Originally Posted by
zyxlsy
No, you won't be OK if just saying "local currency please". Almost all of the machines in China need the "cancel trick" and you have to act fast, usually within 3 seconds from when card is swiped or when the amount is entered.
It's no secret that opting out of dcc in China (including HK) often requires --counter intuitively-- pressing the "cancel" button within a narrow window at some point during the process
Based on my recent observances of boc and HSBC pos machines, here's what I think is really going on:
-there usually IS a dcc selection step
-on intuitive pos machines, you choose 1 for card currency and 2 for local currency
-but, in the case of boc, HSBC, 交行, etc...simply replace 1 with the "enter" button and 2 with the "cancel" button
-to put it another way, during this step the "cancel" button functions EXACTLY the same way as the 2 button on other pos machines
*I sent percysmith a pic of a boc pos machine that makes this semi clear (if you study the still photo in detail)
Key point (based on this hypothesis) is that the "cancel" button relinquishes its cancel function during this step.
..and, waitresses have no clue about such (they will always press the "enter" button for you).
My advice:
-if you get hit with DCC (in China), void the transaction
*lengthy explanation as to why is not a good idea
-redo it a second time with yourself in the driver's seat
-you WILL win if you focus