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I Hate it Here is your insider’s guide to surviving and thriving in HR, from someone who’s been there. It’s not about theory or buzzwords — it’s about practical, real-world advice for navigating everything from tricky managers to messy policies.
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Because HR shouldn’t feel like a thankless job. And you shouldn’t feel alone in it.
Hi 👋🏻
Today I’m going to Nepal, after a few hours I have a train to catch, and while I was planning for my Nepal trip, I was thinking about the currency conversion.
Though it’s not a big deal in Nepal, because in most of the places they accept Indian currency. But in the case of any other country, it’s a serious matter to think.
So in today’s newsletter, let me talk about dynamic currency conversion.
Let me give you a hypothetical condition
You are at a restaurant in Paris or Tokyo. The server gives you the bill, brings the card machine, and asks a question.
‘Would you like to pay in your home currency?’
It’ll be so amazing to see that you’re able to see the amount in INR. Most of the people will probably go ahead and pay in their home currency. It is known as dynamic currency conversion. But it is the worst step you’ll take.
What actually happens
When you choose to pay in your home currency abroad, the merchant or payment processor applies their own exchange rate instead of letting your bank handle it. That rate usually includes a markup. You do not see it clearly. It is built into the number displayed on the screen.
The difference may not be that big for you at that moment. But over a longer trip with hotels, transport, and dining layered in, it compounds.
You should understand the whole exchange process.
When you choose to pay in the local currency, your card issuer handles the conversion. Premium cards often offer far more competitive exchange rates and better transparency.
Why does this improve the experience?
Improving your travel experience starts with reducing hidden friction. When you notice small financial inefficiencies after the fact, it creates irritation. You begin questioning invoices, double-checking each transaction. And you waste time reviewing statements.
Paying in local currency removes that layer. You know your bank is handling the exchange. You can avoid inflated rates and eliminate the need to analyse each transaction later.
The experience remains clean and uninterrupted.
There is also a psychological layer i.e. you are aware of the choice. That mindset extends beyond payments into how you approach flights, hotels, and access.
Why this matters more than you think
If you are booking premium hotels, private transfers, or multi-city itineraries, your transactions are not very small or one-time stuff. The difference in a single dinner might feel irrelevant. The difference between a five-night suite and a large experience booking is not.
It is about not giving away margin for no reason.
At your level, you are making deliberate choices everywhere else. You choose aircraft types, neighbourhoods and the right room category. So you should be aware during the payment time too.
Why merchants push it
Dynamic currency conversion exists because the merchant earns from it. That is why it is presented as helpful.
You are not choosing who profits from the transaction. That helps you improve the money-related experience during unfamiliar systems abroad.
When it might actually make sense
There are rare cases where you might want to see the exact converted amount, such as expense reporting or corporate reimbursement.
The broader pattern
This is not really about currency. Airlines default to upsells, Hotels default to prepaid rates, and terminals default to conversion. Systems are built to guide you toward the option that benefits them.
High-level travel improves when you stop accepting defaults blindly.
Thank you!
Travel experience improves when you stop moving through systems on autopilot.
You are travelling because you want to experience the world, and these factors will harm your experience, so always opt for better experiences and for that you need to tackle these things.
Thanks for reading. See you on Tuesday!
See ya!
