rs899

annhig-

No what I think the OP did was enter the autoeurope.com site and indicate initially that she was a UK resident. She then got a rate (in UK pounds)that was more attractive that a rate that she would have gotten if she indicated that she was a US resident. She completed the booking information , giving credit card information that showed a US (not UK) address. Autoeurope accepted the transaction by returning a voucher (showing a transaction in UK pounds) which she will present to the desk at Avis or whomever.

She is concerned that AE has told all its thousands of booking agents to be on the lookout for devious Americans (and Canadians like Sue xx yy)and that there is a bounty on her head. Somehow, I just can't see with all the other things a desk agent has to worry about that they are going to be concerned with whether the currency transacted on the prepaid voucher matches your passport. I was all set to do this next week in France, but CDW insurance concerns made me reconsider.

Rick

Rick

annhig

Hi, Rick,

I had a go at both ways of booking through the autoeurope web-site, as a UK then a US resident. the only difference, given an exchange rate of roughly U$2 to £1, was that the rate was quoted in U$. there certainly wasn't the difference KB found with his US agent, which was almost 100%.

but I agree with you, i'd be very surprised if AVIS were the least bit bothered, however he's booked.

regards, ann

ira

>the andys of this world are just preying on the fears of travellers - and it obviously works, to judge by the angst he's caused you.<

I have dealt with Gemut more than several times.

They are quite honest and truly helpful.

If Andy reported that "I spoke w/ AE USA's manager and he says the UK reseravtions are for UK citizens only.." that is what they told him.

It might not, and probably is not, true; but that's not Andy's fault.

Sue_xx_yy

To add to ira's post, I'd like to add that in my view there is nothing dishonest about a seller's offering an opinion. If he (she) says that he believes that this or that product is the 'correct' one for the buyer to buy, that in and of itself does not mean that he is trying to mislead the buyer.

However, it could reflect the reality that the interests and opinions of buyer and seller are not always perfectly congruent, or in other words, what is the 'correct' thing for a buyer to buy or do (or pay!) from the <i> seller's </i> point of view, and what is the 'correct' thing to buy or do or pay from the <i> buyer's </i> point of view, aren't always the same thing. &quot;This is the correct, i.e. the best value of car for you to buy&quot; says the salesman. Well, maybe, maybe not. But if the latter, it doesn't mean that the salesman was lying, it means you the buyer don't share his opinion. That said, that the salesman might maintain that this or that is &quot;company policy&quot; does not make the relevant matter any less a matter of opinion, any less provisional, and certainly not at the shopping stage.

kelliebellie

Both times I booked I entered the fact that I was a US citizen. I agree with Ann. I used their system and told them who I was, so I'm going with it.

And I'm a she.

annhig

hi, kb,

glad you've settled the demons.

please file a trip report to let us know how you get on [and Andy's comments when you tell him too!]

good luck!

regards, ann

kelliebellie

Oh, you are right. I will definitly e-mail Andy and let him know how it went!

I will absolutely report on how it goes. I'm back to feeling fine about this. If it doesn't work, they are going to have one crazy, grumpy, smelly, jet lagged tourist on their hands!