Cafe Coco: bad conversion rate for credit cards

[Andreas Kasner]

As I wrote in another post, I wanted to use my American Express Card at Cafe Coco. When the receipt arrived I discovered that the amount was in US-$, converted using a bad conversion rate (5.70). So I had them cancel the transaction and we used my wife's Mastercard.

In this case the receipt came showing the correct amount in TT-$. However, when we got the statement from Mastercard back home we discovered that the amount had been converted to US-$, using the same a. m. "bad" rate although we signed a receipt in TT-$ (all the other debits from Tobago have been debited in TT-$). Now we're checking with Mastercard what to do.

I find this form of hidden surcharge - and the way Cafe Coco collects it - not at all acceptable. Therefore I highly recommend not to use any credit card at Cafe Coco. We will not patronise Cafe Coco next time when we're in Tobago.

As I'm curious if this is a single experience, post your's!

Andreas

[Stephen Turner]

I've just discovered this too. The Coco Reef have done the same. I'm disputing the charges, and I'll let you know what happens.

[Andreas Kasner]

That's what we did, too.

Result: As the credit card company did not get any feedback from their local representative on the issue within one month, they re-credited the difference anyway.

[Stephen Turner]

I've been in the US, so I didn't have a chance to file a formal dispute with my credit card company until last week. I've just spoken to them and they've refunded me the difference (and a bit more, actually).

In my case, the amount was small, so I don't think they bothered to contact anyone in Tobago. If the amount were larger, it might take longer. (It would probably only be that large if you were staying at the hotel).

Bottom line: keep your counterfoils, check your credit card bill, and do complain to your credit card company, especially if you're staying at the hotel too.