Poor ATM currency conversion in Albania: how to avoid it

How it works

The ATM offers to convert the withdrawal into your home currency. This is called dynamic currency conversion, or DCC. Its exchange rate can be much worse than your bank's rate. It is a costly offer rather than evidence of card theft.

Warning signs

The screen offers a charge in your home currency.
The ATM asks you to accept its exchange rate.
A conversion markup appears before you confirm.

How to avoid it

Decline the ATM's conversion offer and choose to be charged in lek.
Read the final screen before confirming.
Check the withdrawal fee separately. Declining conversion does not remove that fee.

If it happens to you

Keep the receipt and check your bank statement. Contact your card issuer if the charge differs from what you accepted.

Move to a safe place. Do not chase a thief or continue an argument if you feel threatened.
Write down what happened, including the time, place, amount paid and any vehicle or seller details.
Keep receipts, tickets, messages and payment records. Take photos only when it is safe.
Freeze stolen cards and contact your card issuer about suspicious transactions. Secure a stolen phone through your device account.
Report theft, threats or suspected fraud to police. Ask for a report reference or copy.
Contact your insurer if you have cover. If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate.

What travellers report

Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.

Questions

What is the poor ATM currency conversion scam in Albania?

The ATM offers to convert the withdrawal into your home currency. This is called dynamic currency conversion, or DCC. Its exchange rate can be much worse than your bank's rate. It is a costly offer rather than evidence of card theft.

How can I spot it early?

The screen offers a charge in your home currency. The ATM asks you to accept its exchange rate. A conversion markup appears before you confirm.

How do I avoid poor ATM currency conversion in Albania?

Decline the ATM's conversion offer and choose to be charged in lek. Read the final screen before confirming. Check the withdrawal fee separately. Declining conversion does not remove that fee.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Keep the receipt and check your bank statement. Contact your card issuer if the charge differs from what you accepted.

Where in Albania does this happen?

ATMs offering conversion into your home currency.

How much can it cost me?

The conversion rate can be 7% or more away from the market rate. Listed ATM conversion markups include 9.75%, 10% and 14%.

How common is this scam in Albania?

Common. Albania is generally safe to visit, and crime is not described as a major problem in Tirana. The main concerns are taxi overcharging, poor change, costly ATM conversion offers, and ticket money being pocketed at tourist sites. Pickpocketing can also happen in some areas.

Who can I report it to?

Police: report theft, threats or suspected fraud at a police station. Bring any receipts, messages and identifying details. Ask for a written report or reference. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact details to freeze cards and report suspicious charges. Tourist-site management: raise missing receipts, reused tickets or questionable admission payments with site management. Keep proof of payment. Taxi company: if the taxi belongs to a company, report the fare dispute through its official contact channel. Provide the journey details and vehicle information. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate if your passport is stolen or you need help replacing travel documents. Travel insurer: contact the insurer through its official claims channel. Keep the police report, receipts and evidence of the loss.