Originally Posted by lamphs

Has anyone had any success with challenging an 'overcharge' with the card issuer. Both recent cases for me (last two weeks)...

1) Barclay's Arrival + - Thailand - an elephant 'rescue' - made a gift shop purchase; was advised there was going to be a fee; my purchase, in Thai Baht, included the aforementioned fee. Then the credit card was charged in Baht, but converted to USD, at a poor exchange rate. I was not given the choice of Baht vs. USD - the staff just did it. And I signed the receipt, shame on me, and then read the fine print indicating that I CHOSE this method of payment, which I did not. Questioning it, the previously communicative staff, in English, suddenly became mute. I e-mailed the manager of the park, who has insisted, including on TripAdvisor, that it ALWAYS charges in Baht. My credit card statement indicates otherwise.

2) Chase UA Club - Poland - a reputable restaurant. Placed my order and handed her the card for payment. I was not asked what currency I preferred, I did not insert the card myself and chose a currency, I did not sign a receipt nor did I enter a PIN. The entre transaction took place before I even thought about it. Same fine print on the receipt...'I accept that I have been offered a choice of currencies...'. That is clearly not the case. I asked, but the rather young staff told me that this is how they are told to process credit card transactions. I am going to dispute this charge.

(Note that in the grocery store last night, in Krakow, the cashier, I quote, 'Zloty, correct, it is cheaper for you', so these establishments know exactly what they are doing.)