Originally Posted by Plato90s

Yes, I always specify transactions should be conducted in local currency (both ATM/CC) because letting someone else do the conversion usually gets crap-rates.

One time, many years ago, I absentmindedly agreed to let a Marriott hotel do the currency conversion to USD. I paid about 2% extra.



These days I carry enough USD as backup because sometimes the bank decides to lock my ATM despite travel notice. But I generally shift to ATM now that I have a global-reimbursement account via CitiGold.

I try to withdraw large sums to prevent the Thai banks from getting multiple fees, but honestly 150bht vs. 220bht is largely irrelevant when Citibank pays it.