I didn't mean my prior post to imply that I approve of DCC- I think it's a big scam getting the merchant to cram fees down your throat.

At this risk of repetition, I suggest that, if possible, you never sign a chit in USD when overseas as that implies acceptance of that surrency. If presented with a chit in dollars, ask them to change to one in local currency and if they can't, pay another way like cash.

If you're in a situation where you the charge shows up later in dollars, I think you do have a valid objection with your CC company if you can show you were supposed to be billed in local currency, so keep your paperwork-eg. rate sheet upon checking into hotel, etc.

Finally, the Hertz deal. I haven't looked at Hertz overseas but I did rent from Avis in Europe a little while ago. They use an "opt-out" system where they have a box you can check on the rental agreement if you want to pay in local dollars, otherwise they use DCC and you pay in expensive dollars. I thought I read where Hertz was doing this toom though I can't say for sure. Technically, you can opt out of these but renting a car overseas, often in a foreign langauge, is confusing enough. If this happened to me, I would write Hertz and tell them to stop goosing their customers.