Sofitel Harbin: a review
Jan 18, 2019, 8:42 am
#16
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 41,990
I am currently dealing with a "DCC charge by default" issue with this hotel, and so far the hotel has blamed my bank for the excess charge associated with DCC. They appear to have no idea what DCC actually is. It looks like I might need to lodge a dispute with my bank.
Jan 18, 2019, 8:51 am
#18
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2016
Programs: Accor, Qantas Frequent Flyer, Virgin Velocity
Posts: 570
Swiped the card in front of me.
I said, "if it asks to choose between RMB and Australian dollars, I want to choose RMB."
She said, "Yes, RMB."
I was presented with a preauthorisation slip (so it was a preauthorisation COMPLETE, and not a separate slip that would usually say DCC), that said Mark [X] transaction currency: RMB or AUD. I ticked RMB. I received a copy of the credit card slip (it only said COMPLETE).
Two days later when the charge is finalised by my bank it says "Foreign transaction fee (SC)."
I believe that the credit card terminals are likely configured by the Bank of China to use DCC by default, without giving the prompt for the guest or hotel to select the desired currency.
I am currently in contact with the hotel and they are blaming the extra charge on my bank, instead of on the DCC issue. I think they just do not understand what the DCC is.
I said, "if it asks to choose between RMB and Australian dollars, I want to choose RMB."
She said, "Yes, RMB."
I was presented with a preauthorisation slip (so it was a preauthorisation COMPLETE, and not a separate slip that would usually say DCC), that said Mark [X] transaction currency: RMB or AUD. I ticked RMB. I received a copy of the credit card slip (it only said COMPLETE).
Two days later when the charge is finalised by my bank it says "Foreign transaction fee (SC)."
I believe that the credit card terminals are likely configured by the Bank of China to use DCC by default, without giving the prompt for the guest or hotel to select the desired currency.
I am currently in contact with the hotel and they are blaming the extra charge on my bank, instead of on the DCC issue. I think they just do not understand what the DCC is.
Jan 18, 2019, 8:56 am
#19
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 41,990
Swiped the card in front of me.
I said, "if it asks to choose between RMB and Australian dollars, I want to choose RMB."
She said, "Yes, RMB."
I was presented with a preauthorisation slip (so it was a preauthorisation COMPLETE, and not a separate slip that would usually say DCC), that said Mark [X] transaction currency: RMB or AUD. I ticked RMB. I received a copy of the credit card slip (it only said COMPLETE).
Two days later when the charge is finalised by my bank it says "Foreign transaction fee (SC)."
I believe that the credit card terminals are likely configured by the Bank of China to use DCC by default, without giving the prompt for the guest or hotel to select the desired currency.
I am currently in contact with the hotel and they are blaming the extra charge on my bank, instead of on the DCC issue. I think they just do not understand what the DCC is.
I said, "if it asks to choose between RMB and Australian dollars, I want to choose RMB."
She said, "Yes, RMB."
I was presented with a preauthorisation slip (so it was a preauthorisation COMPLETE, and not a separate slip that would usually say DCC), that said Mark [X] transaction currency: RMB or AUD. I ticked RMB. I received a copy of the credit card slip (it only said COMPLETE).
Two days later when the charge is finalised by my bank it says "Foreign transaction fee (SC)."
I believe that the credit card terminals are likely configured by the Bank of China to use DCC by default, without giving the prompt for the guest or hotel to select the desired currency.
I am currently in contact with the hotel and they are blaming the extra charge on my bank, instead of on the DCC issue. I think they just do not understand what the DCC is.
Jan 18, 2019, 8:56 am
#20
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2016
Programs: Accor, Qantas Frequent Flyer, Virgin Velocity
Posts: 570
The hotel is not toooo isolated. It is maybe a 15-20 car ride to the Central Street. We did not find traffic too bad in Harbin. But you're right, it is definitely not in a central location. I would definitely consider other properties in Harbin if I was to return in the future.
Jan 18, 2019, 9:06 am
#21
Join Date: Sep 2015
Programs: Accor Platinum, IHG DA
Posts: 664
Very few people understand what DCC is. I'm guessing she simply didn't press the right button when prompted with the choice. As I mentioned, the "cancel" button is often the one you want, but "2" is also fairly common, and a little more logical (e.g. 1 for USD, 2 for CNY, as opposed to enter for USD and cancel for CNY).
I have a card that come with a bank app showing transaction in real-time. I will settle the bill using this card and check what currency it posts, if DCC happens then I will request it to be voided.
I will try to get permission to film or take photo of the card terminal screen, let's see if this can help other traveller to avoid DCC trap.
Jan 18, 2019, 11:34 am
#22
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 41,990
ok, I think I will try another method next month when I stay at China
I have a card that come with a bank app showing transaction in real-time. I will settle the bill using this card and check what currency it posts, if DCC happens then I will request it to be voided.
I will try to get permission to film or take photo of the card terminal screen, let's see if this can help other traveller to avoid DCC trap.
I have a card that come with a bank app showing transaction in real-time. I will settle the bill using this card and check what currency it posts, if DCC happens then I will request it to be voided.
I will try to get permission to film or take photo of the card terminal screen, let's see if this can help other traveller to avoid DCC trap.
