Montreal Hotels and Restaurants Charging American Tourists US$

[ShyMan]

I had dinner at one of my favorite hotel restaurant earlier this evening. The prices are listed in Canadian dollars but I decided to use my charge card since my bank does not charge me exchange fees and transaction fees. After the waiter ran my card, the hotel's restaurant converted my total charges, including a 20% tip that I asked to be added, to US$ less 4% conversion rate (it does not show the conversion rate) and added another CND $5 for transaction fee. The waiter said they just started doing this to American tourists who use charge cards to settle their bills. Had I known, I would have paid cash. &&& I think the hotels are hurting big time in Montreal because they are losing business to Airbnb and other similar services. I'm staying at a brand new condominium building in downtown Montreal and the front desk staff told me most of the 560 units are investment long term rentals and others are short term (2 days, 5 days, etc.) Airbnb rentals. And they continue to build speculative condominium buildings. The front staff also told me that a second tower that is under construction has already been sold out. &&& I feel bad for our Canadian friends and (my relatives) whose purchasing power are being eroded by the strong US$. But I rather give my money to the waiters and hard working people (and SP's) than the giant corporations that own these hotels, which hedge their revenues against currency fluctuations by participating in the currency markets. &&& Have any of you experienced these charges, yet? Next time look at your final charge card receipts; it could be denominated in US$.

 

[transatlantic]

If the machine didn't offer an opportunity to select currency, then you have been a "victim" of DCC and you can call your card issuer to dispute using a specific dispute reason code after the charge posts. Process is documented here.

 

[ShyMan]

Thanks for the tip transatlantic.

 

[ssj3]

This is good info transatlantic..thanks!