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-   -   Method of payment (https://www.fodors.com/community/africa-and-the-middle-east/method-of-payment-707711/)

KCguyonabike May 24th, 2007 09:28 AM

Method of payment
 
I'm ready to put down our deposit for a Kili climb and safari. Should I be concerned that Roy Safaris and Susan in the US do not take credit cards?

Thanks

atravelynn May 24th, 2007 09:51 AM

This is a common practice for Africa operators and other travel agents. The lack of credit cards has been discussed numerous times here and there have been no problems. I just paid for two international (non-Africa) trips with no credit cards. One is in the US and one is not.

atravelynn May 24th, 2007 10:20 AM

One AGENT is in the US and the other is not.

kenyatraveler May 24th, 2007 11:11 AM

If you take the right kind of trip insurance (i.e., AIG TravelGuard) within 10 days of your deposit, you will be also covered for agent/operator default. You don't have to worry about your losing your money, and you will avoid a 3% to 6% credit card processsing fee that is usually tacked on to cover their M/C or VISA charges. Confirm the coverage with your insurer before you sign up.

going_2_africa May 24th, 2007 11:21 AM

I also just went through the same apprehension, KC. It's a bit un-nerving. Just had to tell myself, "what else can you do?"

Went ahead and wired the money, then played the waiting game for a couple days until the tour operator informed me that he got it. He also sent me via email an invoice on letterhead. I felt much better about that than just a "yes, we got it" email.

Like kenyatraveler said, also, your trip insurance should cover a loss if purchased "in time"

dssxxxx May 25th, 2007 04:46 AM

Paying Susan in the US with a personal check is far better/easier than wire transfer.

Good luck with Roys.


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