Link: https://old.reddit.com/r/LifeProTips/comments/1tgpjrl/lpt_always_choose_local_currency_when_traveling/

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The original was posted on /r/lifeprotips by /u/TheGrelber on 2026-05-18 15:11:16+00:00.

When using a credit card abroad, always choose to pay in the local currency. They will 'helpfully' offer to charge you in your home currency, but at a rapacious exchange rate, while your credit card issuer will use a market rate. e.g. I recently paid for something in Polish zloty worth USD 177, and they offered to charge me USD 196, at least a 10% surcharge. Also, if possible, use a card that doesn't charge a foreign transaction fee. This is usually a 3% garbage fee for nothing.

Also, when withdrawing cash from an ATM, always go to an actual bank, rather than a random ATM on the street, for the same reason.