Other options in response to B&B request for deposit by "bank transfer"?
Mar 18th, 2012, 08:37 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Other options in response to B&B request for deposit by "bank transfer"?
A B&B I'm trying to make a reservation at doesn't take credit cards and has asked for a deposit by bank transfer (wire transfer). My bank charges for the transfer - basically half of the amount I have to deposti!
Other than an international bank draft (which will take a while to get to the B&B), are there other options I could offer to the B&B owner?
Thanks!
Other than an international bank draft (which will take a while to get to the B&B), are there other options I could offer to the B&B owner?
Thanks!
Mar 18th, 2012, 08:42 AM
#2
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 22,994
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Look into http://www.xe.com/fx/ which does require setting up an account with all the security and personal information of a bank account (somewhat unnerving), but I think that you will find the rates more reasonable.
Mar 18th, 2012, 09:01 AM
#3
Last time this happened to me I wrote to the B&B and explained that I lived in a country with an underdeveloped international banking system and so this idea, while sensible, would cost me 50% of their fees and could I pay them cash on the day.
They came back very positive and I paid cash on the day.
By the way this is not a slur on your country's banking system it just makes the B&B people feel sorry for you.
They came back very positive and I paid cash on the day.
By the way this is not a slur on your country's banking system it just makes the B&B people feel sorry for you.
Mar 18th, 2012, 09:22 AM
#4
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 74,699
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi DR,
Good idea from BB.
You could also ask if they will take a check for whatever the amount of the deposit plus about 10% for the cost of cashing the check written in your home currency.
You will then get local currency when you arrive and pay them in cash.
Enjoy your visit.
Good idea from BB.
You could also ask if they will take a check for whatever the amount of the deposit plus about 10% for the cost of cashing the check written in your home currency.
You will then get local currency when you arrive and pay them in cash.
Enjoy your visit.
Mar 18th, 2012, 10:04 AM
#5
A bank transfer is no big deal in Europe, but can be a big deal in the States. So I agree w/ bilboburgler. Explain the problem to the owner and they will usually let you slide. I often suggest sending a US$ check they can hold until I arrive and then pay in cash. Sometimes they go for it, but usually they say "Oh that's OK, I didn't realize you are from the States. Just pay me when you get here."
Mar 18th, 2012, 10:45 AM
#8
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 23,424
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Western Union may be a lot cheaper, and there are locations even the tiniest Italian towns.
I was asked to do the same for a booking last fall. In the end, I did not have to send anything, because when I explained the costs of making the transfer to the owner of the agriturismo, she held the rooms without a deposit.
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...o-question.cfm
I was asked to do the same for a booking last fall. In the end, I did not have to send anything, because when I explained the costs of making the transfer to the owner of the agriturismo, she held the rooms without a deposit.
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...o-question.cfm
Mar 18th, 2012, 10:57 AM
#9
I've found, as BB says above, that if you plead residence in a far away place they, as one said to me recently, realize the plans are firm and may take pity and let you pay on the day.
Also, I book as often as is practical through AirBnB http://www.airbnb.com/ and pay with my credit card through the website. Very convenient with plenty of built-in safeguards.
I've also sent cash by certified mail when the amount wasn't large and I felt comfortable with the owner. I'm not recommending the practice routinely but did it once successfully.
Also, I book as often as is practical through AirBnB http://www.airbnb.com/ and pay with my credit card through the website. Very convenient with plenty of built-in safeguards.
I've also sent cash by certified mail when the amount wasn't large and I felt comfortable with the owner. I'm not recommending the practice routinely but did it once successfully.
Mar 18th, 2012, 12:08 PM
#10
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 752
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I prefer to send a check that is held until arrival. Then we pay cash. However, if that is not acceptable, you might ask about Paypal. I sent two deposits for fall through Paypal, and the cost was a few cents. Certainly a whole lot cheaper than a bank transfer.
Mar 18th, 2012, 12:44 PM
#11
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,707
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well, one of the reasons I used to deal with PayPal for rentals was that I wouldn't have accepted any of the options people are suggesting.
French people, for instance, dont realise that you can cancel a cheque easily in North America, which isn't done here.So they may be more inclined to accept a cheque. We knew it could easily be cancelled - and was not easily accepted by our bank either.
I figured if I was holding the house for you, I needed more assurance than a promise that someone would come with cash.
But after seeing the difficulties that people (mostly Americans) had with what should have been easy international transactions, I gave in and took PayPal, which involves a 4% charge.
