Former Flight Attendant Reveals Crucial Credit Card Payment Hack for Overseas Travel

A recent viral video featuring a former flight attendant, known as Akko_san, is shedding light on a critical, yet often overlooked, aspect of international travel: credit card payments. The video, uploaded on August 24, 2024, advises travelers to always select "local currency" when making purchases abroad using a credit card, particularly when given the option between local currency and their home currency, such as Japanese Yen. According to Akko_san, the seemingly innocuous choice can significantly impact the final amount charged. When a traveler opts to pay in their home currency, the individual merchant or store is granted the autonomy to set its own conversion rate. This practice, often referred to as Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC), can lead to unfavorable exchange rates and inflated charges for the consumer. Many travelers only discover these discrepancies upon reviewing their credit card statements after returning home, leading to unexpected financial burdens. Conversely, by selecting the local currency, the transaction's conversion is handled by the credit card company itself. These companies typically use international brand standard exchange rates, which are generally more favorable and transparent for the consumer, thereby preventing any "rip-offs" from individual merchants. Akko_san emphasizes that this simple choice can save travelers from being overcharged and ensures a more predictable expenditure during their trips. The advice is particularly relevant for popular tourist destinations like South Korea, where the video features vibrant street scenes of Myeongdong and a lively K-pop store, illustrating a common scenario for international shoppers.

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海外でのクレジットカード決済の注意点とは？　旅行好き元CAの解説に「そうなんだ！」「コレ有益」 | LIMO | くらしとお金の経済メディア

今回は、akko_san_dayoさんが投稿した 「海外でのクレジットカード決済の注意点」をご紹介します。