction and dispute on the difference. Try to ask for a reason code 76 chargeback. Fully expect that for small amounts the card issuer will give you a courtesy credit, but hopefully on some of the larger purchases you can get the full chargeback issued.
I didn't know that until now (about crossing out). When I have my next trip I will.
When you say "full chargeback" - do you mean you are getting a full refund go the entire purchase, not just the difference in exchange rates?
One hell of a way to stick it to the ripoff merchants in that case. In my case the difference is maybe $2-5 total, which I intend to collect out of principal. But I want to see these b#%#^£€ds change their ways. In particular one restaurant where I first learned of DCC - horrible service, hidden fees (coperto plus 15% gratuity) and the like made for a disappointing dinner. After that I became much more aware of the Italian trickery and tourist traps.