I have contacted several tour companies regarding a tour from Rio to Iguazu Falls and return. After finally deciding on one company, I was informed that I needed to either fax or E-mail a copy of the front and back side of my credit card and also a copy of my passport. I have traveled all over the world and used the Internet for airfares and hotels without any hesitation, but quite frankly I was very surprised at this request.Are any of you familiar with this request? Should I just wait until I get to Rio to book this trip?

Yes wait. I would think this would put you in huge danger of fradulent charges anywhere in the world. I'm sure they will still want to take you on the tour when you get there.

I agree with D.<BR>Do not give anyone your passport's copy Credit card is all you need and nobody should ask you to send them a copy of it. You send a credit card information to legitimate businesses like when you want to reserve a room. Wait until you get there, Margaret

Last year I had the same request for a Buzios trip, they just wanted the credit card not the passport. I faxed it to them so that the room was secure for me when I got there, there was no problem. If you do decide to do it then fax the info don't email it, faxing is a more secure method.

Don,<BR>It was blameitonrio4travel.com that asked me for a copy of the front and back of my credit card and also a copy of my passport to book this trip. I wrote Bobby and asked about this practice, but never heard a reply from him. I would like to book soon since we are to be in Rio Nov30-Dec6th. Why would they need this info?

I would imagine that the front and back of the credit card is needed because they want to see the signature and make sure it is a valid credit card. The passport is also just extra verification that you are ligit. Obviously by securing your trip they plan on charging you something if you back out at the last minute. Send him another email, I didn't get a reply once too and then I sent another and I guess whoever is reading emails didn't pass your info on to somone who can answer you. Since that time of year is not the highest season you probably can wait and book when you get there if you do not feel secure sending the info. Just go to Bobby's office. That's a good week for Rio I will be there too. Also I bet if you just send the credit card info without the passport info then that should be enough, I bet they will book your tour and not give you a problem. They are just being extra cautious.

I was asked for a photocopy of the front and back of my credit card when i was booking my hotel for carnival this year. I was not happy about it, so phoned the Brazilian embassy in London to ask if i should or shouldn't. They told me that it was standard practice.<BR><BR>I sent them the copies, but closed the card down after they had taken payment just in case.