gomaddog31

I'm about to book a Halong Bay and Sapa trip with Handspan. They want faxed copies of my CC and Passport. I feel uncomfortable doing this. Has anyone had any bad experiences sending this information for bookings?

Any info would be appreciated.
Thanks

rhkkmk

its a pretty standard practice in asia...its a pain!!

uclarobin

hi there maddog,
I am leaving for Vietnam in a few days. At least four hotels, tour groups, etc. out there have a photocopy of my passport and credit card. I will be very vigilant as often as possible in internet cafes about checking my online statement for fraudulent charges. I couldn't get around it, either. I only went with companies that were recommended multiple times over on this board, like Handspan.

jeanfromboston

We faxed this info to Handspan and never had a problem with them. It's standard practice not only in Asia but in South America too.

WeiLong

Handspan have a pretty good reputation. It'sunlikely anything will go amiss.

http://www.travelsinasia.com/Vietnam/Vietnam.htm

mrwunrfl

Use a credit card, not a debit card nor a check card.

I didn't have a problem faxing my passport info but didn't like faxing the cc info. I scratched out the security code on the paper copy of the card that I faxed. They wouldn't book it without the security code. The credit card company basically told me it was ok to give them the code. I think I ended up not sending the info but got on the Halong Bay cruise that I wanted.

If I do it again I would not hesitate to fax them the info they asked for. They've got a real business going there and don't need to rip me off.

There might be an unscrupulous employee there, probably not. There could be an unscrupulous employee at the restaurant you go to tonight or wherever, but probably not.

Double-check the phone number you fax it to.

mrwunrfl

Be careful about using a computer in an internet cafe to access your financial info.

gomaddog31

Thanks for the posts. I've sent them the information. Fingers crossed!