Booking firm wants deposit wire transferred...
 

I asked the other day if anyone has ever used Best of Perigord/Dordogne to book a gite. I didn't get a response, so I guess no one has used them. I went to book with them today for a gite that they represent, and they want a third of the total as a deposit, which is understandable. But, they want me to do a bank transfer right into the owners account. I called my bank and they have a $50 fee to do an international bank transfer. My deposit comes out to only 65 euro.

Has anyone ever encountered this? Is there another way to get them their money if they don't accept credit cards? Do I just bite the bullet and pay $50 for a 65 euro deposit?

Can't speak to this specific company (have you checked slowtrav.com?) But instead of a wire transfer, would they accept a cashier's check?

In their defense, who knows how many dozens of dollars it might cost them to cash a cashier's check into their currency?

Maybe a traveler's check IN euros. They ought to be able to deposit THAT directly like any other check into any bank account at no cost to them, you would think.

Whatever your costs or inconvenience, ultimately boils down to how much you think that the property they have to offer you is a unique opportunity. Or are there other fish in the sea? I have certainly been able to edal with other self-catering accommodations with an ordinary credit card - - though I have been asked to pay the balance in (local currency) cash once I was there.

Best wishes,

Rex

Ask your bank how much they would charge for an international draft - should be about $5.00. If they can do that, mail the draft to the owners instead of sending a wire transfer.

When I was asked to send a deposit via a bank transfer, I emailed to ask if they would accept a credit card number instead. The hotel replied that they would be willing to do this. It may not hurt to try in your case. Some hotels and B&Bs also will accept a personal check (in USD, of course) which they hold until your arrival. Then they will either return the check to you or deduct the amount from the final charge.

If I were you I would send them a traveler's check for 100 euro. I would be willing to bet they will accept it as they can deposit it the same as cash in their bank. It just means that you'll have made a little more of the deposit than needed and that much less to pay when you get there.

Thank you everyone for your thoughtful replies. I contacted my bank and asked them if they could issue an international draft and they looked at me like I had two heads! I must admit that I bank with the local bank of a suburban town and they didn't know how to respond. I called Western Union and they have a $12.95 fee for wiring money under $5,000 internationally. So, this is the option I am going to use tomorrow. I just wanted to thank everyone for replying to my inquiry.

Glad you found a reasonable solution! Thanks for letting us (and others) know what it turned out to be.