FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - best card for int'l car rental insurance
View Single Post
Old Sep 28, 2007 | 4:25 pm
  #6  
itsme
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Programs: united airlines
Posts: 4,967
Originally Posted by rminky
I rent in Bonaire every year and usually use some type of Citi card, since the Bonairians all bill out in US dollars there is NEVER any foreign fees for anything I purchase. I buy windsurfing rental, food , restaurants, car rental etc. no extra charges yet^
What is the local currency in Bonaire? If it is not $USD, then you should look to see the exchange rate was between $USD and the local currency, then look at the charges that came through on your credit card to be sure that what you have been billed is in fact no more than you would have paid in cash with the local currency. Many people are not aware that they are really being hosed when they are outside the US and their credit charges are being rung up in $USD. Sometimes the merchant uses an exchange rate that is much less favorable to the cardholder than what the credit card issuer would charge to convert what was spent in local currency to $USD, and there is nothing to flag it to your attention if you do not run the numbers yourself. There is no need for the supposed "convenience" they offer you, which is no real convenience at all, and which can jack the cost to you up 10.% Because you "see" no extra charges does not mean they have not been folded in.
itsme is offline