[paranoidrobot]

A few years ago I was checking out of a reasonably up-scale hotel in Barcelona early in the morning.

They punch numbers into one of those wireless hand terminals. I tap my card, enter the pin and then before I can react to what the screen is now saying they've punched the 'Accept Conversion' button and submit it. By the time I realise what has happened, it's too late and has started printing the reciept.

I insisted they reverse it and redo the transaction without that - the staff didn't understand and didn't care they'd cost me another 10-15%. It really adds up for a week long stay.

[lowkj]

I once asked a cashier about this and they said it saved me money. They said representatives from the large national bank had done a presentation and noted how this is the best option for foreigners. I think they truly believe they are being helpful. Closest thing to legalized robbery.

[OkGoDoIt]

I had the exact same thing happen to me at a hotel in China. I could not get the person at the checkin desk to understand the problem so I ended up having to just eat the extra cost. Very frustrating, it was not a small amount of money.

[Panzer04]

What the fuck? Why are they tapping the terminal before you've confirmed the transaction?

[jerlam]

In my experience, staff will do this if they are pressed for time, or when tourists don't know how to read or operate the payment systems and linger.

[nerdsniper]

Well, it’s an unwise strategy to use on me if they’re feeling pressed for time. I will get enjoyment from putting my foot down for as long as is needed to reach a resolution.

That’s a 20+ minute decision they just made to try to save a few seconds.