[Idyllchat] Credit Card Charging Method

[Joan Herriges]

Some of you may have experienced this before, but for the first time we observed a new "machine" in various CH shopping locations, located at the cash register as you use your charge card.  The first was in Luzern.  When you charge (MC, Visa, etc.) the machine shows the total in both US$ and CHF.  It is your choice in which currency to pay.  However, in our case (twice), each shopkeeper said the best rate would be in US$.  

 

We decided to experiment.  The first charge we selected US$.  The second charge we selected CHF.  Final accounting shows we paid 3 cents more per dollar by selecting US$.  This is the first time we have seen this system in CH (or elsewhere in Europe).  Obviously someone benefits-in our case certainly not the customer (choosing home currency),   

 

Thereafter we reverted to our established method--cash only, using ATM's. 

 

One other observation.  The 2nd experimental charge was at the Zurich airport at the Duty Free Shop (inside the security zone) for cosmetics.  On a $219. charge (in CHF), I saved $50.00. Not as much as the old days, but nice.  Mind you, the cosmetics do little but make me feel good!    

 

Perhaps others have experienced this new wrinkle (no pun intended)?  Joan.

 
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