Terminal asks: 'Pay in EUR or USD/GBP?' Always choose EUR. Their conversion rate adds 3–5%.

Chase Sapphire, Capital One Venture — no foreign transaction fee.

Chase, Starling, Monzo, Revolut. Avoid most high-street debit cards abroad.

Decline the on-screen conversion. Let your bank do it.

Both work great in Italy. Keep one as backup.

Avoiding Foreign Card Fees in Italy

Visit Siena Guide editorial·May 19, 2026·6 min read

DCC (dynamic currency conversion) is the scam. Always pay in euros.

Key takeaways

DCC (dynamic currency conversion) is the scam. Always pay in euros.

# Avoiding Foreign Card Fees in Italy

The single biggest invisible cost on a Tuscany trip. Easy to avoid.

Local tip

If the terminal pre-selects USD/GBP, hand it back and say 'EUR, please.' Saves 3–5% on every transaction.

Questions we didn't answer? Write us at redazione@visitsienaguide.it — your question probably helps the next traveler.

DCC scam?: Terminal asks: 'Pay in EUR or USD/GBP?' Always choose EUR. Their conversion rate adds 3–5%.
Best US cards?: Chase Sapphire, Capital One Venture — no foreign transaction fee.
Best UK cards?: Chase, Starling, Monzo, Revolut. Avoid most high-street debit cards abroad.
ATM withdrawals?: Decline the on-screen conversion. Let your bank do it.
Wise / Revolut?: Both work great in Italy. Keep one as backup.

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