It was worth it for us, and virtually all our renters were from other countries. But people who deal mainly with Europeans either don't trust, or won't pay the extra for PayPal.
French people, for instance, dont realise that you can cancel a cheque easily in North America, which isn't done here.So they may be more inclined to accept a cheque. We knew it could easily be cancelled - and was not easily accepted by our bank either.
I figured if I was holding the house for you, I needed more assurance than a promise that someone would come with cash.
But after seeing the difficulties that people (mostly Americans) had with what should have been easy international transactions, I gave in and took PayPal, which involves a 4% charge.
It was worth it for us, and virtually all our renters were from other countries. But people who deal mainly with Europeans either don't trust, or won't pay the extra for PayPal.
Mar 18th, 2012, 02:20 PM
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thank you everyone. Before I had a chance to take your suggestion to offer to pay in cash when I arrive, the B&B came back saying to send the deposit in cash (Euros) by registered mail. I would feel more comfortable sending a check, but it is starting to feel awkward sending so many emails. So I guess I'll chance sending cash.
Since neither of us speaks the other's language, and I am only on my 3rd italian language class , I can only hope that Google Translator is doing it's job. Maybe I'll take the emails in to my class on Tuesday!
Since neither of us speaks the other's language, and I am only on my 3rd italian language class , I can only hope that Google Translator is doing it's job. Maybe I'll take the emails in to my class on Tuesday!
Mar 18th, 2012, 02:30 PM
#13
I know that this is no help for the OP, but for those in europe but outside the eurozone, the SEPA system of interbank transfers seems to work well. the fees are very low, though the exchange rate needs watching.
good luck dacon, with the holiday and with the italian classes.
good luck dacon, with the holiday and with the italian classes.
Mar 18th, 2012, 02:33 PM
#14
Rather than change money to send, ask if you can send your own currency and swap it for euros when you arrive. I can't imagine them saying no to cash of any currency.
I have an apartment reserved in June through AirBnB and the owner has requested, in addition to the prepaid rent, a security deposit of the equivalent of a couple of hundred dollars. He is perfectly happy to have it in $'s or £'s rather than euros, money is money.
I have an apartment reserved in June through AirBnB and the owner has requested, in addition to the prepaid rent, a security deposit of the equivalent of a couple of hundred dollars. He is perfectly happy to have it in $'s or £'s rather than euros, money is money.
Mar 18th, 2012, 03:45 PM
#15
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 22,994
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
<i>I wouldn't have accepted any of the options people are suggesting. </i>
The option I suggest is the one I used to pay for house repairs, partly through a direct transfer and partly through a transfer to my own account and then paying with a check.
The option I suggest is the one I used to pay for house repairs, partly through a direct transfer and partly through a transfer to my own account and then paying with a check.
Mar 18th, 2012, 03:45 PM
#16
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,065
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
IF YOU ARE SENDING CASH
several sites menton that you MUST insure the registered mail itself AND find out from your local post office what THEY consider proof that you are sending cash in case you have to file a claim.
Personally I can't imagine any place that I'd want to stay at so much that I'd risk sending cash in the mail
several sites menton that you MUST insure the registered mail itself AND find out from your local post office what THEY consider proof that you are sending cash in case you have to file a claim.
Personally I can't imagine any place that I'd want to stay at so much that I'd risk sending cash in the mail
Mar 18th, 2012, 03:55 PM
#17
"Personally I can't imagine any place that I'd want to stay at so much that I'd risk sending cash in the mail" mztery
In general I agree. I've only done it once myself, the amount was not large and I wouldn't do it for any amount larger than 1 night's lodging.
Regarding the post office, I suspect if you discuss the matter with them they'll tell you not to do it. If you decided to go ahead, as I did, I recommend you keep the information to yourself, treat it like any letter for which you want proof of delivery and leave it at that. It's my understanding that you cannot insure cash.
In general I agree. I've only done it once myself, the amount was not large and I wouldn't do it for any amount larger than 1 night's lodging.
Regarding the post office, I suspect if you discuss the matter with them they'll tell you not to do it. If you decided to go ahead, as I did, I recommend you keep the information to yourself, treat it like any letter for which you want proof of delivery and leave it at that. It's my understanding that you cannot insure cash.
Mar 18th, 2012, 04:24 PM
#19
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 22,994
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
This is what I used: http://www.xe.com/fx/
Mar 18th, 2012, 04:27 PM
#20
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,311
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I explained how expensive it was for me to send a deposit from the States and told the owner to consider seting up an account w/Paypal.This has happened twice and the owners were very appreciative!
