Let's cut right to the chase so everybody reading this understands once and for all as dcc is a growing cancer.

Many cc processors are pushing their customers, the merchants, to go into this. They try to explain this is a service to the customers as they will know the exact amount being charged at a "competitive rate" and of course it is great for the merchant as they get a piece of the cc transaction action.

But...

Be aware if you see a US dollar amount on a charge slip the merchant has just committed a violation of his or her credit card agreement as they have to push a button on the terminal indicating you have agreed to this rip off which means they are supposed to ask you before pushing the button.

If they don't, you tell them you want the charge voided and re-written in local currency. Tell them they have violated mc/visa procedures and you will not sign the slip. They may try every excuse under the sun like:

1. The law of our country requires charges on American cards be written in American currency.

2. This is required by the credit card processor.

3. The amount on the slip is just for guidance it is not necessarily what you will be billed.

4. We cannot void the transaction.

5. Why don't you want us to do this for you as your credit card company charges a fee for foreign transactions (of course the merchant charges more)..

If none of this works simply write on the charge slip dcc declined and do not sign the slip. Insist on speaking to the manager but under no circumstancs can they force you to accept this near criminal rip off.

At the heart of this whole matter is the fact that Mastercard is simply an organization that allows approved banks and other financial institutions to issue credit cards using its name. The processing is done by the individual banks (or sometimes a third source as a clearing house). Since MC only approves one card to every three approved by Visa, the temptation is strong to give access to 'free money' to their issuers and processors. The credit card associations do not sell software and pos terminals driven by the software to stores and businesses. They just approve it for use just as they approve cc makers for manufacture. The associations have well constructed rules which do not always provide painless or inexpensive credit card use. Does toothless tigercome to mind?