Originally Posted by
YuropFlyer
For myself, I've mostly stopped using MC and Visa in more and more countries (as more get infected by DCC)
I won't go that far. My newest SOP is:
1. Tell the cashier to bill in [local currency] (speak deliberately slowly to emphasise the point). I don't care whatever the DCC offer is.
2. If the cashier still presents a DCC slip, tell them to
a. Void it and ask for a DCC-free slip
b. Ask the cashier for a reprinted slip (akin to Rainbow Lamma Island)/merchant courtesy copy (akin to Taj Exotica Maldives) to verify local currency billing has been selected
c. Void it and present Unionpay or Amex or cash (in descending order of preference)
Originally Posted by
YuropFlyer
apart from my credit card to get cash (where I often have to tap several times that I don't want to be scammed) where at least at ATMs they haven't put "mandatory DCC" in place fully yet. .
One thing HK cardholders should be thanking the Mainland for (I admit we are at times ungrateful bxstards) is for Unionpay access. Unionpay ATMs beat V/M ATMs every time not only due to DCC-free but also lower fee structure.
Of course you don't get the same coverage as Plus/Maestro so I have a backup Mastro card in my travel wallet at all times.
I still bother with V/M outside HK due to 1. miles earn rates (V/M > Unionpay) and 2. holding deposits (HK Unionpays can't do this) and 3. card-not-present transactions (HK Unionpays can't do this).
I miss my HK$2.5/mile SCB AE, which I can use at suspected DCC locations without much procrastination...now the best HK AE only earns HK$4/mile.