When you use an ATM or a card terminal, such as a card reader at a shop, it may ask if you want it to convert your money for you.
We recommend saying no, because most ATMs and card terminals will use an unfair exchange rate when converting for you.
When you convert between currencies with Wise, we’ll use the mid-market exchange rate so you always know exactly what you’re getting.
What should I choose if the ATM or card terminal asks to convert for me?
If the card terminal asks you to convert currencies, we suggest selecting "no".
If asked to debit in your home currency, or the local currency, choose the local currency. For example, if you’re travelling in Italy but you have a US Wise card, then you should select to spend in the local currency, EUR.
Here’s some examples of what you might see when using an ATM, and what we recommend choosing.
| What the card terminal might ask | Our recommendation |
|---|---|
| "Continue with conversion” or “Continue without conversion” | “Continue without conversion” |
| Debit in your home currency or debit in the local currency | Debit in the local currency (e.g. JPY in Japan or GBP in the UK) |
| "Let us convert the money for you — yes or no” | “No” |
| Confirm the exchange rate — yes or no” | “No” |
Why should I let Wise convert for me instead of the ATM or card terminal?
Card machines often charge marked-up exchange rates. We ran some research and found that you’ll usually be charged 6%-13% more than if you withdraw without conversion.
If you let Wise do the conversion for you we’ll convert from the currency you have that has the lowest conversion fee. Check our fees here
If you’ve already got that currency in your Wise account, you won’t be charged anything to convert.
Brazil cardholders: smart conversion doesn't work when Brazilian Real (BRL) currency is involved.