Yes -- we experienced this as well for a family member applying from Germany. Not DCC in the classic sense but definitely a scam (that the UK government quite probably isn't even profiting from).
Originally Posted by
richarddd
When you buy a UK ETA (required for entry, at least from the US), they ask you what country you are located in, then charge you in that currency plus a conversion fee. There is no option to pay in GBP. The only way I could see to avoid the surcharge was to claim to be in the UK, which would be a problem, since it would mean you're there illegally.
Originally Posted by
Kremmen
I was wondering if that fraud would continue. I told the payment page that I was in the UK and paid in GBP without the surcharge.
This Worldpay scam continues. I reviewed the Home Office contract with Worldpay and it seems the UK Gov does not profit from DCC in this instance (it is offered, as usual, for convenience purposes). I know people are concerned that saying apply from UK would be dishonest, but it is there only for payment flow because the question is not asked earlier during the legitimate "visa" questions and submission process. Now that this ETA process applies to many countries including most of EU, lots of extra DCC money being made. Just keep putting on your survey to please offer payment in GBP to everyone. I heard it may be worse for Canadians where it makes them pay in USD, so a double-conversion. I would not be surprised if an official Home Office response will be, just select UK for that question if you want to pay in GBP home currency. This is what I did also.
And as well all know here, you still have to use a no FTF card because the DCC does not replace a FTF fee as almost all of the US issuers with a FTF fee (3% or whatever) apply it to any transaction done overseas, regardless of the currency of the charge. I agree the amount is small, but that is the game of how these companies make their profits.